No more one-handed backhands? :(
TLDRThe video script discusses the decline of the one-handed backhand in tennis, suggesting it's becoming less common due to modern game dynamics. The speaker analyzed top 150 players and noted fewer than 10 use the one-handed backhand on the men's side, with even fewer on the women's side. They highlighted players like Shapovalov and Tiafoe who still use it effectively but struggle with high balls. The script also touches on the aesthetic appeal of the one-handed backhand and its efficiency in comparison to the double-handed backhand. The discussion includes the impact of racket choice and playing style on the one-handed backhand's viability, emphasizing the need for diversity in tennis to keep it interesting for fans.
Takeaways
- πΎ The one-handed backhand in tennis is experiencing a decline, with fewer top players using it effectively.
- π In the top 100 male players, there are only around 10 using the one-handed backhand, and even fewer on the women's side.
- π Notable players with one-handed backhands include Shapovalov, Tiafoe, Eubanks, Altma, Lovich, and Evans on the men's side, and Diatchenko and Perry on the women's.
- π High bouncing balls and heavy topspin are challenging for one-handed backhand players to defend against, as seen in matches like Alcaraz vs. Shapovalov.
- π Changes in equipment, such as bigger racket heads and polyester strings, have contributed to the shift away from the one-handed backhand.
- πΆ There is a concern that serious coaches are less likely to teach the one-handed backhand to new players, which could lead to its further decline.
- π¨ The one-handed backhand is considered aesthetically pleasing and elegant, but it may not be as efficient or successful in competitive play.
- π The majority of players now use the two-handed backhand, which offers better stability and control, especially against powerful shots.
- π Players like Ciprian and Dimitrov are still within the top ranks and use the one-handed backhand, suggesting it can still be competitive at the highest level.
- π οΈ Racket choice for one-handed backhand players seems to favor smaller head sizes for better control and feel, although personal preference varies.
- π The speaker advocates for the diversity of playing styles and surfaces in tennis, cautioning against the sport becoming too homogenized.
Q & A
Is the one-handed backhand in tennis experiencing a decline?
-Yes, according to the discussion in the script, the one-handed backhand is indeed experiencing a decline, with fewer top players using it and some suggesting that tennis is struggling due to slower courts and a lack of contrast in playing styles.
How many top 100 men's tennis players use a one-handed backhand according to the script?
-The script mentions that there are fewer than 10 or around 10 one-handed backhand players in the top 100 on the men's side.
What are some of the challenges faced by one-handed backhand players in modern tennis?
-The script points out that one-handed backhand players struggle with high balls and heavy topspin, which is more common in the modern game with faster courts and polyester strings that allow for greater velocity.
What changes did Roger Federer make to his game to better compete against Rafael Nadal's topspin?
-Roger Federer became more aggressive, took the ball earlier, and used a bigger head size racket for better stability, which helped him to manage Nadal's topspin more effectively.
Why do some believe the one-handed backhand is less efficient in today's tennis?
-The script suggests that the one-handed backhand is less efficient due to the modern game's fast pace, powerful rackets, and polyester strings, which make it harder to defend against high, loopy topspin balls.
What is the current trend in tennis coaching regarding the one-handed backhand?
-The script indicates that serious coaches are less likely to teach the one-handed backhand to their students, with the double-handed backhand being the majority choice.
Which players are mentioned in the script as notable one-handed backhand players in the ATP tour?
-The players mentioned are Milos Raonic, Matteo Berrettini, Taylor Fritz, Reilly Opelka, Jannik Sinner, and Daniel Evans.
What are some factors contributing to the decline of the one-handed backhand in women's tennis?
-The script notes that the one-handed backhand was never as popular on the women's side, and the number of players using it has further decreased, with only a few players like Diane Parry mentioned.
How does the script describe the aesthetic appeal of the one-handed backhand compared to the double-handed backhand?
-The script describes the one-handed backhand as a more aesthetically pleasing shot, suggesting that it is often admired for its elegance, even though the double-handed backhand may be more efficient.
What are some of the racket specifications preferred by one-handed backhand players mentioned in the script?
-The script discusses preferences for smaller head sizes like 98 or 95, which are considered easier to swing through compared to a 100 square inch racket, although personal preference and playing style also play a significant role.
What is the script's perspective on the future of tennis in terms of diversity and contrasting styles?
-The script advocates for the importance of diversity and contrasting styles in tennis, expressing concern that a lack of variety could make the sport less interesting for fans and potentially lead to a decline in interest.
Outlines
πΎ The Decline of the One-Handed Backhand in Tennis
The speaker discusses the perceived decline of the one-handed backhand in tennis, sparked by a discussion on Tennis.net. They note that many people agree that tennis is struggling due to slower courts and a lack of variety in play. The speaker then analyzes the top 150 players, finding fewer than 10 men and only about two women using the one-handed backhand. Notable players like Shapovalov, Tiafoe, Eubanks, and Evans are mentioned, along with women's player Diane Parry. The discussion highlights the difficulty of defending against high balls with a one-handed backhand, exemplified by a match between Alcaraz and Shapovalov. The speaker also references the rivalry between Nadal and Federer, where Federer adapted his game to better handle Nadal's topspin. The evolution of tennis equipment and playing style is considered, with the one-handed backhand becoming less common due to modern game dynamics. The speaker expresses a desire for the one-handed backhand to persist, as it adds aesthetic value to the sport.
πΈ Racket and String Choices of One-Handed Backhand Players
This paragraph delves into the equipment preferences of players who utilize the one-handed backhand. It mentions specific racket models like the Blade 98, Pro Stock, and the Pro Staff RF 97, used by players such as Ciprian, Dimitrov, and others. The speaker highlights the flamboyant style of players like MTI and the challenges they face in winning matches. The paragraph also touches on the performance of players like Eubanks, Daniel Evans, and Duan LajoviΔ, and how their choice of racket and string type influences their game, especially on different surfaces like clay. The discussion includes players' rankings, their preferred rackets, and their struggles or successes in the sport. The speaker also contemplates the future of the one-handed backhand and whether it will continue to be taught to new players, given its perceived inefficiency compared to the double-handed backhand.
π The Importance of Tennis Diversity and the Future of the One-Handed Backhand
The final paragraph emphasizes the importance of diversity in tennis, including different playing styles and surfaces. The speaker expresses concern over the homogenization of tennis, where surfaces are becoming more uniform, potentially leading to a less interesting sport for fans. They argue that contrasting styles and surfaces are what make tennis beautiful and engaging. The speaker hopes for the preservation of these elements to maintain interest in the sport. They invite viewers, especially those who play with a one-handed backhand, to share their thoughts on its future and whether it will remain a part of tennis in the coming years. The video concludes with an invitation to visit Tennis.net for more content and a reminder to support the channel through membership or Patreon.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘One-Handed Backhand
π‘Slow Death
π‘Tennis Nerd
π‘Top 150 Players
π‘High Bouncing Balls
π‘Rafa-Roger Rivalry
π‘Polyester Strings
π‘Aesthetic Appeal
π‘Contrasting Styles
π‘Coaching Perspective
π‘Tennis Evolution
Highlights
The one-handed backhand in tennis is experiencing a decline, with fewer top players using it.
In the top 100 male tennis players, there are fewer than 10 using the one-handed backhand.
The one-handed backhand was never as popular on the women's side, with only about two players in the top 150 using it.
Some notable players with one-handed backhands include Shapovalov, Tiafoe, Eubanks, Altma, Lovich, and Evans on the men's side.
On the women's side, Diane Parry is mentioned for her beautiful one-handed backhand.
The one-handed backhand struggles with high balls and heavy topspin, as seen in matches between Alcaraz and Shapovalov.
Roger Federer adapted his one-handed backhand to compete with Nadal's topspin, using a bigger racket head for stability.
Modern tennis with fast pace, polyester strings, and powerful rackets makes the one-handed backhand less common.
There are few coaches teaching the one-handed backhand to new players, favoring the double-handed backhand instead.
The double-handed backhand is seen as more efficient and easier to defend against high balls.
The one-handed backhand is considered aesthetically pleasing but less efficient in competition.
Players like Ciprian Filip, Dimitrov, and MTI use specific rackets like the Blade 98 Pro Stock and Pro Staff RF 97.
Some players like Eubanks and Daniel Evans use rackets that suit their one-handed backhand playing style.
Dusan Lajovic, a Serbian player, demonstrates that a one-handed backhand can work well on clay courts.
There is a debate among coaches about whether to teach junior players the one-handed or double-handed backhand.
The one-handed backhand may become extinct in the future, losing its place in tennis to the double-handed backhand.
Tennis needs diversity in playing styles and surfaces to maintain interest and contrast in the sport.
The transcript calls for discussion on the future of the one-handed backhand and its place in tennis.
Transcripts
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