Double-handed or one-handed backhand? Roger Federer gives advice to kids

His one-handed backhand is one of his trademark shots, but Roger Federer believes kids should be taught how to play the “simpler” double-handed backhand first.
Most players on the ATP Tour have a double-handed backhand with Federer along with the likes of Stan Wawrinka, Dominic Thiem and Stefanos Tsitsipas a rare breed as they use the one-handed backhand.
Asked which backhand children should learn first, the 20-time Grand Slam winner replied: “Double-handed backhand. It’s easier. It’s that simple. If they want to change later on, I will teach them that one. But I can’t teach them a double-hander as I can’t hit that one.”
He added on ATPWorldTour.com: “Like with everything in life, you also have your own character. Some people decide to change it at eighth, some at 14, some later, because they find it a good challenge.
“For now, that’s what it is. Who cares anyway if they hit a double-hander or not? It shouldn’t be in the press.”
More from Tennis365:
Latest
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon day four: Iga Swiatek and Rafael Nadal battle on
Katie Boulter, Heather Watson and Liam Broady won on Thursday to keep the British flag flying.
-
Wimbledon
Alex De Minaur joins girlfriend Katie Boulter in Wimbledon third round
The 20-year-old won the first set on Court One but fell to a 5-7 7-6 (0) 6-2 6-3 defeat.
-
Wimbledon
Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon: ‘Every day is a challenge’
Rafael Nadal is prepared to grind his way into the second week at SW19.
-
News
Iga Swiatek made to sweat to progress at Wimbledon and extend streak
Karolina Pliskova was the big seed to exit the women’s draw on Thursday while Kirsten Flipkens bowed out.
-
Wimbledon
Nick Kyrgios has the belief he can win Wimbledon
Nick Kyrgios believes in himself even if nobody else does.
-
Wimbledon
Exclusive – John Lloyd on the key reason for the stunning form of Katie Boulter and British players at Wimbledon
The stunning success of British players at Wimbledon contunued as Katie Boulter, Heather Watson and Liam Broady all won.
-
Wimbledon
Heather Watson ‘pretty relaxed’ as she looks to break new ground at Wimbledon
This is Heather Watson’s fourth time in the Wimbledon third round.
-
Wimbledon
Liam Broady hails ‘amazing feeling’ after beating Diego Schwartzman for biggest win of his career
The British No 5 lost 11 games in a row but fought back to down the 12th seed.
-
Wimbledon
Kyle Edmund set to end 18-month injury nightmare with Wimbledon mixed doubles appearance
The former world No 14 will play mixed doubles in SW19.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon Centre Court delight for Katie Boulter and home crowd as she upsets Karolina Pliskova
Katie Boulter reached the third round of Wimbledon for the first time in her career.