One of the most difficult strokes in tennis to master is the two-handed (or double-handed) backhand. Fortunately, you can quickly improve your accuracy and power when you take the time to improve your technique. Learn the fundamentals and a few handy tips and tricks below.
The majority of elite tennis players choose to employ a two-handed backhand because it gives you more force and makes it more difficult for your opponent to return the shot.
The two-handed backhand has been around for a long time, and while the one-handed backhand has grown in popularity, the two-handed backhand remains highly appealing!
Backhands are less common on the court than forehands. The truth is that one must hit a backhand at some point, preferably sooner rather than later. Players often practise their forehand more than their backhand, to the point that they may even prefer to play an inside-out forehand.
As always, react quickly to the coming ball and start shifting into the best possible position.
Let’s have a look at the tips to master your two-handed backhand
Choosing Between Two-Handed and One-Handed Backhand
When starting, most players find the two-handed backhand easier to learn compared to the one-handed version. Advanced players often use the two-handed backhand as a powerful tool, while the one-handed slice backhand provides balanced control for shots that the two-handed grip doesn’t cover.
The Grip
Use a Continental grip (as discussed in my post about the Toss). Alternatively, a Double Eastern grip works too. Ensure your hands are close together, functioning as a unit. Avoid placing one hand at the bottom and the other at the throat of the racquet, which is a common mistake I see at our tennis camps.
Positioning
As the ball approaches, prepare by turning your shoulders and hips to the side. This positioning helps generate an explosive release. Remember, the two-handed backhand makes it easier to produce power, which is something many players desire.
Open Stance vs. Closed Stance
In a Closed Stance (image on the right), you rotate your hips and shoulders to face the ball. In an Open Stance, only the shoulders rotate while the hips stay facing the ball’s direction. This partial rotation can be awkward for many players.
The downside of the Open Stance is that players often lose control and balance. Professional players might use it, but it’s not ideal for balance and directing the ball. For recreational players, I recommend the Closed Stance for better results.
Racquet Preparation
Position the racquet head low with a slight loop (not as pronounced as a forehand loop). This helps get the racquet head below the ball before contact, facilitating more topspin. The loop or inverted C shape allows the wrist to come over the ball, maintaining sharp topspin.
A common issue is players thinking their racquet is fully back when it’s only halfway, resulting in a partial swing.
Contact
Aim to make contact at waist height and a comfortable distance from your body, depending on your grip. The contact point for a backhand is closer to the ball compared to a forehand, especially for those using extreme forehand grips.
Follow Through and Extension
Follow-through should be in front of your front foot (in a Closed Stance). If your elbows are too close to your body at contact, adjust by positioning the contact point further out in front.
Extending away from your body drives the ball deep into your opponent’s court. Depth, placement, and height over the net are crucial as you progress from intermediate to advanced levels. These skills develop gradually but are essential for improvement.
Finish
A common mistake is not having the butt of the racquet face your opponent at the end of the follow-through. This indicates incorrect wrist motion. Your coach should be able to spot this issue.
At the end of the stroke, you should almost be able to kiss your bicep. Your back leg may come through as a ‘recovery step’ for more power and balance. When finished, you should be squarely facing your opponent, confident that you’ve hit a solid shot.
If you want to practice this during your holiday, we welcome you to Spain and Portugal in 2023. Meanwhile, keep up the hard work and be patient with your development.
Also Read: Carlos Alcaraz and Maria Gonzalez Gimenez: A Tennis Power Couple
