In the 1960s, virtually everyone, from pros to weekend warriors used one-handers. As a result of radical racquet technological developments, the defining features of the modern tennis game have become power and spin. To help manage the pace and rotation of incoming balls, many players, particularly youth, have been encouraged to add the support of their second hand on the racquet, as the two-handed backhand is simpler to learn, provides better stability and allows for quicker progress.
Today, you will find a mix of one- and two-handers playing on the ATP Tour or at your local tennis club; however, the majority of players now utilize a two-handed backhand. Many of the best players in the world, including Nadal, Djokovich, Kyrgios, Medvedev utilize a two-handed backhand.
Whatever your desire for learning a two-handed backhand, this article will help you better understand the steps and dynamics for you to take your backhand shot to the next level.
The Grip
Utilize the Continental Grip by placing your forefinger base knuckle and heel pad on the bevel #2 and top bevel (#1) of the racquet, respectively, shown in the image below. Place your top hand on bevel #3 and #4, respectively. (This image is numbered in the clockwise direction for Right Handed players starting at the top bevel. For Left Handed Players, number the bevels in the counter-clockwise direction, again starting at the top bevel).
Note: this guide is predicated on holding your racquet with a Continental Grip. If you would like to use a different grip, then the overall motions will generally be the same, but specifics regarding racquet directions will not apply.
The Swing
There are 6 checkpoints in the two-handed backhand.
1. Ready Position
· Hold your racquet vertically in front of you
· Support the throat of the racquet with the other hand
· Keep your elbows up and out in front. You should be able to smell your armpits!
· Split step as your opponent contacts the ball
2. The Unit Turn
· As you see the opponent hit the ball to your backhand, turn the body and racquet together while you switch to the Continental Grip (as described above). Don’t wait for the ball to bounce.
· Bring your racquet back 180 degrees while turning your body turns 90 degrees to the side
· Extend your arm without locking it and move your shoulder back, pushing the palm holding the racquet towards the fence
· Racquet should be pointing upwards and positioned slightly above or at head level
· Keep your back elbow level with your hand while the upper arm of your racquet hand pushes against your chest
3. The Drop
· Synchronize your body and your racquet as you bend your knees and sink down as if you were about to sit as the ball bounces in front of you
· Tilt the racquet face about 30- 45 degrees down to the ground (closed face) keeping both hands on the racquet
· As you drop the body and racquet together, step forward toward the ball, pressing up with your back leg, and swing up and out lifting your body and the racquet
4. Contact with the Ball
· Swing inside out – away from your body, not across – while brushing the ball from low to high
5. The Extension
· Keep the body facing to the side while extending both arms up
· For a right hander the tip of the racquet should be pointing left
6. The Finish
· Let the hands relax and bend the elbows allowing the racquet to go behind your head.
· For a right hander the tip of the racquet should continue to be pointing left at completion – for beginners, do not break the wrists to get added power and spin.
Good luck and have fun!
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A tutorial video on the two-handed backhand technique by 2MinuteTennis.
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