The Pickleball Two-Handed Backhand: A Technique and Strategy Guide

Why Use a Two-Handed Backhand?

If you still aren’t sure about whether to use one hand or two on your backhand, we have an article that will give you some in depth advice: THE BACKHAND: ONE VS TWO

The two-handed backhand offers several advantages:

Control: The additional hand provides greater control over the paddle, including more stability at contact, allowing for more precise shots.

Power: Having two hands on the paddle promotes the use of the entire upper body and the larger muscle groups resulting in more power.

Stability: Using two hands reduces the risk of mishits. This can be useful for slightly weaker players or those who struggle with absorbing power from their opponents.

Two-Handed Backhand Grip

Dominant Hand: Use a continental grip or slightly towards eastern, where the base knuckle of your index finger is on the second/third bevel of the paddle. Ideally your hand should be right at the bottom of the grip to leave room for your non-dominant hand above.

Non-Dominant Hand: Position your non-dominant hand above your dominant hand with the index finger placed up the paddle. You can then wrap around the grip or leave up the back. 

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Two-Handed Backhand Technique

Preparation

Ready Position: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and weight balanced on the balls of your feet. You should feel athletic and ready to change position quickly when reacting.

Early Preparation: Begin your preparation as soon as you anticipate a backhand shot. Start turning your shoulders and hips as a unit as you bring the paddle back. Using a loop backswing can help generate speed and extra topspin.

Footwork: Move your feet quickly to get into the correct position. A strong backhand starts with good footwork.

Stance and Positioning

Stance: Use your dominant leg as often as possible to step in as you strike the ball. This will help with power by transferring your body weight through the shot. Your stance will change slightly depending on your court positioning so sometimes you may not be able to step into the ball.

Swing Path

Backswing: Turn your shoulders and hips as a unit as you bring the paddle back. Take the paddle back high to begin with and then relax your arms as you drop it down low and ready to accelerate forward.

Forward Swing: Initiate the forward swing by rotating your hips and shoulders towards the ball. Relax your arms to enable a faster paddle speed.

Contact Point: Aim to strike the ball slightly in front of your body. This allows you to generate both power and control. The earlier you take the ball towards the top of the bounce, the more power your will be able to generate by hitting it at a flatter trajectory.

Follow-Through: After contact, follow through with your swing, extending your arms and finishing with the paddle high, ideally over your opposite shoulder. Relax at the end of the swing to assist with power and topspin through the entire swing path.

Below is a video showing you the best way to learn the backhand progressions on the TopspinPro 

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Using The Two-Hander In a Game

The two-hander can be used in a variety of situations but the two most common would be a drive in a doubles game or a standard baseline backhand in singles. Below are some tips on hitting these shots effectively:

The Pickleball Drive

A drive is a powerful, low shot aimed to stay just above the net and either land deep in the opponent’s court or take time away from your opponent’s who are at the net. It’s an aggressive shot that can put your opponents quickly on the defensive.

Tips for an Effective Drive

Target: Have a target to aim for. Aim at the returner moving forward, straight down the middle or at the player who can’t handle pace as well.

Low Trajectory: Most often aim to keep the ball low over the net to make it harder for your opponents to return. This can cause them to pop the ball up.

Use the Middle: Use the middle to drive the ball between the two players especially in rec play when people aren’t used to playing together. This can cause confusion between the players as to who should take the shot.

Spin: Utilize topspin to keep the ball down and prevent it from sailing long.

The Singles Backhand

In singles play, the two-handed backhand is a critical part of the game. With more court to cover and fewer chances for net play, a strong backhand can help you stay competitive and control rallies.

Strategy

Cross-Court Shots: Use the two-handed backhand to hit deep cross-court shots. This helps move your opponent and create spaces. Cross court is also the safest direction to hit.

Return of Serve: Utilize the two-handed backhand to return serves with power and accuracy putting your opponent under pressure. Aim deep and to the sides to put your opponent on the defensive.

Passing Shots: When your opponent approaches the net, use your two-handed backhand to attack with a passing shot. The control and power from both hands make it easier to slot into the open space.

Master Technique With The SpinPro

If you want to add more spin to your game or master certain techniques try the SpinPro. It’s a simple and effective way to learn the correct biomechanics without the pressure of an incoming ball!

Conclusion

Mastering the two-handed backhand in pickleball requires dedication and practice, but the rewards are well worth the effort. With the right grip, stance, and swing technique, you can transform this shot into a powerful and reliable weapon. Whether you’re executing a drive or playing strategically in singles, the two-handed backhand can enhance your game, giving you the edge to outplay your opponents. Practice these techniques regularly, focus on consistency, and soon you’ll be hitting great two-handed backhands with confidence and precision.