If you are someone who loves tennis, you probably love the backhand. Whether you play the game professionally or just love the game – you know the significance of this kind of stroke in the game. I have been trying to learn a two-handed backhand myself as well recently.
In my experience, a two-handed backhand is fairly simple to pull off. I will provide you with all the details you need to know to get it down into your arsenal for tennis. So let us start. Today I will be sharing my experience on how to hit a two-handed backhand.
Two-Handed Backhand
Let’s try to understand what exactly a two-handed backhand is. Although I had initially thought it was a simple thing to grasp, it was not the case. A backhand is a very commonly used technique primarily used in tennis, but other games too nowadays.
While performing this, you will be swinging the racquet around your body and hitting the ball. The back of your hand at this point also has to precede the palm at this time which is something I did not quite grasp at first. But we all have to start somewhere, right?
A two-handed backhand is a technique in which I had to do the same, but with both my hands. This required some extra control, balance, and precision of my body. I will be explaining today how you can achieve this to perfect your two-handed backhand as well.
The Advantage of Two Handed Backhands
In reality, you will be doing a combination of moves on the court. However, in my experience, a backhand is just as commonly used as a back footforehand. Backhands are necessary as a quick, strong counter move to your opponent. Sometimes, a two-handed backhand can even end the game due to the sheer force put into it.
How to Hit a Two Handed Backhand?
1. Setup
First of all, you will need a setup where you will deliver your two-handed backhand. Among grips, the Continental is what I found the most sensible for my dominant hand. I found the Eastern forehand grip to be the best fit for my non-dominant hand.
When the ball arrives, I had to turn my shoulder and racquet together, almost in sync. The leg on the ball’s side had to step out less as I turn. By doing this, I was able to create some space for the shot.
2. Turn
The amount of shoulder turn I found ideal was just enough to look over my dominant shoulder. When I spotted the incoming ball, I charged myself up to take the shot. I also put most of my weight on my backfoot for maximum force.
The ideal way I found myself doing this, rather naturally, was to take the racquet back above the level of the ball. Then I found myself adjusting my level, ensuring that my knees are slightly bent.
3. Positioning
Now comes the position. Place yourself in a relaxing position, while also maintaining the tension in your legs. I have found that it helped me to bend my knees. Aim the butt of your racquet at the opposition.
This can probably vary from player to player, as it is not something by the books, right? You may find yourself adjusting to more comfort by doing something different than I did. The point is simply to store the tension in your legs. When you spot the ball approaching, move on to the next step.
4. Contact
Alright, we have come to the part you have probably been waiting for. It’s time to let you all know how I have actually hit a two-handed backhand. When the ball approaches, just moments before it crosses you, it’s time to start releasing tension from your legs!
Let your shoulders loosen, and make contact at the front. When I was learning this technique, I noticed something very noteworthy. When the ball was passing by me, I had to make sure that I did not hit the ball too early. Hitting it late might be able to give you some result, but too early is just not an option.
I say this because when you charge up your shot, you want the maximum output. When making contact with the ball, you should be able to put all your force into the racquet. Or else, most of the force you have charged up will go to waste, and you will barely be able to get anything done.
I say these from personal experience. Being able to time the shot right is extremely difficult at first. But once you get the hang of it, there is not much thought you have to put in. Most of the work is muscle memory, anyway.
Tips For Better Two-Handed Backhands
The most obvious tip for this technique is to practice. I understood that having firm legs also help to keep balance. I should note that my personal experience may vary from yours.
However, these are the things I felt most concerned with when learning the two-handed backhands:
- Timing is everything, regardless of how good your setup is for the shot.
- Your racquet should be in good condition as worn-out ones may not yield the best results.
- Leg strength is important, and so is to keep them in balance.
- Aiming with the back end of the arm is weird and uneasy; requires some time to get used to it.
Conclusion
This was just my brief take on how you can hit a two-handed backhand with ease. While it may be difficult to get used to, getting it under your belt only requires practice. Keep at it, even if you feel like you cannot.
It usually takes about two to three weeks of regular practice to master the art of the two-handed backhand. Now go! Practice! Hope this article was able to guide you in the right direction!
Read More: How to Hit a One Handed Backhand: Important Tips to Know
My name is Reagen and I started AllTennisGear (earlier AllTennisShoes) as a way to share my humble experience and help new Tennis players. Thank you for spending a few minutes of your day here and know that your feedback is always welcome.