Beginner's Guide to Hitting a Two-handed Backhand in Pickleball
As a former (one-hander) racquetball player, I never considered putting two hands on my pickleball paddle. After interviewing and reviewing the number of professionals on the Pickleball Fire podcast who use the two-handed backhand, I reconsidered my position. While most players who use a two-handed backhand come from a tennis background, I realized the technique could help my game.
Should Pickleball Beginners Learn Two-Handed Backhands?
While choosing what and when to learn aspects of the pickleball game is a personal preference, the more shots a player has in their arsenal, the better. It’s easier to learn new skills, including a one and two-handed pickleball backhand, from the get-go when bad habits haven’t been ingrained.
Former tennis players just learning to play pickleball tend to have an easier time learning the two-handed backhand because it is a shot that is often used in tennis. If you haven’t played tennis or have a racquetball background - it may take a little extra practice to get the technique committed to muscle memory, but anyone can learn it.
Pros and Cons of Using a Two-handed Backhand Shot
All players don’t use two-handed backhands. Even amongst pros like Ben Johns, two-handed backhands are only used a fraction of the time compared with one-handed backhands.
What does this say about the use of two-handed backhands? Well - there are pros and cons to using them, so it’s important to be strategic when employing them on the pickleball court.
Advantages of Two-Handed Backhands
Additional stability to return hard hits from opponents
Extra power allows deeper and faster hits, regardless of the pace of the ball
Disadvantages of Two-Handed Backhands
Limits overall reach because your shoulders are pinned closer together
May telegraph shots, if two-handed backhands are only used for backhand drives and aren’t used for two-handed backhand dinks
Player hitting a two-handed backhand
Pro Pickleball Tips for Beginners Learning Two-Handed Backhands
It’s important for beginners learning the two-handed backhand to use it the majority of the time. To make the most of your training, utilize the following pro pickleball tips to perform the two-handed backhand correctly.
Get a Grip
Start with your preferred pickleball grip, usually an eastern or continental grip.
Your non-paddle hand should be placed on top of the paddle grip of your paddle hand.
The palm of the non-paddle hand will be behind the handle when you hit the ball.
Use the index finger of your non-paddle hand on the paddle face on the back of the paddle to help control your backhand shots.
Fancy Footwork
Your footwork is always important, especially so for a two-handed backhand.
Use your feet to turn sideways, but use an open stance.
Do not step across your body as you move your feet into position.
Body Orientation
It’s important to find your balance and orient the trunk of your body correctly to make a clean shot.
Transfer the majority of your weight to your non-dominant leg (opposite side of your body from your dominant hand.)
Rotate your body and arms toward the non-paddle side of your body in preparation to take the shot and engage your core.
Pickleball Paddle Position
Your pickleball paddle position is important for your two-handed backhand.
As you rotate your body to take the shot, ensure move the paddle back.
When stepping forward to strike the pickleball, drop the paddle head
Once you drop the paddle head, speed up your swing to hit the ball, generating a bit of topspin at the same time.
Swing and Follow-through
As you swing, ensure your non-dominant hand does most of the work.
Use your paddle hand to stabilize the paddle.
The force behind the shot comes from the non-dominant hand. For example, right-handed players will use their left hand primarily, while the opposite is true for left-handed players.
Follow-through the swing completely.
How to Utilize the Two-Handed Backhand
Professional pickleball player Anna Leigh Waters is no stranger to the two-handed backhand. In this full video from the APP, she explains how to perform a two-handed topspin dink backhand that will put your opponents away.
Final Thoughts
What I found most challenging about the two-handed backhand is remembering to use it. The more often you practice the shot, the more natural it will feel. Try the two-hander with your current paddle and if the handle isn’t long enough to support the shot, try purchasing a a paddle with a longer handle.
Have you tried a two-handed backhand recently and have any additional tips? Share your experience in the comments below!
