Backhand Drive
Also known as: pickleball backhand drive, two-handed backhand drive, one-handed backhand drive, how to hit a backhand in pickleball, backhand third shot drive
A backhand drive is a firm, low groundstroke hit from your non-dominant side, usually from the baseline. Turn your shoulders early, keep the backswing compact, and swing low to high through contact in front of your front hip. Both one-handed and two-handed backhands work.
The backhand drive is mostly used on the return, the third shot and passing shots. Start with a unit turn, the paddle back at about hip height and your front shoulder toward the net. Step toward the ball with your front foot. Keep the backswing shorter than a tennis backhand. The ball comes back quickly, and a long swing makes you late.
A two-handed backhand adds stability and lets the non-dominant arm drive the stroke. Many players find it easier to time, though it costs some reach. A one-handed backhand reaches wider balls and moves easily into backhand volleys and dinks. It needs a firm wrist and good timing. Many coaches let players use both, with two hands at the baseline and one at the net.
Make contact in front of the body with a square or slightly closed face. Brush up the back of the ball for topspin to bring it down. Finish over the opposite shoulder. Aim low over the net, deep or at the feet of a player moving forward. A drive that lands mid-court at waist height is easy to volley. If you are late or off balance, a backhand drop or reset is often the better choice.
Tips by skill level
Have a partner feed easy balls to your backhand. Turn first, then swing short and smooth. Aim just over the net.
Vary pace and height. A dipping topspin drive at the feet sets up your fifth shot. A flatter drive through the middle can win outright.
Example
The return comes deep to his backhand. He turns early, steps in with both hands on the grip and drives low through the middle. The opponents moving up have to volley it from their feet.
Why it matters
A weak backhand is the side opponents target first. A dependable backhand drive gives you a real third-shot option and a way to pass players who rush the net.
Common mistakes
- Taking a long, looping tennis backswing and arriving late
- Making contact beside or behind the body
- Opening the face and lifting the ball into the opponents' volley
- Driving from off balance instead of choosing a drop or reset
Frequently asked questions
How do I hit a backhand drive in pickleball?
Turn your shoulders early, keep the backswing compact and step toward the ball. Swing low to high and make contact in front of your front hip. Aim low over the net, deep or at the feet.
Should I use a one-handed or two-handed backhand in pickleball?
Either works. Two hands give stability and are easier to time for many players. One hand gives more reach and an easier switch to backhand volleys. Some players drive with two hands and volley with one.
Why does my backhand drive go into the net?
Usually the contact is late or the swing has no lift. Turn earlier, make contact in front and swing low to high. The ball should clear the net with some margin.
Related terms
- DriveA drive is a hard, flat or low-trajectory shot hit from mid-court or the baseline. It aims to push opponents back or force a weak return.
- Two-Handed Backhand (Pickleball)A two-handed backhand is a backhand dink or volley hit with both hands on the paddle. It trades some reach for extra stability and paddle-face control.
- Third Shot DriveA third shot drive is a hard, low third shot hit from the baseline instead of a drop. It aims to pressure the returning team into a defensive pop-up.
- Compact BackswingA compact backswing is a short, controlled preparation where the paddle is drawn back only as far as needed — usually to hip level — before the forward swing. This reduces reaction time and improving consistency.
- Contact PointContact point is where the ball meets the paddle, on the face and relative to the body. It is the biggest controllable factor in consistent shots.
- Backhand DinkA backhand dink is a soft, controlled shot hit on your non-dominant side with a compact swing and little or no backswing. It arcs just over the net into the kitchen.
Related guides & benchmarks
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