Two-Handed Backhand
Also known as: two-hander, double-handed backhand
A two-handed backhand places both hands on the grip, with the non-dominant hand providing additional stability, power, and disguise through contact.
The two-handed backhand became the dominant pro style from the 1970s onward because of its structural advantages. The second hand reduces the lever arm and keeps the racquet face more stable at contact. This allows players to handle high-bouncing topspin and hard-hit balls more easily than a one-handed grip. The stance is usually semi-open or square, with a full hip-shoulder coil on the backswing. The swing arc is more compact than a one-handed backhand, and disguise is improved because the wrist stays neutral longer. Common faults include pulling the lead elbow away from the body, failing to load the back leg, and releasing the grip at contact. The two-hander is the first backhand most coaches teach beginners because it is more forgiving of late contact.
The role of the non-dominant arm in the two-handed backhand is often misunderstood. The non-dominant hand should be an active driver of the swing — think of a left-handed forehand layered on top of the right-handed grip for a right-handed player. Players who treat the non-dominant hand as merely a stabilizer produce a significantly weaker shot that breaks down under heavy pace. Training with non-dominant arm-only contact drills is one of the fastest ways to develop proper two-handed mechanics because it forces the correct muscle groups to engage without the dominant arm compensating.
The two-handed backhand loses reach compared to a one-handed variant — when a ball arrives very wide or very low and short. The two-hander may force an awkward reaching contact. Elite two-handers address this by adding a one-handed slice as a complement, using it specifically on those wide, low, or short balls. Having both options gives the player the stability of the two-hander in most situations while retaining the reach advantage of the one-hander when geometry demands it.
Think of the non-dominant arm as the primary driver and the dominant arm as the guide — push through the ball with your left hand (for a right-hander) to build a more stable two-hander.
Drill the backhand with only the non-dominant arm against slow tosses to build the strength and coordination needed to take over when pace arrives.
Example
Novak Djokovic's two-handed backhand is renowned for its accuracy and ability to redirect pace. He can send a 100 mph ball down the line with minimal adjustment.
Why it matters
A two-handed backhand that breaks down under pace usually reveals a unit-turn deficit. Motion Lab estimates your hip and shoulder turn and your contact timing, which shows whether you rotate early enough to meet the ball out front.
How it shows up on video
On video, look for both hands working as a unit through the swing, with the non-dominant arm actively pushing through contact rather than just along for the ride. Common video errors include the non-dominant hand releasing too early, the hips failing to rotate before the upper body, and a short follow-through that stops at the shoulder rather than extending over it.
Common mistakes
- Allowing the non-dominant hand to go passive at contact instead of driving through the ball
- Failing to load the back leg on the backswing, producing a weak arm-only push
- Releasing the grip with the top hand before contact, reducing stability under pace
- Not rotating the hips before the shoulders, causing the whole upper body to swing as one flat unit
In SwingVantage Motion Lab
Motion Lab estimates when your hips turn relative to your shoulders, which can show an arm-dominant two-hander. It does not measure how much each arm contributes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch from a one-handed to a two-handed backhand as an adult?
Yes, many adult players switch successfully. Expect a short adjustment period while the non-dominant arm builds the coordination needed to drive through the ball.
Related terms
- BackhandThe backhand is a groundstroke hit on the non-dominant side of the body, played either with one hand or two, and can be struck flat, with topspin, or as a slice.
- Unit TurnA unit turn is rotating the hips and shoulders together as one unit to prepare for a groundstroke. The arm does not take the racquet back on its own.
- Kinetic ChainThe kinetic chain passes force from the ground up: legs, hips, torso, shoulder, arm, racquet. Each segment speeds up the next, multiplying racquet-head speed.
- Follow-ThroughThe follow-through is the path the racquet takes after contact. A complete finish confirms the swing was not decelerated before the ball was struck.
- Eastern GripThe eastern grip puts the index knuckle on bevel 3, the handle's flat side. It gives a flat or moderate-topspin forehand at a comfortable height.
- Crosscourt ShotA crosscourt shot travels diagonally across the net to the opposite side of the court. It uses the longest available distance and the lowest part of the net.
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