Two-Handed Forehand
Also known as: two-handed forehand, two handed forehand, double-handed forehand, two hands on forehand, forehand with two hands
Yes, a two-handed forehand is legal and can work well. It gives stability and power to players who lack strength in one arm. The trade-off is reach: you have to run further for wide balls. Most players use one hand, but a good two-handed forehand is not a flaw.
A two-handed forehand puts both hands on the grip on the forehand side. The dominant hand sits at the bottom of the handle. The other hand sits above it. It works like a mirror of the two-handed backhand.
The main plus is stability. Two hands steady the racquet against a heavy ball. It can help young children who cannot yet control a full-size racquet with one hand. It also suits players with weaker wrists. Disguise can be good, because both wings look alike.
The main cost is reach. On wide or very low balls, you have to get closer than a one-handed player. Footwork must be sharp. Many players who use two hands still let go with one hand on a stretch. If the stroke is reliable and pain-free, there is no reason to change it.
Tips by skill level
If you use two hands, take extra small steps to the ball. You need to get closer than a one-handed player.
Practise a one-handed release for the widest balls. It extends your reach without changing your main stroke.
Example
A junior hits two-handed on both sides. Her coach keeps the forehand but adds extra footwork drills, so she reaches wide balls in time.
Why it matters
Many players are told to switch to one hand when they do not need to. Knowing the trade-offs helps you keep a stroke that works.
Common mistakes
- Standing too far from the ball, so you have to reach
- Neglecting footwork on wide balls
- Forcing a switch to one hand when the stroke already works
Frequently asked questions
Is a two-handed forehand bad?
No. It is legal and can be stable and powerful. Its weak point is reach on wide balls, so it needs good footwork.
Should my child use two hands on the forehand?
It is common for young children. If the stroke is reliable as they grow, they can keep it. A coach can help decide if a switch is needed.
Related terms
- ForehandThe forehand is a groundstroke hit on the dominant-hand side, swinging across the body. It is a player's most natural and usually most powerful shot.
- Two-Handed BackhandA two-handed backhand places both hands on the grip, with the non-dominant hand providing additional stability, power, and disguise through contact.
- Adjustment StepsAdjustment steps are the small, quick steps you take just before contact to fine-tune your distance from the ball. After the big steps that get you there, shorten your stride and keep your feet moving until the ball is in your strike zone. They fix being too close, too far or late.
- Junior Racquet SizeJunior racquets are shorter than the adult 27 inches, mostly 19 to 26 inches, and height matters more than age. A quick check: with the child's arm hanging, the floor-to-fingertip distance roughly matches the right length. The ITF pairs red balls with racquets up to 23 inches, orange with 23 to 25 inches and green with 25 to 26 inches.
Related guides & benchmarks
Put this into practice
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