Mastering the two-handed backhand stroke: the guide

The two-handed backhand requires a specific racket grip to maximise power and control. Unlike the forehand, where only one hand holds the racket, here both hands play a complementary role.

• Dominant hand (bottom of the racket): For a right-handed player, the right hand is placed in a continental grip (or hammer grip). This grip allows good flexibility in the wrist and optimal control of the ball’s trajectory.
• Non-dominant hand (top of the racket): The left hand adopts a semi-closed or even closed grip (Eastern or Semi-Western), which favours a more powerful shot and better topspin. The non-dominant hand plays a fundamental role in generating power and stabilising the racket.

Good preparation is essential for a successful two-handed backhand. Even before hitting the ball, it’s crucial to adopt a balanced, dynamic posture.

• Athletic stance: The knees should be slightly bent, the back straight and the eyes focused on the ball. The feet should be shoulder-width apart for stability.
• Shoulder rotation: The two-handed backhand requires a marked rotation of the shoulders. As the ball approaches, rotate your shoulders in preparation for the shot, keeping the racket well back. This will allow you to build up energy in the upper body, which is essential for a powerful shot.

The two-handed backhand relies heavily on effective weight transfer to generate power. This is one of the major differences with the one-handed backhand, where power often comes more from the arm.

• Weight transfer: The weight transfer starts with you leaning on your back leg (left for right-handed players), followed by a gradual shift to your front leg as you hit the ball. This movement helps you generate power while maintaining balance.
• Impulse: By engaging the legs and trunk, you create a kinetic force that transfers directly to the ball. This movement is essential for producing deep, powerful shots while maintaining control.

The two-handed backhand stroke is a fluid movement that requires both control and power. Contact with the ball is generally made in front of the body, with both hands acting in synergy.

• Point of contact: Ideally, the point of contact is at waist height, slightly in front of your body. This gives you good control over the direction and depth of the ball.
• Hand action: The non-dominant hand, as mentioned, is responsible for most of the power. The dominant hand controls the racket and stabilises the movement.
• Follow through: After impact with the ball, let the racket continue its forward motion. The left arm (for right-handed players) often finishes the stroke above the shoulder. Follow through is essential to maintain the fluidity of the movement and avoid forcing the shot.

Even experienced players make technical errors that can compromise the effectiveness of their two-handed backhand. Here are some of the most common mistakes and how to correct them.

• Not turning your shoulders enough: If your shoulders aren’t turned enough before the shot, you risk lacking power and control. Make sure you’re well prepared by turning your upper body.
• Relying solely on the arms: The two-handed backhand should involve the whole body, not just the arms. If you don’t transfer your body weight correctly, your shots will lack depth. Concentrate on transferring the weight from the back leg to the front leg.
• Late strikes: If the point of contact with the ball is too late, your strike will lack precision and power. Work on your timing to hit the ball slightly in front of you, at waist height.