A reliable two-handed backhand starts with a comfortable hand position, not a tight squeeze. For most players, the lower hand sits close to a continental grip while the upper hand uses a forehand-style grip. That setup lets both arms contribute: one guides the racquet and the other helps drive it through the ball.
The exact feel varies from player to player, but a few simple checks can help you find a grip that works. Here’s how to place your hands, adjust for different shots, and choose an overgrip that feels secure without making the handle too bulky.
How to Hold a Two-Handed Backhand
Assuming you are right-handed, place your right hand at the bottom of the handle and your left hand directly above it. The right hand often uses a continental-style grip, while the left hand uses a grip similar to a forehand grip. For left-handed players, reverse the hands.
Think of the upper hand as the main source of topspin and forward drive. The lower hand helps guide the racquet and adds stability. This is a useful starting point, not a strict rule: many successful players adjust their hand positions to suit their timing, strength, and preferred contact point.
To check your grip, hold the racquet out in front of you as if preparing for a backhand. Both hands should feel connected to the handle, with no awkward bend in the wrists. Your hands can touch or sit close together, but they should not be so cramped that you cannot swing freely.
Find a Comfortable Hand Position
Start with the lower hand
Place your dominant hand near the bottom of the handle, leaving a little room at the end if that feels comfortable. A continental-style position is a common starting point because it helps keep the racquet face stable through contact. If your backhand tends to float long, check that your lower hand is not turning the racquet face too open.
Add the upper hand
Set your non-dominant hand above the dominant hand. A forehand-like grip gives that upper hand a familiar role in accelerating the racquet. Keep the fingers relaxed rather than squeezing hard; a firm but loose hold makes it easier to swing quickly and adjust to the bounce.
Grip labels can be confusing because coaches and diagrams may describe bevels differently depending on the viewing angle. Instead of chasing an exact number, focus on the result: a stable racquet face, a comfortable wrist position, and clean contact in front of your body.
Adjust Your Grip for Different Shots
Your basic two-handed grip can handle most rally balls, but small adjustments help when the ball or situation changes.
- High balls: Keep the racquet prepared early and use your legs to get under the ball. Avoid letting the upper hand roll the racquet face too far closed.
- Low balls: Bend your knees and lower the racquet with your body. Reaching down with stiff arms often leads to a weak, late contact.
- Defensive shots: Keep both hands on the racquet and prioritize a steady face and good height over a hard swing.
- Slice: Most players release the upper hand and hit a one-handed slice. Trying to force a two-handed topspin motion on a low, wide ball can make recovery harder.
- Return of serve: Hold the grip lightly and get the racquet prepared early. A relaxed grip makes it easier to react to a fast serve.
Watch how the ball leaves your strings. If it repeatedly sails long, check your contact point and racquet-face angle before changing your whole grip. If shots land short with little pace, you may be late, too tight, or making contact too close to your body.
Common Two-Handed Backhand Grip Mistakes
- Squeezing too hard: A tense grip can slow the swing and make the contact feel rigid. Hold firmly enough to control the racquet, then relax between shots.
- Putting both hands in the same position: The hands usually have different jobs. Let the upper hand work more like a forehand grip instead of copying the lower hand exactly.
- Changing the grip during the swing: Set your hands during preparation. Last-second adjustments can lead to mishits, especially against pace.
- Blaming the grip for every miss: Footwork, spacing, and timing matter just as much. If you are jammed or reaching, even a sound grip will not rescue every shot.
Overgrips That Can Improve Comfort and Control
An overgrip will not fix hand placement, but it can make the handle feel more secure. The right choice depends on whether you prefer a tacky feel, sweat absorption, or a softer surface. Try one at a time, and replace it when it becomes slick or worn. These are popular options to consider:
| Overgrip | Best for | What to expect | Possible drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilson Pro Overgrip | Players who like a tacky, familiar feel | Comfortable surface and a secure hold for everyday play | Can lose its tack as it gets damp or worn |
| Tourna Grip Original | Sweaty hands and humid conditions | A dry-feeling grip that many players use when moisture is a problem | Feels less tacky than some alternatives and may wear quickly |
| Yonex Super Grap | Players looking for a balanced all-around option | A comfortable, slightly tacky feel that works for regular practice | May feel too soft or too tacky if you prefer a dry surface |
| HEAD Xtreme Soft | Players who want a cushioned feel | A soft surface that can make the handle more comfortable in long sessions | Extra softness may feel less direct to players who like a firm handle |
| Gamma Supreme Overgrip | Players who prefer a tacky grip with cushioning | A comfortable option for practice and match play | Its feel may be too cushioned for players seeking a thin, dry wrap |
Overgrips add thickness. If your handle already feels too large, try a thinner wrap or remove an old overgrip before adding another. A handle that is too bulky can make it harder to change grips and relax your fingers.
Simple Practice Check
Start with a slow shadow swing: set the grip, turn your shoulders, and swing through a pretend contact point in front of your body. Then rally gently with a partner and focus on meeting the ball at a comfortable distance. If the racquet face feels unstable, adjust one hand slightly and test again rather than changing several things at once.
A coach can also check your hand position and contact point in a few minutes. Ask them to watch both a comfortable rally ball and a higher or faster ball, since a grip that feels fine at waist height may feel awkward when you are rushed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which hand goes on top of a two-handed backhand?
Your non-dominant hand goes above your dominant hand. For a right-handed player, the left hand is on top; for a left-handed player, the right hand is on top.
Should both hands use the same grip?
Usually not. A common starting setup pairs a continental-style lower hand with a more forehand-like upper hand. Comfort and a stable racquet face matter more than matching grip labels exactly.
How tight should I hold the racquet?
Use enough pressure to control the racquet, but avoid squeezing hard throughout the swing. A relaxed grip helps you accelerate the racquet and respond to changing ball speed.
Can an overgrip change my backhand?
It can change comfort, tack, and handle thickness, which may affect how secure the racquet feels. It will not replace sound hand placement, footwork, or timing.
Final Thoughts
For a dependable two-handed backhand, start with your dominant hand low and your non-dominant hand above it. Use a comfortable, relaxed hold, prepare early, and make contact in front of your body. Adjust the grip only when there is a clear reason, and test one change at a time. The best setup is the one that lets you swing freely while keeping the racquet face steady.
