A reliable two-handed backhand starts before the ball reaches you. A quick turn, balanced footwork, and contact in front of your body give the shot its control and depth. The two-handed grip can make the backhand feel stable, but good technique still depends on timing and using your legs and trunk—not just your arms.
Whether you are learning the stroke or trying to make it hold up under pressure, focus on a few repeatable steps: prepare early, get set behind the ball, swing smoothly, and finish in balance. Small improvements to those habits can make it easier to handle fast shots, change direction, and hit with confidence.
How to Hit a Two-Handed Backhand
1. Start with a comfortable grip
For a right-handed player, the left hand sits above the right hand on the handle; for a left-handed player, the right hand sits above the left. The upper hand provides much of the stroke’s feel and topspin, while the lower hand helps guide and stabilize the racket. Both hands contribute, but neither should clamp down so tightly that the wrists and arms feel locked.
Grip details vary from player to player. Many players use a forehand-style grip with the upper hand and a continental or near-continental grip with the lower hand. There is no single combination that suits everyone. Choose a grip that lets you meet waist-high balls comfortably and swing without the racket face opening or closing unpredictably.
2. Turn your shoulders as soon as you recognize the ball
As your opponent makes contact, split-step with your feet apart and knees soft. When the ball comes to your backhand side, turn your shoulders and hips together, bringing the racket back with both hands. Try to prepare early rather than pulling the racket back in a hurry at the last moment.
Keep the racket in front of your body during the turn and avoid twisting only your arms. A compact preparation gives you more time to judge the bounce and adjust your feet. On a deep or fast ball, shorten the backswing instead of trying to create a bigger one.
3. Move into a balanced position
Footwork gives the swing room to work. Use small adjustment steps as the ball approaches, and aim to arrive with your weight balanced rather than leaning or reaching. For a neutral stance, your feet can turn sideways to the net. An open stance, with your chest more toward the net, is also useful when the ball comes quickly or pulls you wide.
You do not need to force one stance on every ball. On a comfortable ball, a step forward can help you move through the shot. When stretched, an open-stance backhand may let you recover faster. In either case, stay low enough to push off the court and keep your head steady through contact.
4. Contact the ball in front of your body
For most groundstrokes, meet the ball in front of your lead hip, with both hands still on the racket. The exact contact point depends on your grip, height, and stance, but if the ball gets beside or behind you, it becomes much harder to control direction and depth.
As you swing, transfer energy from your legs and trunk into your arms and racket. The stroke should feel like a coordinated turn and swing, not a punch made only with the arms. Keep your eyes on the ball through contact, and avoid leaning back as you hit.
5. Swing through and finish in balance
Swing low to high when you want topspin. Your racket face should meet the ball at a controlled angle, then travel up and forward through it. Finish over the shoulder or across the body, depending on your style and the height of the ball. The finish is not a pose to copy exactly; it is a useful check that you have completed the swing rather than stopping at impact.
On a high ball, you may need a more level swing and a higher contact point. On a low ball, bend your knees and get the racket below the ball instead of folding at the waist. Adapt the swing to the shot rather than trying to use the same path every time.
What Makes the Two-Handed Backhand Effective?
Two hands provide stability and make it easier for many players to handle pace, especially on returns and fast rallies. The stroke can also produce topspin, which helps the ball dip into the court and gives you room to hit with height over the net. Players such as Novak Djokovic and Ashleigh Barty have shown how a compact two-handed backhand can be used both to defend and to take control of a rally.
The extra stability does not mean the stroke is automatic. If you prepare late, stand too close to the bounce, or hit with stiff arms, the ball can still sail long or sit up short. The aim is to combine a secure grip with a relaxed, well-timed swing.
Common Two-Handed Backhand Mistakes
- Preparing late: Turn as soon as you identify the backhand side. A rushed backswing often leads to weak contact.
- Hitting beside or behind the body: Move your feet to create space and meet the ball in front.
- Using only your arms: Start the stroke with your legs and torso, then let your arms and racket follow.
- Swinging too hard: Smooth acceleration and a clean contact point usually produce more reliable depth than a forced hit.
- Standing upright: Bend your knees to reach low balls and push off the ground as you swing.
- Gripping too tightly: Keep enough control to guide the racket, but stay relaxed between shots.
Drills to Build a More Reliable Backhand
- Shadow swings: Without a ball, rehearse the split-step, shoulder turn, contact position, and finish. Do a few slow repetitions before increasing your speed.
- Drop-feed practice: Drop a ball in front of your backhand side and hit it crosscourt. Concentrate on meeting the ball in front and finishing in balance.
- Crosscourt rally: Rally backhands crosscourt with a partner, aiming for a safe target area rather than the lines. Once you can sustain the rally, vary the height and depth.
- Backhand return block: Have a partner feed or serve at a moderate pace. Use a short preparation and meet the ball out in front instead of taking a full, late swing.
Keep each drill focused on one cue. For example, spend a set thinking only about turning early, then another set focusing on footwork. Trying to fix every part of the stroke at once can make practice feel crowded.
Using the Backhand in a Match
When you are under pressure, aim crosscourt first. The net is lower in the middle, and the longer diagonal gives you more space to clear the net and land the ball safely. A deep crosscourt backhand can push your opponent back without requiring you to hit close to the sideline.
Change direction down the line when you are balanced and can contact the ball in front. Going down the line from a stretched position is riskier and can leave the court open. If you are pulled wide, prioritize a high, deep reply and recover toward the middle rather than forcing a winner.
On return, use a compact swing against a fast serve. You can block the ball deep with a firm racket face, then use a fuller swing when the serve gives you more time. Good preparation often matters more than trying to hit the return harder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I contact the ball on a two-handed backhand?
Usually in front of your lead hip, with enough space between your body and the ball to swing freely. Your ideal contact point depends on your stance and grip, so use that guideline as a starting point rather than a fixed measurement.
Which hand does most of the work?
Both hands help. The upper hand often contributes strongly to racket control and topspin, while the lower hand stabilizes and guides the stroke. Their roles can feel different depending on your grip and technique.
Should I use an open or closed stance?
Either can work. A more sideways stance suits a ball you have time to approach, while an open stance can help you handle a fast or wide ball and recover sooner. Choose the stance that lets you stay balanced and meet the ball in front.
How can I stop my backhand from landing short?
Prepare earlier, move your feet into position, and swing through the ball instead of stopping at contact. A low-to-high swing can add topspin, while a balanced finish helps you judge whether you are accelerating smoothly.
Final Thoughts
A dependable two-handed backhand is built on early preparation, good spacing, and contact in front—not on a complicated swing. Practice those pieces with controlled feeds, then bring them into crosscourt rallies and returns. As your timing improves, you can add more pace, height, and direction without giving up consistency.
