You may have noticed that most of the top tennis players in the world use a two-handed backhand --- but you may not know why. Today's two-handed backhand is different from the one popularized by Chris Evert, Jimmy Connors and Bjorn Borg back in the 1970s. The main difference is that today's players use the trailing arm as the dominant arm, bringing larger muscles into the shot. This creates a stroke similar to a left-handed forehand, if you're a right-handed player. With a little practice, you can quickly improve your two-handed backhand using this technique.
Step 1
Hit several backhands, noting whether your left or right arm is the dominant arm during the stroke. Right-handed players who use a right-hand dominant backhand pull the racket with the right hand, using the left hand to steady the racket. Right-hand players who use a left-hand dominant backhand push the racket with the left arm, using the right hand to steady the racket.
Note whether your shoulder drives the racket forward or whether your racket pulls your shoulder forward. The former occurs during left-hand dominant backhands, the latter during right-hand dominant forehands.
Step 2
Practice hitting left hand forehands from the service line, using the same hand placement and grip you use on your two-handed backhand to get a feel for the movement your arm will make as you hit a left-hand dominant backhand. Place your left hand near the top of the handle if that is where it will be during your two-handed backhand. Drop-hit balls if you don't have a partner.
Step 3
Hit two-handed backhands using your left arm to drive the racket forward, simulating the path and feel you used during your one-handed, left-handed forehand practice. Make sure your left shoulder is pushing your racket forward, and that your racket is not pulling your left shoulder forward.
Step 4
Practice hitting balls that require you to take several steps to get to the ball. Turn your core before you start moving toward the ball. Many players make the first move to the ball with their feet, rather than a core-and-shoulder turn, resulting in poor racket preparation.
Step 5
Turn your shoulders so your opponent or partner can see your back by the time you are ready to hit the ball. Under-rotating is a key reason tennis players struggle with the backhand. Experiment with upper-body rotation, based on your footwork. A more open stance may require less upper-body rotation.
Step 6
Step toward your opponent or partner as you hit the ball, rather than toward the sideline. Many players step toward their own sideline, rather than toward the opposite baseline, crowding the ball and getting less weight into the ball.
Things You'll Need
- Practice court
- Backboard
- Partner
- Tennis balls
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