Americans Chris Everett and Jimmy Connors and Swedish player Björn Borg utilized the two-handed backhand during the early 1970s. The stroke gained popularity when players realized they could produce topspin shots that generated more pace than the traditional one-handed backhand shots. When you add a two-handed backhand to your arsenal, expect to gain more stability, consistency, power and quickness in preparation while executing your stroke. However, going down the line with your backhand means you are leveraging the ball over the highest part of the net and into a narrow target. If you hit a tad too late, your ball will wind up out of bounds.
Step 1
Prepare for your stroke by taking a split step, which is a slight hop. Land on the balls of your feet, ensuring that your feet are just wider than shoulder-width apart. Bend at the knees with your racket in front so that you are balanced, with your weight evenly distributed.
Step 2
Pivot your body while transferring your weight to your outside leg. Your hips and shoulders should turn away from the net and toward the outside of the court. Raise your inside heel up as you pivot. Turn the racket handle with your non-dominant hand into the position of your preferred backhand grip. Your racket will start to go back because of the shoulder turn, not because your arms have move it.
Step 3
Bring your racket back as you straighten your non-dominate arm. Look over your shoulder keeping your eye on the ball then take a step, using your inside foot. Step toward the incoming balling while ensuring your arms are slightly away from your body.
Step 4
Swing your racket to make contact with the ball by incorporating three movements performed simultaneously. First, push off your outside leg. Second, rotate your upper body back toward the net. Third, drop the racket down and forward like you are writing the letter C. Hit the ball out in front of you but not as far out in front as you would for a cross court shot. Ensure that your racket face is parallel to the net upon impact and that contact occurs about waist high.
Step 5
Follow through after you make contact to add topspin. Extend your arms out in the direction you want the ball to go and turn your body back toward the net. Bring the racket up over your dormant shoulder by bending your elbows and swinging your non-dominant arm across your body. Finish your stroke even when the ball has left the strings of your racket.
Tips and Warnings
- Developing a strong backhand for a weapon rather than as a defensive shot will increase your confidence level so you will be able to attempt shots down the line. Instead of running around your backhand, practice hitting more backhands. The more comfortable you get, the more natural you'll feel going for your down the lines. Think of your two-handed backhand as a non-dominant forehand.
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