Tennis Two-Handed Backhands

The two-handed backhand is easy to learn as a beginner, and more advanced players can easily generate strong topspin and power with it. It also handles high balls better than a one-handed backhand and allows for slightly later contact, giving you more time, but it's less versatile than a one-hander, and some players find it less comfortable. Ideally, every player would be able to hit a two-hander or a one-hander as the situation demands. The following will help you learn or improve two-handed backhand strokes from basic to advanced.

Photo Lesson: The Basic Two-Handed Backhand
Beginners usually learn this stroke quickly, and more experienced players can often improve their two-handed backhands by reviewing the basics on grip, dominant arm, and point of contact.

Photo Tour of the Two-Handed Backhand Grips
Tennis players tend to pay less attention to their two-handed grips than to other grips, but even with two hands on the racquet, grips make a major difference in spin production and point of contact.

Photo Lesson: The Two-Handed Backhand On the Rise
Learning this technique will give you better control of your height of contact and several tactical advantages that are explained in this lesson.

Photo Study of Rafael Nadal's Two-Handed Backhand
Rafael Nadal produces ferocious topspin, great power, and amazing accuracy with his two-handed backhand. Here, in dramatic photos, is how he does it.

Backhand FAQ
Find answers to the most common and important questions about backhands.

Backhand Repair
If something isn't working quite right with your two-handed backhand, you'll probably find a specific fix for it here.