Two Handed Backhand: Make Your Backhand a Weapon
What transforms a timid backhand into an unreturnable drive?
The two handed backhand drive is your answer, a shot that doesn’t just defend but turns the tables in an instant.
Picture this: You’re locked in a rally, you read the ball early, step in, and rip a drive so clean your opponent freezes. That shot isn’t luck. It’s built on grip, legs, and belief, one rep at a time.
I’ve coached Pickleball for a few years. But when my own backhand finally clicked, it didn’t just win me points, it rewired my confidence. You’ll learn exactly how to do the same. We’ll break down tactics, psychology, gear, mechanics, and drills.
“If you want a backhand your rivals respect, build it piece by piece.” – Coach Sid
What Is a Two Handed Backhand Drive in Pickleball?
- Double-handed grip gives stability and power
- Step in, drive with your legs for spin and pace
- Extend both arms through contact, wrist stays “quiet”
- Practice crosscourt, topspin, and speed-up drills
- Expect improved consistency and control (but less reach)
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Table of Contents
- Why Use a Two Handed Backhand Drive?
- How Should You Grip for a Two Handed Drive?
- What Footwork and Body Mechanics Create Power?
- Why Does Arm Extension Beat Wrist Flick?
- How Do Your Legs Add Consistency and Spin?
- What Are the Pros and Cons?
- Which Drills Make Your Backhand Unreturnable?
- Skill Progression Checklist
- FAQ
- Turn Strategy Into Action
Why Use a Two Handed Backhand Drive?
Q: What’s the biggest gain from switching to two hands?
Stability and control. Topspin that bites. Nerves that don’t rattle.
Visualize this: The next time a banger targets your backhand, you plant, drive, and the ball dives at their feet. Ben Johns does it, so does Novak Djokovic (in tennis), not to be flashy, but because it works under pressure.
The Facts: Two hands don’t just steady your shot, they steady your nerves. This works… until you get stretched wide and need the one-hander. Learn both, but own this one.
“Two hands build your backhand, but belief builds your game.” – Coach Sid
How Should You Grip for a Two Handed Drive?
Q: What grip gives max control?
Use a double handshake, dominant hand low, support hand above.
Place your dominant hand low on the handle, continental or eastern. Support hand just above, loose but confident, like shaking hands twice. One finger along the paddle’s back for feedback. Don’t squeeze, control flows from a relaxed grip, not a tense one.
Curiosity reset: Most players choke up too high, try sliding down for more whip and spin.
“The right grip is your foundation, don’t build on sand.”
Want a detailed visual? Explore our grip guide for power and control.
What Footwork and Body Mechanics Create Power?
Q: Where does the real power come from?
From the ground up, feet, hips, legs, then arms.
Step diagonally forward, transfer weight from back to front foot, and keep shoulders level. Your arms deliver, but your body loads the spring.
See it in your mind: On a perfect drive, you’re balanced, rotating, ready for the next ball.
Reality Check: Miss the step, and you’ll spray shots or stumble for recovery.
“Let your body launch the ball, not your arms alone.”
Need movement blueprints? Study our footwork tips for every level.
Why Does Arm Extension Beat Wrist Flick?
Q: What’s the key to reliable power?
Extend arms through contact, wrist stays “quiet.”
One-handed flicks look flashy, but for a two handed backhand, the gold standard is full extension, contact out front, and a long finish. Ben Johns demonstrates this every match.
Visual Proof: Try filming yourself, most errors come from breaking the chain too soon.
“Quiet wrists make for loud winners.”
For a complete breakdown, see our backhand technique guide.
How Do Your Legs Add Consistency and Spin?
Q: How do top players hit heavy spin?
Bend your knees, push up, legs are your engine.
Get low before contact. Push up as you swing, using your legs to drive topspin and arc.
The Gritty Truth: Next time you’re tired and upright, you’ll notice your shots dip into the net.
Ask Yourself: Do you finish on your toes, or flat-footed?
“Low legs, high confidence. Your knees win the rally.”
Want more spin? See our spin mastery guide.
What Are the Pros and Cons?
Q: Is two hands always better?
No, two hands = stability and spin, but less reach and less quick flicks at the net.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Stability on hard shots | Reduced reach wide |
| Natural topspin and power | Less flexible for net flicks |
| Consistent depth under pressure | Harder to switch mid-rally |
Don’t Settle: Don’t Settle for one style. Watch hybrid players switch grips mid-rally for the best of both worlds.
Imagine: Imagine: You’re in a rally, you drive with two hands, then defend a lob with a last-second one-handed stretch.
Which Drills Make Your Backhand Unreturnable?
Q: How do you build automatic confidence?
Repetition, crosscourt, topspin, and live speed-up drills.
- Crosscourt/Down-the-Line: Start slow for control, then ramp up speed and angle.
- Topspin Rolls: Brush up the back of the ball for margin and safety.
- Speed-Up Challenges: Have a partner drive pace, your job is to react with a stable, two handed block or attack.
“Practice isn’t optional, make the drive a habit, not a hope.”
Two Handed Backhand Skill Progression Checklist
- ☑ Grip: Double handshake, relaxed
- ☑ Footwork: Diagonal step, weight forward
- ☑ Extension: Arms long, wrist quiet
- ☑ Legs: Bend and push up
- ☑ Drills: Crosscourt, topspin, speed-up
- ☑ Adjust: Switch to one hand for reach as needed
Two Handed Backhand FAQ
Yes, two hands provide immediate stability, making it easier for beginners to control the paddle and block hard shots.
Yes. Practice the transition so you’re ready when you need extra reach or quick flicks at the net.
Drill two or three times per week to build muscle memory and make your backhand drive reliable under pressure.
About the Author: Coach Sid is the blend of grizzled court tactician and quirky professor you never knew you needed. He’s spent many hours turning nervous backhands into highlight-reel weapons, one gritty tip at a time.
Make Your Backhand a Weapon
Forget what you read. Go prove it. Do you want to freeze your toughest opponent with a two-handed backhand drive they can’t touch? That moment starts right now. Hit the court, drill these steps until they’re second nature, and make your backhand the shot everyone dreads. Don’t just read – go earn your highlight.
