The two handed backhand can be a powerful and consistent stroke. In this guide we will go over the grip's history, how to properly position your hand, advantages, disadvantages and professional players using the two handed backhand.
Brief History
The two handed backhand started getting popularity around the 1930s when the Australians, Vivian MacGrath and Jon Bromwich became notable users of the stroke. It eventually made it's way to the US when Mike Belkin and Chris Evert began using it in the 60s with many players making the transition around that time (source). The two handed backhand is arguably more popular in today's tour, both with professional and juniors alike.
How to Position your Hand
There are multiple ways to position your hands for a two handed backhand. And it ultimately boils down to finding the one that works for you the best. Your dominant hand will rest in the bottom of the handle while your non dominant hand will sit on top. Below are some common variations that you can experiment with. A good starting point is 1.a.
1. Dominant Hand with Continental Forehand Grip Position
Gripping the two handed backhand this way is the most common way. It offers a good balance of topspin and power.
1a. Non Dominant Hand with Eastern Forehand Grip Position (Most Popular)
This position is achieved by placing the base knuckle of your index finger in bevel 2 (b2), if you're right handed, and bevel 8 (b8) if you are left handed. The non dominant hand then sits on top of the dominant hand with the base knuckle of its index finger placed on bevel 7 (b7) if you are right handed and bevel 3 (b3) if you are left handed.
This position is achieved by placing the base knuckle of your index finger in bevel 2 (b2), if you're right handed, and bevel 8 (b8) if you are left handed. The non dominant hand then sits on top of the dominant hand with the base knuckle of its index finger placed on bevel 7 (b7) if you are right handed and bevel 3 (b3) if you are left handed.
1b. Non Dominant Hand with Semi-Western Forehand Grip Position
This position is achieved by placing the base knuckle of your index finger in bevel 2 (b2), if you're right handed, and bevel 8 (b8) if you are left handed. The non dominant hand then sits on top of the dominant hand with the base knuckle of its index finger placed on bevel 6 (b6) if you are right handed and bevel 4 (b4) if you are left handed.
This position is achieved by placing the base knuckle of your index finger in bevel 2 (b2), if you're right handed, and bevel 8 (b8) if you are left handed. The non dominant hand then sits on top of the dominant hand with the base knuckle of its index finger placed on bevel 6 (b6) if you are right handed and bevel 4 (b4) if you are left handed.
2. Dominant Hand with Eastern Backhand Grip Position
By shifting your dominant hand to an Eastern Backhand grip you close the racket's head a bit more. This adds some topspin to your shot.
2a. Non Dominant Hand with Eastern Forehand Grip Position
This position is achieved by placing the base knuckle of your index finger in bevel 1 (b1), if you're right and left handed. The non dominant hand then sits on top of the dominant hand with the base knuckle of its index finger placed on bevel 7 (b7) if you are right handed and bevel 3 (b3) if you are left handed.
This position is achieved by placing the base knuckle of your index finger in bevel 1 (b1), if you're right and left handed. The non dominant hand then sits on top of the dominant hand with the base knuckle of its index finger placed on bevel 7 (b7) if you are right handed and bevel 3 (b3) if you are left handed.
2b. Non Dominant Hand with Semi-Western Forehand Grip Position
This position is achieved by placing the base knuckle of your index finger in bevel 1 (b1), if you're right handed and left handed. The non dominant hand then sits on top of the dominant hand with the base knuckle of its index finger placed on bevel 6 (b6) if you are right handed and bevel 4 (b4) if you are left handed.
This position is achieved by placing the base knuckle of your index finger in bevel 1 (b1), if you're right handed and left handed. The non dominant hand then sits on top of the dominant hand with the base knuckle of its index finger placed on bevel 6 (b6) if you are right handed and bevel 4 (b4) if you are left handed.
3. Dominant Hand with Eastern Forehand Grip Position
Positioning your dominant hand in an Eastern Forehand position offers the benefit of driving through the ball. Also, if you are using an eastern grip for your forehand you get the benefit of not having to alternate grips between your forehand and backhand. This is incredibly useful when returning high velocity serves.
3a. Non Dominant Hand with Eastern Forehand Grip Position
This position is achieved by placing the base knuckle of your index finger on bevel 3 (b3), if you're right handed or placing it on bevel 7 (b7) if you are left handed. The non dominant hand then sits on top of the dominant hand with the base knuckle of its index finger placed on bevel 7 (b7) if you are right handed and bevel 3 (b3) if you are left handed.
This position is achieved by placing the base knuckle of your index finger on bevel 3 (b3), if you're right handed or placing it on bevel 7 (b7) if you are left handed. The non dominant hand then sits on top of the dominant hand with the base knuckle of its index finger placed on bevel 7 (b7) if you are right handed and bevel 3 (b3) if you are left handed.
3b. Non Dominant Hand with Semi-Western Forehand Grip Position
This position is achieved by placing the base knuckle of your index finger in bevel 1 (b1), if you're right handed and left handed. The non dominant hand then sits on top of the dominant hand with the base knuckle of its index finger placed on bevel 6 (b6) if you are right handed and bevel 4 (b4) if you are left handed.
This position is achieved by placing the base knuckle of your index finger in bevel 1 (b1), if you're right handed and left handed. The non dominant hand then sits on top of the dominant hand with the base knuckle of its index finger placed on bevel 6 (b6) if you are right handed and bevel 4 (b4) if you are left handed.
Which grip should I use for my two handed backhand?
A good starting point for your two handed backhand is the continental forehand grip for your dominant hand and the eastern forehand grip for your non dominant hand (1a variation detailed above). Of the variations mentioned up top, this grip offers decent topspin possibilities while also still allowing you to drive through the shot for more power.
From that point, you can experiment to find the one that works the best and feels the most comfortable for you. For example if you are having difficulty generating topspin you may try shifting your non-dominant hand to a semi-western position or your dominant hand to an eastern backhand position.
From that point, you can experiment to find the one that works the best and feels the most comfortable for you. For example if you are having difficulty generating topspin you may try shifting your non-dominant hand to a semi-western position or your dominant hand to an eastern backhand position.
Advantages of Two Handed Backhand
1. Easier to learn
The two handed backhand tends to be easier to learn. It requires less strength because you are using your non dominant hand to guide through the shot while your dominant hand provides support.
2. Greater control
The stability provided by having a second arm guiding through the shot allows for greater control of the shot.
3. Power
In general, two handed backhands tend to have more power than their one handed counterparts. This is because the force is essentially coming from a forehand position on you non dominant hand.
4. Easier to return serves
This grip provides more stability and requires less time to get into proper positioning. These are advantages when returning heavy high speed serves that require quick reaction times.
5. Easier to handle high balls
It's easier to maintain an aggressive / offensive court position when hitting high balls. Some players go as far as jumping off the court and hitting an aggressive "two hander" while mid air.
6. Can be hit in an open stance
While not ideal, in situations where you are rushed or out of position you can hit the two handed backhand from an open stance.
The two handed backhand tends to be easier to learn. It requires less strength because you are using your non dominant hand to guide through the shot while your dominant hand provides support.
2. Greater control
The stability provided by having a second arm guiding through the shot allows for greater control of the shot.
3. Power
In general, two handed backhands tend to have more power than their one handed counterparts. This is because the force is essentially coming from a forehand position on you non dominant hand.
4. Easier to return serves
This grip provides more stability and requires less time to get into proper positioning. These are advantages when returning heavy high speed serves that require quick reaction times.
5. Easier to handle high balls
It's easier to maintain an aggressive / offensive court position when hitting high balls. Some players go as far as jumping off the court and hitting an aggressive "two hander" while mid air.
6. Can be hit in an open stance
While not ideal, in situations where you are rushed or out of position you can hit the two handed backhand from an open stance.
Disadvantages of Two Handed Backhand
1. Less Reach
The grips contact position is closer to the body. This means that you have less reach when hitting your shots which forces you to have to cover more court.
2. Weaker backhand slice
Most two handed backhand players prefer keeping a constant pace on their backhand slice. Since they use two hands for most of their shots their one handed backhand slice tends to be underdeveloped and therefore weaker.
3. Harder to transition to net
In general it's harder for two handed backhand players to transition to net since because of weaker transition shots such as the deep backhand slice.
The grips contact position is closer to the body. This means that you have less reach when hitting your shots which forces you to have to cover more court.
2. Weaker backhand slice
Most two handed backhand players prefer keeping a constant pace on their backhand slice. Since they use two hands for most of their shots their one handed backhand slice tends to be underdeveloped and therefore weaker.
3. Harder to transition to net
In general it's harder for two handed backhand players to transition to net since because of weaker transition shots such as the deep backhand slice.
Professional Tennis Players Who Have Two Handed Backhands
There are a lot of players using two handed backhands in today's game. Here are some of our favorite players that have some of the best two handed backhands - Andy Murray, Simona Halep, Novak Djokovic.