The Double Backhand: Learning the Basics w/ Connor Garnett

Mastering the Two-Handed Backhand in Pickleball

Techniques, Footwork, and Strategies for Taking Your Backhand to the Next Level

Introduction (234 words)

The two-handed backhand is a foundational stroke in pickleball that every player needs to master. With the popularity of pickleball rapidly growing, more and more new players are looking to improve their backhand technique. This guide will provide drills, strategies, and examples for intermediate to advanced players who want to elevate their backhand game.

We’ll explore proper grip, footwork patterns, shot shaping, and approaches for hitting different backhand strokes. Whether you struggle with consistency on backhand returns or lack power hitting backhand attack shots, implementing these tips will lead to visible improvement. Mastering the two-handed backhand requires an organized process focused on ingraining muscle memory through quality repetitions.

Approach these techniques with an analytical mindset, concentrate on proper mechanics, visualize success during practice, and track measurable progress over time. With concentrated effort centered around the strategies highlighted in this guide, your backhand will transform from a defensive liability to an offensive weapon.

NOTE: In the April 18, 2024 James Ignatowich Newsletter, Connor explains in detail how he hits a Twoey.

Best Two-Handed Backhand In The Game

• Jimmy Miller: 2023 Nationals - Connor Garnett/Rafa Hewett vs Tyler Loong/James Ignatowich
• James Ignatowich: The James Ignatowitch Podcast
• Jordan Briones: Briones Pickleball Podcast

1. Proper Grip Fundamentals for the Two-Handed Backhand (00:36) (126 words)
   The starting point for optimizing backhand technique begins with your grip. Grip the paddle handle using a handshake positioning for the dominant bottom hand. The non-dominant top hand should lightly grip the neck of the paddle, with the pointer finger resting on the paddle face. 
   
   This facilitates added feel and control. Experiment with exact hand placement to find the most natural fit based on your hand size and paddle length. Keep a firm, but not overly tight grip pressure. Proper grip leads to solid ball contact, more spin and control, and allows efficient stroke mechanics to unfold naturally.
   
   
2. Footwork and Weight Transfer for Powerful Backhands (1:13) (144 words)
   Effective footwork connects the kinetic sequence that transfers energy to the paddle head during the backhand stroke.
   
   - Step toward the ball with the front foot on the side opposite your paddle hand. 
   - Then drive off the back foot, shifting weight forward. 
   - Time this weight transfer to coincide with the paddle moving forward, led by the rotation of the hips opening up to the ball.
   - Keep shoulders and upper body quiet early in the stroke.
   - Finally, let the arms unfurl naturally in sync with the momentum generated from the legs and hips.
   
   This sequenced timing is crucial for generating paddle head speed while maintaining balance and control. Rush or disjointed movements sap power.
   
   
3. How to Aim Backhands Down the Line and Crosscourt (2:15) (129 words)
   Shaping backhand angles requires visualizing and maintaining an arrow pointed from the paddle face toward your target for as long as possible during the forward swing. For down the line backhands, keep the paddle face aimed down the line throughout contact, with an extended follow through finishing toward your visual arrow.
   
   Crosscourt backhands involve slightly closing the paddle face to put side-spin on the ball. Maintain the crosscourt arrow direction at contact before releasing the swing out away from your body. For defensive crosscourt rolls, curve around the outside of the ball with more paddle face loft and less swing speed to lift the ball at a sharper trajectory.
   
   
4. Executing an Offensive Backhand Down the Line (3:59) (112 words)
   This aggressive backhand aims to hit deep with power, keeping the opponent on the defensive.
   
   - Contact the ball out in front of your body with forward momentum from your legs and core driving into the shot.
   - Hit through the ball to generate pace, but with enough loft to clear the net, using a moderately low to high finish over the opposite shoulder.
   - Visualize the paddle arrow pointing down the line and make contact with the ball along that extended plane.
   
   With repetition, you'll develop a feel for the exact paddle angle and swing path to trace for keeping these backhands narrowly inside the sideline.
   
   
5. Hitting Shaped Backhand Crosscourt Shots (4:39) (118 words)
   Crosscourt backhands achieve angles by closing the paddle face to impart spin sideways across the ball. Strike crosscourt roll shots with a curved swing path to lift underspin for arching ball flight. Time the tilted paddle contact when the ball is slightly behind you. For flatter trajectory drives, sweep forward through contact while closing the face to hook shots crosscourt with overspin. Visualize and hold the crosscourt arrow a fraction longer before redirecting excess momentum up and away. Adjust spin and height based on distance and if attacking or prolonging the rally. Mastering diverse trajectories expands your backhand shot diversity.
   
   
6. Executing Backhand Dinks at the Kitchen Line (5:34) (133 words)
   Backhand dinking involves finesse shots lifted over the net when pinned up close. Strike underneath for topspin using compact swings with mostly arm movement. Step aggressively toward short balls and establish firm weight forward to prevent getting pushed back. Maintain paddle face loft and angle stability pointing upward throughout the stroke by keeping hands in front of your body midline. Concentrate on light touch and optimizing spin over power. Vary ball speed and trajectory judiciously, but keep margin high enough to clear the net given proximity. Look to attack conservative returns with sudden down the line dink zingers or fast drop shots. Even when scrambled backward, reflexively chip backhands high over the net. Survival first, then counterpunch when receiving dinks.
   
   
7. Hitting Backhands through the Transition Zone (6:01) (122 words)
   The transition zone, several feet behind the non-volley zone, requires extra anticipation. Move quickly to establish inside court position. Then make a split-second decision to attack or defend based on ball height, pace, and court position. For defensive resets, start your backswing early, swing compact but fully, and block the ball back high over the net. For opportunistic attacks, pivot forward and drive through the ball aggressively. Allow your momentum to unfold naturally without overswinging. Look to strike firmly crosscourt attacking the opponent's weaker forehand wing. Mastering these counterpunching choices will help you win more rallies by turning defense into offense.
   
   
8. Executing Backhand Attack Speed Ups (6:39) (112 words)
   Seize on shorter balls by accelerating compact, punchy backhand speed ups low over the net. Strike just as the ball is rising up near knee height to redirect pace down the closest line. Spot slower balls landing shallow in the court to step inside the ball and take time away. Quickly establish ready position turned sideways with weight loaded on your front foot. Keep your eyes focused on the ball throughout the hit zone. Then drive forward unfurling your hips and shoulders to whip the racquet head speed through contact. Follow through toward your target directing the ball to either opponent's hip with disguise. Vary speed and locations to keep your adversary off balance.
   
   
9. Review of Key Elements for Backhand Consistency (7:31) (128 words)
   In review, backhand excellence stems from ingraining proper mechanics until they become second nature.
   
   Set your feet, grip, and body positioning identically on every swing. Visualize sequences like paddle grip pressure, weight transfer, and contact point out in front. Then rehearse the WHOLE kinetic chain on every stroke, not just the arm motion.
   
   Building muscle memory requires conscious repetitions to instill subconscious motor learning. Approach each practice opportunity with focused intensity centered on quality.
   
   Track measurable metrics like target accuracy, misses per session, or new shot percentages. As your mechanics automatize, shift attention to strategy like shot choices and placement. Integrating physical, mental, and tactical practices accelerates skill acquisition.
   
   So dedicate yourself to purposeful and persistent efforts to take your backhand competence to the next level.

Guide Summary (114 words) Mastering the two-handed backhand enables greater versatility and consistency for raising your pickleball game. This guide explores grip, footwork, weight transfer, shot shaping, dinking strategies, transition zone approaches, and attack options.

Study stroke mechanics, visualize cues, concentrate intensely during practice sessions, and track improvement metrics over time to expedite skill development. Integrate physical repetition, mental rehearsal, and tactical mastery together.

Building solid technical, cognitive, and strategic foundations elevates backhands from reactive weakness to reliable weapon. So commit wholeheartedly toward purposeful pickleball improvement powered by a growth mindset, deliberate practice, and the blueprint provided within this backhand guide!

Time Code List

1. 00:00 - Intro
2. 00:36 - Grip
3. 01:13 - Footwork
4. 02:15 - How to aim - Down the line & Cross court
5. 03:59 - Example - Backhand down the line
6. 04:39 - Example - Backhand Cross Court
7. 05:34 - Example - Backhand at the Kitchen Line
8. 06:01 - Example - Backhand through the Transition Zone
9. 06:39 - Backhand Speed Up Off Bounce
10. 07:31 - Outro

Quiz:

1. What hand grips the bottom of the paddle handle on a righty's two-handed backhand?

   a) Left hand

   b) Right hand

   c) Both hands equally

   d) Does not matter

2. Where should the non-dominant pointer finger be positioned in the grip sequence?

   a) Overlapping the dominant hand

   b) Curled under the paddle handle

   c) Resting on top of the paddle face

   d) Wrapped around the edge of the paddle frame

3. What initiates the weight transfer forward during the backhand stroke?

   a) Stepping toward the ball

   b) Rotating the hips open

   c) Dropping the trailing shoulder

   d) Extending the arms forward

4. When aiming down the line, how long should you visualize pointing the paddle face toward the target?

   a) At the start of the backswing

   b) Halfway through the forward swing

   c) Only at the point of contact

   d) Throughout the whole

   5. How is contact point different for crosscourt shots versus down the line backhands?

      a) Further in front for down the line

      b) Further out in front for crosscourt shots

      c) Low to high for down the line, flat for crosscourt

      d) No difference for contact point

   6. What type of spin is put on floating crosscourt backhand rolls?

      a) Underspin

      b) Sidespin

      c) Heavy topspin

      d) No spin

   7. When defending short balls at the kitchen line, where should most of the power be generated from?

      a) Wrist snap

      b) Arm swing

      c) Steps toward the net

      d) Rotational torso

   8. During a baseline rally, what shot type would you predict after successfully attacking a backhand up the line?

      a) Weaker shot crosscourt

      b) Attacking shot down the line

      c) Lob over the attacker's head

      d) Blocked return to the open court

   9. Why is hitting backhand speed ups important for mixing up your attack strategy?

      a) Increases power

      b) Catches opponent off guard

      c) Sets up forehand winner

      d) Easier technique

   10. What is the most essential focus area for developing backhand skill mastery?

   a) Precision shot placement

   b) Advanced strategies and deception

   c) Building solid stroke mechanics

   d) Hitting with maximum power

   
   

   
   

Answer Key:

1. B

2. C

3. B

4. D

5. A

6. A

7. C

8. A

9. B

10. C