Mastering the Two-Handed Backhand in Pickleball

Elevate Your Game with This Essential Skill

In this guide, we'll delve into a critical pickleball skill that can significantly improve your performance: the two-handed backhand. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting, mastering this shot will allow you to control the pace of the game and keep your opponents on their toes. Tanner Tomassi from the YouTube channel "tanner.pickleball" breaks down the technique step-by-step, highlighting why it's a must-have in your pickleball arsenal. (Subscribe To Tanner's Newsletter: The Secrets To 5.0 )

NOTE: Everything Tanner says about using a Two-Handed Backhand is also true for a Two-Handed Forehand.

1. Handling the Third Shot Drop to Your Backhand (0:10)

When your opponent hits a third shot drop to your backhand and it bounces in the kitchen, use a two-handed backhand to return the ball aggressively.
This technique makes it difficult for your opponent to approach the kitchen line, forcing them to earn their way forward by hitting a good reset.

2. One-Hand vs. Two-Hand Backhand (0:20)

Understand the key differences between using one hand and two hands in your backhand shot.
A two-handed backhand provides more stability and control, allowing you to dictate the placement of the ball with greater precision.

3. One-Handed Backhand Technique (1:37)

The one-handed backhand can be effective but lacks the stability and control of a two-handed approach.
It’s harder to keep the ball down, which can give your opponent an opportunity to counterattack.

4. Two-Handed Backhand Technique (2:25)

The two-handed backhand allows you to generate more top spin and control the ball’s trajectory.
Use this technique to keep the ball low and force your opponent into a defensive position.

5. Form: How to Hit the Two-Handed Backhand (3:02)

Footwork: Position yourself sideways with feet parallel, like in tennis, to draw a direct line to your target.
Paddle Position: Keep the paddle tip down and generate top spin by focusing on the non-dominant hand (top hand on the paddle).
Follow-Through: Finish the stroke over your shoulder, like answering a phone, for a compact and powerful shot.

6. Playing Points with the Two-Handed Backhand (4:30)

Practice the two-handed backhand in live point situations to see its effectiveness.
Pay attention to how this shot can give you a significant advantage by keeping your opponent on the defensive.

7. Outro: Incorporating the Two-Handed Backhand into Your Game (5:01)

Add the two-handed backhand to your skillset and watch your game improve.
Remember to practice regularly and incorporate this technique into your drills and matches.

8. YouTube Comments Insights

Viewer Feedback: Many viewers appreciated the detailed breakdown using colorful graphics and animation of the two-handed backhand and its advantages.
Common Themes: Viewers highlighted the importance of footwork, paddle positioning, and the transition from a one-handed to a two-handed backhand.
Practical Tips: Comments emphasized how the two-handed backhand helps with control, stability, and shot placement, especially when the opponent is close to the net.

Guide Summary

Mastering the two-handed backhand is essential for any pickleball player looking to elevate their game. By focusing on proper form, footwork, and paddle positioning, you can develop a shot that not only improves your control but also keeps your opponent under pressure. Use this guide to refine your technique, practice regularly, and incorporate the two-handed backhand into your game strategy. The results will be evident as you gain more control over the court and your opponent.

Time Code List

0:10 Handling the Third Shot Drop to Your Backhand 0:20 One Hand vs Two Handed Backhand 1:37 One-Handed Backhand Technique 2:25 Two-Handed Backhand Technique 3:02 Form: How to hit the two-handed backhand 4:30 Playing Points: with the Two-Handed Backhand 5:01 Outro: Incorporating the Two-Handed Backhand into Your Game

Mastering the Two-Handed Backhand in Pickleball: Quiz

1. What is the main advantage of using a two-handed backhand in pickleball?

a) It allows for a faster swing
b) It provides more stability and control
c) It reduces the need for footwork
d) It increases the power of the forehand

2. What should you do with your paddle when preparing for a two-handed backhand?

a) Hold it with one hand only
b) Keep the paddle tip up
c) Keep the paddle tip down
d) Use an overhand grip

3. When should you use a two-handed backhand instead of a one-handed backhand?

a) When you need to hit the ball with more power
b) When your opponent is close to the net
c) When you are serving
d) When you are at the kitchen line

4. What is the first step in the proper footwork for a two-handed backhand?

a) Step forward with your dominant foot
b) Position yourself with feet parallel
c) Keep your body facing the net
d) Jump before hitting the ball

5. What aspect of the two-handed backhand is emphasized for generating topspin?

a) Swinging with both hands equally
b) Keeping the paddle tip up
c) Focusing on the dominant hand
d) Using the non-dominant hand for most of the work

6. In the video, what is highlighted as the best way to finish the two-handed backhand stroke?

a) By following through over the shoulder
b) By stopping the paddle at hip height
c) By swinging across the body
d) By ending with the paddle in front of you

7. What happens when your opponent hits a third shot drop to your backhand?

a) You should move forward to the kitchen line
b) You must use a one-handed backhand
c) The ball usually bounces out of bounds
d) The ball bounces in the kitchen and requires a controlled return

8. Which of the following is NOT a key focus when hitting a two-handed backhand?

a) Footwork
b) Paddle grip
c) Forehand swing
d) Body positioning

9. Why is the two-handed backhand particularly useful when your opponent is approaching the net?

a) It allows you to hit a lob
b) It keeps the ball low and forces a reset
c) It reduces your opponent’s reaction time
d) It makes the shot more unpredictable

10. What did viewers in the YouTube comments appreciate most about the instructional video?

a) The advanced serving techniques
b) The breakdown of footwork and paddle position
c) The focus on forehand shots
d) The detailed discussion on spin serves

11. How should your body be positioned when hitting a two-handed backhand?

a) Straight and facing the net
b) Slightly leaning backward
c) Completely sideways
d) Standing on one foot

12. What is the main difference between a one-handed and two-handed backhand?

a) The one-handed backhand is faster
b) The two-handed backhand provides better control
c) The one-handed backhand generates more topspin
d) The two-handed backhand is only used at the baseline

13. What role does the non-dominant hand play in a two-handed backhand?

a) It supports the dominant hand
b) It does most of the work in generating power and control
c) It’s only used for balance
d) It helps in serving the ball

14. What type of shot can a well-executed two-handed backhand force your opponent to make?

a) A lob
b) A smash
c) A reset shot
d) A serve

15. What is the importance of the follow-through in the two-handed backhand?

a) It helps in serving
b) It reduces the swing time
c) It adds Topspin to the ball
d) It prevents injury and completes the shot

Answer Key:

NOTE: The quiz reinforces key concepts from the instructional guide, ensuring that learners actively recall and apply the information, which strengthens their understanding and retention of the material.

Student Of The Game - Pickleball Drilling Journal

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Tanner Tomassi Tutorial: Two-Handed Backhand