Shot technique
Pickleball Two-Handed Backhand
The two-handed backhand adds stability and power, and most tennis players already have one. It works well from the baseline but limits reach in the kitchen. Understanding when to two-hand and when to release to one hand is the key.
Two-handed backhand technique
Grip setup
Dominant hand uses continental or eastern backhand grip on the lower handle. Non-dominant hand grips above the dominant hand, similar to a tennis two-hander. The non-dominant hand drives the shot.
Stance
Semi-open or closed stance, turned sideways to the incoming ball. Weight loads on the back foot (away from the net) for drive shots.
Backswing
Compact backswing, bring both hands back together to the left side (for right-handers). No big loop. Keep the backswing short for control.
Contact point
Contact ball slightly in front and to the side of your body. Too close (jammed) and the two-hander becomes impossible to execute, give yourself space.
Drive through
Both arms drive forward together through contact. The non-dominant arm provides the primary power and direction. Think of it as a push with both arms, not a swing.
Follow-through
Follow through up and across your body. For drives, the follow-through finishes at shoulder height. For dinks, the follow-through is abbreviated.
One-handed vs two-handed backhand
Use two-hander for
- →Baseline backhand drives
- →Mid-court backhand drives
- →Backhand overheads with setup time
Switch to one-hander for
- →Backhand dinks at kitchen line
- →Wide balls requiring full extension
- →Quick kitchen exchanges and resets
- →Low balls near the kitchen
Frequently asked questions
Should you use a two-handed backhand in pickleball?
A two-handed backhand can be beneficial for players who: come from tennis and have a strong two-handed backhand habit, struggle with backhand control and want more stability, or feel their one-handed backhand drive lacks power. The trade-off is reduced reach, the second hand shortens your effective reach by several inches. Most elite pickleball players use a one-handed backhand for its reach and versatility, but the two-hander is perfectly viable for recreational play and even competitive doubles.
Is the two-handed backhand legal in pickleball?
Yes, the two-handed backhand is completely legal in pickleball. There are no rules about how many hands you use to hit the ball, as long as you only use the paddle (not the hand) for contact. Two-handed shots are used by many recreational and some competitive players, particularly those who transitioned from tennis. The paddle must be what contacts the ball; accidentally hitting the ball with the non-paddle hand would be a fault.
What are the pros and cons of a two-handed pickleball backhand?
Pros of a two-handed backhand: more stability and control on backhand drives, easier to generate power without full body rotation, more comfortable for tennis players who already use it. Cons: reduced reach (can't extend as far on wide balls), slower reaction in fast kitchen exchanges where you need one hand free, and difficulty with low balls that require scooping motion. In doubles, the reach reduction is the biggest issue, wide balls and dinks that require extension are harder to handle.
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