The ATP Two Handed Backhand: The 3 General Types

Novak: the optimum two-handed backhand type.

In my previous forehand articles for Tennisplayer, I presented a new approach to understanding a forehand model similar to what you see on the ATP tour (Click Here). Now in this new series, let’s turn to the two-handed backhand and see what I consider to be the optimal ATP two-handed model, a model I believe is applicable for players at all levels.

In this article, I’ll start by explaining the research and the teaching experience that underlies the development of the model. Next I’ll outline the three different variations of the two-hander in the current game, variations that I see as steps or progression toward the optimal swing. In the following articles we will look at the components of the ideal swing in detail.

Background

My system is based on years of quantitative biomechanical research, research that is also combined with extensive on court work with elite players and coaches. I call this approach “Biomechanically Engineered Stroke Technique”, or the BEST system for short.

Development of the BEST system has been a true collaboration with Rick Macci. Together Rick and I have worked to develop and implement it, primarily with sectional and nationally ranked…