The Two-Handed Backhand: The 4 Variations

Is there one two-handed backhand–or are there four?

I had always believed that the two-handed backhand was the simplest shot in tennis, like a left handed forehand, but without all the confusing differences in grips and finishes. I’ve spent a lot of time on the court teaching the stroke that way, and I’ve written about the mechanics in my book Visual Tennis, and also on Tennisplayer. (Click Here.)

I say "had" always believed, because I no longer think that’s the case. After extensive study of Advanced Tennis high speed footage of pro men and women, I think the two-hander is, in some ways, as complex as the forehand. The high speed footage shows there are 4 versions, each with different technical characteristics. I now think that understanding which version a player hits–or should hit–is an important key to developing the stroke at all levels.

What Elements?

The differences in the 4 versions are in the position of the arms and hands–the most critical element in determining the position of the racket at contact. The hitting arms can both be straight. They can both be bent, either to a greater or lesser degree. Or the front arm can be bent and…