7 Ways to Improve Your Two-Handed Backhand in Pickleball

Improve Your Two-Handed Backhand in Pickleball

The two-handed backhand is no longer reserved for tennis converts or pro-level pickleball players—it’s become a core skill in modern UK pickleball. Whether you’re playing casual doubles in a leisure centre in Leeds or competing in tournaments in Manchester, the two-handed backhand offers power, control, and stability, particularly during fast-paced volleys and counterattacks.

Unlike the one-hander, the two-handed backhand provides better support during resets, more pop on aggressive returns, and extra paddle control during tight Kitchen rallies. But it also demands proper mechanics, dedicated reps, and a clear understanding of technique at every stage of development. Let’s break down seven crucial ways to improve this underrated but highly effective shot across beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.

1. Beginner Level: Learn the Proper Hand Placement Early

For new players just discovering their backhand potential, hand placement is everything. Many beginners in UK clubs instinctively grip the paddle with just one hand—especially if they’ve never played racquet sports. But when introducing the two-handed backhand, your dominant hand (lower) should sit in a continental grip, while the non-dominant hand (top) rests gently above it, like cradling a teacup.

The goal at this level is to feel balanced and controlled, not stiff. Over-gripping or separating the hands too far creates tension and inconsistency. Start by hitting gentle dinks using both hands from the backhand side. Focus on smooth, compact swings rather than power. Practise cross-court soft shots, paying attention to paddle face and contact point.

Clubs across the UK often teach beginner backhand technique using foam balls or softer paddles, helping players focus on form over force. Don’t worry about adding spin or pace at this stage—the aim is clean contact and paddle control. You’ll notice the paddle feels more stable in your hand, especially when receiving hard shots or blocking quick volleys.

🔥 Takeaway: A solid two-hander starts with the right grip—position your hands correctly and keep it simple.

2. Intermediate Level: Build Power Through Your Non-Dominant Hand

Once you’re comfortable with two-handed form, it’s time to shift the focus from balance to power generation, particularly through the non-dominant hand. At intermediate level, many UK players still allow their dominant hand to dominate. But in a true two-handed backhand, the top hand becomes the engine, while the bottom hand steers.

Start practising drills where you isolate the top hand (use a smaller paddle or foam ball to help with control). Hit resets and low volleys with your non-dominant hand only. This strengthens coordination, builds wrist stability, and develops muscle memory that translates into match play.

On-court, use your legs to support the motion. Step into the shot, initiate a slight shoulder rotation, and use the non-dominant hand to accelerate through contact. This makes your backhand more reliable against power and gives you extra speed when needed—ideal for dealing with hard drives in fast UK indoor settings.

🔥 Takeaway: Power your backhand with your non-dominant hand—train it to take the lead.

3. Intermediate Level: Use the Two-Hander in Kitchen and Soft Play

Most players think of the two-handed backhand as a power tool—but at intermediate level, it becomes invaluable for soft play, particularly when dinking cross-court or resetting from the transition zone. The added hand support provides better stability and touch.

In Kitchen exchanges, the two-handed backhand is perfect for soft dinks with spin, mini roll shots, and aggressive flicks off floaty balls. Practise keeping the paddle low, using just the forearms and wrists to guide the ball over the net. Alternate between straight dinks, cross-court placement, and disguised roll shots to force errors.

Many UK players lose dink exchanges because they try to speed up with one hand and end up popping the ball. The two-hander lets you disguise your intentions better. You can go from a gentle dink to an explosive roll shot with minimal movement, giving you control and unpredictability.

🔥 Takeaway: At the Kitchen line, the two-hander becomes your soft play stabiliser and secret attack weapon.

4. Advanced Level: Use It for Counterattacks and Speed-Ups

For advanced players, the two-handed backhand is essential for countering hard shots and launching speed-ups from low positions. Whether you’re playing fast doubles in a London sports centre or battling in a ranking event, you’ll often find yourself under pressure at the net. The two-hander helps you stay firm and compact while reacting quickly.

During speed-ups, it provides extra paddle face stability, letting you redirect with accuracy, even from below the net. It also allows for last-second directional changes—down the line, at the opponent’s feet, or into the middle confusion zone. Because your paddle is held with both hands, you can generate surprising pop without a full swing.

Defensively, use the two-hander to block and reset fast drives. Simply open the paddle face slightly, hold firm, and absorb the pace. Many top-level UK players use this move to reset and recover control in Kitchen duels.

🔥 Takeaway: At elite level, the two-hander helps you turn defence into offence with speed, stability, and surprise.

5. Advanced Level: Add Deception with Disguised Shots

One of the most underused aspects of the two-handed backhand is its potential for disguise and deception. With both hands on the paddle, your opponent can’t easily tell whether you’re about to dink, roll, flick, or speed up. This is your chance to keep them guessing.

Start by practising a few dink-to-flick combos—two soft dinks followed by a sudden roll or flick. Keep your paddle path identical until the last second. Use your shoulder rotation and non-dominant wrist to generate whip and spin. This unpredictability makes it hard for your opponent to prepare their paddle position.

In UK competitive play, deception wins just as many points as power. If your opponent starts backing off or shifting their weight too early, they’ll pop up returns or get caught flat-footed. The two-handed grip keeps your paddle central, disguises your shot angle, and gives you options under pressure.

🔥 Takeaway: The two-handed backhand isn’t just strong—it’s sneaky. Use it to mislead and outmanoeuvre.

6. All Levels: Drill With Intention and Variation

Like any technical shot in pickleball, the two-handed backhand only improves through purposeful, repeated practice. Whether you’re playing at your local UK club or with a practice partner, dedicate time each session to backhand-specific drills. Repetition builds consistency, and consistency builds confidence.

Split your training into sections:

• Soft shots (cross-court dinks, Kitchen resets)
• Power shots (drives, flicks, roll shots)
• Fast hands (volley volleys, block-and-reset drills)
• Transitions (reset, advance, volley combo)

Use cones or mini targets to practise placement. Record yourself to check hand position, paddle angle, and footwork. Many UK clubs also use ball machines or rebound boards to improve backhand volume.

🔥 Takeaway: Drilling with structure and intention is the key to unlocking consistency and confidence.

7. All Levels: Use it in Matches—Don’t Just Drill It

It’s tempting to keep the two-hander as a “backup” or only use it in practice. But if you want it to become second nature, you need to commit to it during games. Pickleball is situational, and the only way to build instinct is by using the shot in real rallies—whether you’re playing a fun match in Surrey or a league fixture in Sheffield.

Tell your partner or coach you’re focusing on the two-hander that day. Use it for dinks, resets, drives—whatever you’ve drilled. You’ll make mistakes at first, but that’s where real growth happens. The more you use it in real-time pressure, the more confident and automatic it becomes.

🔥 Takeaway: Take the training wheels off. Use your two-hander in games so it becomes part of your identity on court.

Final Thoughts: The Two-Hander Is Your Game-Changer

In a sport where quick exchanges and soft finesse dominate, the two-handed backhand gives you power, control, disguise, and mental edge. Whether you’re a beginner learning grip, an intermediate sharpening angles, or an advanced player disguising roll shots, this one shot can transform your whole game.

Key Takeaways for UK Pickleball Players:

✔ Master your grip and hand positioning early.
✔ Let your non-dominant hand drive the shot.
✔ Use the two-hander in soft play and speed-ups.
✔ Practise with structure—then commit to it in real matches.
✔ Turn your backhand from a weakness into a strength—and then into a weapon.

Want a printable drill sheet or club poster for improving the two-handed backhand? We have created a pdf below from Dink Quest

Here is a PDF for the 7 ways to improve your two handed backhand for you or your students.

Here is a summary for the 7 Ways to Improve Your Two-Handed Backhand in Pickleball in a clean and easy-to-use format for training sessions, coaching, or club night.

🏓 Two-Handed Backhand Improvement Summary – Dink Quest Printable Sheet 🇬🇧

✅ 1. Get the Grip Right

• Bottom (dominant) hand: Continental or Eastern backhand grip.
• Top (non-dominant) hand: Natural forehand-style grip.
• Keep hands close but relaxed – no tight gripping.
• Practise dry swings to embed muscle memory.

✅ 2. Train the Non-Dominant Hand

• Hit soft balls using only your non-dominant hand.
• Focus on paddle control, wrist stability, and placement.
• Build strength and accuracy on your weak side.

✅ 3. Use Legs and Core for Power

• Start with knees bent and shoulders engaged.
• Step into shots and rotate the torso to drive.
• Avoid “arming” the shot—let your body generate momentum.

✅ 4. Practise Dinks and Roll Shots

• Work on cross-court dinks using two hands.
• Add mini roll topspin shots for variation.
• Keep dinks low, soft, and purposeful.

✅ 5. Sharpen Fast Hands at the Net

• Drill punch volleys with a partner (backhand side only).
• Keep paddle out in front and elbows loose.
• Focus on absorbing pace, not overpowering.

✅ 6. Study the Pros

• Watch footage of players like Catherine Parenteau.
• Note paddle prep, stance, and shot variation.
• Mimic technique in slow-mo drills.

✅ 7. Repetition and Consistency

• Wall drills: 100 reps, backhand only.
• Reset drills: Soft touch from transition zone.
• Use cones or targets to add precision goals.

📝 Tip: Set aside 10 minutes of every session to focus purely on your two-handed backhand. Progress comes from intentional, repetitive practice—not just game-time improvisation.

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