How to improve a two-handed backhand?

[anniflava]

When I first began playing tennis in 2000, my two-backhand was my favourite stroke. This stroke stuck with me until 2004. During '04, I was realizing that I never got a good punch, nor consistent power off my two-handed backhand.

I have tried many variations of swings. I tried to have a semi-loop two-handed backhand, then tried to take it on the rise and more choppy, then hit that Serena Williams backhand, but nothing seems to work.

Any tips?

 

[Bungalo Bill]

When I first began playing tennis in 2000, my two-backhand was my favourite stroke. This stroke stuck with me until 2004. During '04, I was realizing that I never got a good punch, nor consistent power off my two-handed backhand.

I have tried many variations of swings. I tried to have a semi-loop two-handed backhand, then tried to take it on the rise and more choppy, then hit that Serena Williams backhand, but nothing seems to work.

Any tips?

Make sure you relax the front arm especially in the shoulder area. Relax the arms and move through the ball with your tophand. Step into the ball and lift the back heel up as you hit through the ball.

 

[Tennismastery]

When I first began playing tennis in 2000, my two-backhand was my favourite stroke. This stroke stuck with me until 2004. During '04, I was realizing that I never got a good punch, nor consistent power off my two-handed backhand.

I have tried many variations of swings. I tried to have a semi-loop two-handed backhand, then tried to take it on the rise and more choppy, then hit that Serena Williams backhand, but nothing seems to work.

Any tips?

Also, try practicing hitting left-handed forehands (if you are right-handed). This practice will give you a feel for what the left hand is doing during the two-handed backhand.

If you aren't getting a 'punch' on the stroke, you might be pushing the racquet through instead of creating good angular momentum...this comes usually when the dominant elbow leads too much. (Players will do this often to 'steer' the ball.) Keep the elbow in more near the side, allowing the non-dominat hand to bring the racquet around the ball better instead of simply pushing the racquet through. (Look at the majority of two-handed pros and you will indeed see this pattern clearly.)

 

[badger_badger]

hi. sorry to kinda steal the threat but my question is very similar. i have two questions.

1) which do you think will improve my backhand more, one-handed backhand with my dominant hand or forehand with my non-dominant hand?

2) i noticed that hewitt extends his arms out when hitting backhand but safin keeps his elbows bent. which generates more power?

 

[Bungalo Bill]

hi. sorry to kinda steal the threat but my question is very similar. i have two questions.

1) which do you think will improve my backhand more, one-handed backhand with my dominant hand or forehand with my non-dominant hand?

I think TennisMastery summed it up pretty well. Non-dominant forehands go a long way to improve the feel and strength to hit through the ball for a twohander.

2) i noticed that hewitt extends his arms out when hitting backhand but safin keeps his elbows bent. which generates more power?

That depends on what you like. There are several acceptable ways to hit the twohander. I beleive the majority hit with bent elbows with me included.

The trick as TennisMastery indicated is to not lead with the dominant elbow/arm but allow that elbow to sort of remain stationary so it becomes a pivot point for the non-dominant arm to swing the racquet up and through the ball. Even if you decide to straighten the arms, keep them relatively relaxed so the hips can swing the shoulders and arms into the ball.

 

[nickybol]

I think both arms bent is the easiest way to start with, it comes from pure relaxation. But there are several variations, as John Yandell has researched. Remember keep that shoulder rotation, and the rest of your body follows naturally.

 

[str33t]

I do my two-handed backhand with both of my arms straight at contact but then bend my arms during the follow through. I think this gives me a flatter shot than hitting with bent arms. Hitting with bent arms makes me feel cramped and too close to the ball.

 

[nickybol]

It`s a matter of what you like. I truely recommend the research of John Yandell on this topic.