As more tennis players convert to pickleball, you may see more two-handed backhand drives, which are common in tennis. The downside of hitting a two-handed backhand drive compared to a one-handed backhand drive is that the two-handed backhand drive limits your reach with your paddle. However, the upside of two-handed backhand drive is that you may be able to generate more power, especially on pickleballs hit behind you.

The mechanics of a two-handed backhand drive are essentially the same as the mechanics for a one-handed backhand drive. The key differences are (1) when rotating your body, feel yourself putting some extra load and rotation into your legs as you rotate to your non-paddle side; (2) when pulling your paddle back, pull the paddle back with two hands (instead of one), with your non-paddle hand holding the handle in the space on top of your paddle hand; and (3) finish your paddle swing so that your non-paddle side forearm is somewhat horizontal in front of your face. Lastly, it is important to keep your head and eyes down as you look over your non-paddle side forearm. If you lift up too early, you may find that you mishit the pickleball or hit the pickleball with too much lift or height.

Key Takeaways:

1. Two-handed backhand drives limit your reach, but may give you some more power, especially on pickleballs hit behind you.

2. To hit a two-backhand drive, use the same mechanics as your one-handed backhand drive, with the following differences:

a. Add some extra load and rotation into your legs;

b. Pull your paddle back with two hands, with your non-paddle hand holding the handle in the space on top of your paddle hand; and

c. Finish your paddle swing so that you are eyes are looking over your non-paddle side forearm.