The two-handed backhand groundstroke is one of the most reliable and powerful shots in modern tennis. Used by the majority of professional players today, it provides stability, topspin and control — especially on high balls. This guide covers every phase: unit turn, backswing, weight transfer, contact point and follow through — written by Randy Reynolds, certified tennis instructor and director of Tennis Nation at Reno Tennis Center.
The two-handed backhand groundstroke is one of my favorite shots in tennis — although I find it takes more energy to hit well. Because both hands are on the racquet, your footwork needs to be precise. Check out the Tennis Backhand Groundstroke Ultimate Guide to review the movement and preparation required before diving into this guide.
Two-Handed Backhand Groundstroke: The Unit Turn
The unit turn is the foundation of a technically sound two-handed backhand backswing. Think of the upper body as one connected unit:
- Shoulder initiates the turn — not the arms or hands
- Elbows and arms stay fixed during the takeback
- Racquet head drops before acceleration — arms extended, head below the ball
By moving the shoulder, arm and hand as one unit, you create a compact and controlled backswing that sets up a powerful swing forward into the ball.
Two-Handed Backhand: Backswing and Load
The backswing and the load on the back foot happen simultaneously. At the completion of both:
- Racquet butt points toward the net
- Racquet head has dropped back — hidden from your opponent but not behind your body
- Back foot is fully loaded and ready to transfer weight forward
Once the backswing and load are complete, initiate the weight transfer and racquet head forward into the ball as one connected motion.
Two-Handed Backhand: Weight Transfer and Swing Path
A fundamentally sound swing before contact requires these components working together:
- Last step forward — right leg steps into the ball (right-handed players), initiating weight transfer
- Low to high swing path — racquet rises as it approaches the ball
- Shoulder drives the swing — not the wrist
- Right angle between racquet and arms — maintained throughout the swing with some wiggle room
The weight transfer is what generates pace and depth on the two-handed backhand groundstroke — not arm strength alone.
Two-Handed Backhand Groundstroke: Contact Point
The ideal contact point for the two-handed backhand:
- Height: around hip height
- Position: slightly in front of the body
- Dominant arm: extended at contact
- Wrists: stay laid back during and after contact
- Hands: extend naturally forward into the court after the hit
Keeping your wrists laid back through contact — rather than flipping at the ball — is what produces the most consistent and powerful results on this shot.
Two-Handed Backhand: Follow Through
After contact, think of extending your racquet forward through the court as if someone was pulling your hands forward. Key checkpoints for the follow through:
- Elbows stay off the chest — if they touch, you are cutting the swing short
- Racquet head finishes high — around your right shoulder (right-handed) or left shoulder (lefty)
- Arms extend out into the court before the racquet rises to the finish
Pro Tip: Hit Through Six Balls
If your elbows collapse to your chest after contact, focus on extending your arms further out into the court after the hit. My coach growing up would say to think about hitting through six balls rather than one — this single cue fixes the most common follow through error on the two-handed backhand.
For more free technique guides visit our tennis technique library.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Two-Handed Backhand
What is a unit turn in the two-handed backhand?
A unit turn means moving the upper body — shoulder, arm and hand — as one connected unit when taking the racquet back. The shoulder initiates the turn while the elbows and arms stay fixed. This creates a compact, controlled backswing that sets up a powerful and consistent swing forward into the ball.
Why does my two-handed backhand feel weak or inconsistent?
The most common cause is poor footwork before the shot. Because both hands are on the racquet, the two-handed backhand requires precise positioning. If you are too close or too far from the ball, the unit turn breaks down and the swing loses its power chain. Focus on taking small adjustment steps to find the ideal distance before loading your back foot.
Where should I make contact on the two-handed backhand?
The ideal contact point is around hip height, with the ball slightly in front of your body and your dominant arm extended. Keeping your wrists laid back through contact and allowing your hands to extend naturally forward into the court after the hit produces the most consistent and powerful results.
I want a backhand I can rely on under pressure.
The two-handed backhand rewards good footwork and technique — two things that develop fastest with personalized coaching. Work with Randy at Reno Tennis Center and build a backhand that holds up when it matters most.
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