🎾Tennis Backhand Lessons: One-Handed & Two-Handed

The backhand is where many club players feel least confident, but it is often the more natural stroke once the basics click. The first choice is one hand or two. Two-handers are easier to learn and steadier against high balls, which is why most juniors and beginners start there. One-handers offer more reach and variety but demand earlier preparation and better timing.

Whichever you choose, start with the grip and a full shoulder turn. On the two-hander, think of the non-dominant hand as doing most of the work, almost like a left-handed forehand for a right-hander. On the one-hander, keep the off-arm back through contact so the shoulders stay sideways.

Once the stroke is in place, add power and depth with the intermediate lessons and drills, then study the pro analyses of Djokovic (two hands) and Federer (one hand). Every complete player also needs a slice backhand, which has its own page linked below.