Optimal Two-Handed Backhand Preparation

In today's video, I discuss optimal two handed backhand preparation.

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[aarohazel]

Kyrgios just smashed his phone after watching this video

[amosfong]

I've always had an awful, stiff-looking backhand. Tried this in front of a mirror. Literally fixed all of my awkwardness. I'm gonna need some on-court reps to make it work for real, but thanks so much, Nick.

[cherrydrop]

That kyrgios clip repeating 😂 with perfect comedic timing on the cutoff

[joseh]

Agree with you 100% Nik! The young Chilean Cristian Garin has the short backswing, and definitely looks stiff and not free flowing. Unfortunately us amateurs tend to copy certain players technique, even though it may not be beneficial to our game. You have the BEST instruction on YouTube! 👍👏

[ppp-helg]

It's quite forgotten but how about David Nalbandian backhand.... honestly that was pure art...

[drmitofit]

Coach Nick, Excellent observation! With the forehand, most people can get adequate power with the mental picture of accelerating thru the ball, but due to the decreased range of motion on the two-handed backhand, I have found that I really need to start accelerating on the downward loop before contact. It's a scooping motion (some call it the NIKE swoop, but it's more 3 dimensional than just 2 dimensional) toward the non-dominant knee timed with torso rotation. Biomechanically, the increased take back also pre-tensions the dominant arm/shoulder and increases torso coiling (more back to the net). I am using a KSports Tennis Rebounder alternating forehand backhand drill for up to 60 minutes continuously for 1, 800 strokes per session (ball returns every 2 seconds, faster than court play). I am concentrating on ball tracking and pre-contact acceleration which necessitates an up and back take back as you describe. As evidence I developed a skin callus at the base of the index finger of my non-dominant (left) hand. This is because I am properly bending that wrist on the take back and there is some motion going on there during the swing. I will wear a Bandaid on that finger next time. But I believe it is a good indication that my two-handed take back is adequate. As further evidence, I am using a green 70 training ball which compresses more and thus makes a "Pop" on good hits. This gives good auditory feedback of racket head speed and solid contact. My two-handed backhand is "popping" nearly as well as my forehand now.

[elchanclascocina]

I noticed myself doing this just this last week. It felt odd... but for some reason, had twice in a row one of the most consistent training rallies I ever had. For sure when I did point the racquet to the back I had more power, but lost consistency. Will continue to see how it feels and how it performs.

[chanceschimel]

The way Zverev hits the backhand is enviable!

His kinetic chain from his wide stance to his hips, up to his shoulders back n arms finishing w the wrist… and 💥 pow! Mama Mia what a shot!

Cam Norrie n Jenson Brooksby have a shovel backhand that’s fun to watch. I think that could be more of a trend moving forward. The ball stays low and forces their opponents to hit up or respond w a slice.

Gr8 video coach! This one struck a chord!

[SECHMOU]

Literally binge watching your videos at the moment.

[MK-------]

Agree. I have always played a single handed backhand but due to injury I had to switch to double handed backhand. So I started experimenting wich felt comfortable for me and I (tried) copied the topplayers. Longer takeback with loop and drop is more fluient and feels better than the more rushed and shorter backhands which feel a bit pushing to me.

[LukeHader-kqjr]

I struggled with my backhand for years when I first began tennis but I had an aha moment when I practiced generating power on my backhand by using a exercise band tied up to a door(stand perpendicular to the door). The starting point was the handle of the band at the full back swing as described per Djoko/Williams and my end was my contact point.

Using a band in this way highlights how you have to use your legs, hips, and shoulders to create the power AND MOMENTUM in your swing. The shortened version of the swing aka Kyrgios is much more dependent on arm and chest strength. It can work, but not effectively for most people.

(I can make a video if somebody wants to demo the exercise)

[tdev]

Great points. I agree. Those players can get away with biomechanically less optimal backhands because of their size. The arm strength and leverage compensates. Add to that current racquet technology. However, up against their counterparts they reach the limit ofntheor technique. I think lazy footwork also encourages these abbreviated bh preps. Also, fast courts tend to nurture these strokes. Clay courts that absorb a lot of the energy won't give a blocker much pace to return. Also, sliding into a shot on clay is awkward with the racket too much in front as it won't serve as a counterbalance when sliding forward.

[transamination]

The Hurkacz/Paul match at Indian Wells the other day was a great example of this. They were both doing it.

[christianandres]

Nalbandian also had an excellent two-handed backhand!

[mattiastennis]

Have noticed the 2-handers have also become flatter recentley. Agree that Zverev and obviously Novak have the best 2-handed backhands currently.
What do you think of Holger Rune's backhand? Also would be interesting to see a video with your take on One-Handed Backhands now on Tour

[wasabiattack]

Damn no wonder I've always had no power on my backhand. My takeback has been completely wrong. Can't wait to try this on court.

[knotwilg]

Great video Nick!

How would you qualify the backhands of other upcoming young players like Sinner, Rune or Korda?
Especially Korda has struck me as having of the most beautiful natural stroke technique, with an extreme attention to footwork and body position. What do you think?

[jackkoMI]

That's gold! What's your opinion on the technique of pointing the racket head up instead of horizontally (always behind, obviously) during the takeback?

[jonathanchen]

Does the racket drop happen naturally for two handed backhand when you pull forward? Or do you need to be conscious of it?

[timefly]

Two things on the two-handed backhand that pros now teach and I would never do (having a 2HBH from way back in the day): number one: mimic an ATP forehand with the off hand which is roughly what this video is about; number two: hit a two-handed backhand out of the open stance. You need to have amazing balance and strength to get anywhere close to the stability and power versus having a neutral or closed stance. The pros can do it, but average joes like me can’t.