The Tennis Two-handed backhand

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Phase 1 of 8 Β· Stance & double grip

Ready Position & Grip

The two-hander starts as a left-handed forehand for righties β€” and that begins in the ready position with both hands already poised on the racquet.

Phase tutorial Β· how to drill it

Common mistakes

  • Top hand off the racquet, so the grip change is rushed.
  • Bottom hand in semi-western β€” too closed for clean two-hander contact.
  • Hands too far apart on the grip β€” no whip, no leverage.
  • Standing flat-footed with no split step.
  • Tunnel vision on the ball, late read of direction and depth.

Technique cues

  • Athletic stance β€” feet just wider than shoulders, weight on the balls of the feet.
  • Bottom hand in continental, top hand in eastern forehand (left hand for righties).
  • Both hands already on the racquet in the ready position.
  • Eyes on the opponent's racquet, not just the ball.
  • Split step times to land the instant the opponent contacts.

Tip: use ← / β†’ or number keys to walk through the phases.

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