No one can seem to decide which type of backhand is better when it comes to pickleball. There’s the one-handed and two-handed variety, and it really boils down to personal preference and what feels more comfortable for you. In this article, we’ll look at the advantages to both and some of the disadvantages on hitting the pickleball backhand stroke: one hand or two.
The One-Handed Backhand
This is the most common backhand that you’ll see on the pickleball court, many players use this and have a lot of success with it.
Some simple technique tips:
- Make sure you’re in continental grip.
- Turn quick, and stay in an athletic stance with your knees bent, and maintain good footwork.
- Contact needs to be out in front of your body for this shot to be successful.
Advantages of the One-Handed Backhand
- It gives you more reach. You’re able to extend your arm and body more if you’re looking to attack and take the ball out of the air.
- When the ball is coming right at your body, the one-handed backhand is there to help you defend yourself with a block. Or when you need to react quickly.
Disadvantages of the One-Handed Backhand
- Sometimes, the wrist can get too involved in producing this shot. With more wrist movement comes more unforced errors. If you do decide to use the one-handed backhand, ensure that your wrist stays firm and stable through the shot.
- Less power and stability than the two-handed backhand.
The Two-Handed Backhand
With more and more people coming to pickleball from tennis, there’s been a rise in seeing the two-handed backhand on the court.
Some Simple Technique Tips
- Make sure you’re in continental grip with your dominant hand and place your non-dominant hand above it – make sure your hands are touching each other.
- Turn quick, stay compact with your body, and paddle takeback.
- Keep your paddle face closed – meaning tilted a bit towards the ground – so that you can create topspin as you swing low to high.
Advantages of the Two-Handed Backhand
- When the ball is more to your left, instead of directly at your body, you’re able to turn quickly and put away the ball.
- It’s a good time to pull out the two-hander when you have a high ball just over your hand. The second hand will help you stabilize your wrist and get the ball back over the net.
- More power and stability than the one-handed backhand.
Disadvantages to the Two-Handed Backhand
- It’s limited in its reach
Which to use: Two-Handed Backhand or One-Handed Backhand
It’s up to you which backhand you choose to use. Personal preference and comfortability is the most important thing here. People tend to gravitate towards whichever backhand feels more natural or which offers them the most success.
There are also some pickleball players who incorporate both types of backhands into their game. They’ll alternate which one they use based on the incoming shot. If the ball is to the side of their body or behind them, they will use the two-hander. If a shot is coming directly at them and they need to react quickly, they’ll use the one-hander.
Consider trying both and see if you can incorporate both types of backhands into your game.
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