Frankie’s Coaching Corner: Mastering the Two-handed Backhand
Today’s clinic focused on one of the most reliable and versatile shots in pickleball: the two-handed backhand, affectionately known as “the Twoey.” Led by Frank, the session broke this shot down into simple, repeatable fundamentals—grip, footwork, positioning, contact point, and shot selection—designed to build confidence and consistency at any level.
Below are Frank’s coaching notes from today’s clinic. Whether you attended in person or are revisiting the concepts on your own, this framework offers a clear, practical approach to developing a controlled, dependable two-handed backhand you can trust under pressure.
1. The Grip
Use a normal continental grip with your dominant hand, holding the paddle as low on the handle as comfortably possible.
The non-dominant hand pinkie fits between the pointer and middle finger of the dominant hand (this will vary depending on grip size).
The ring and middle fingers wrap firmly around the paddle grip.
The thumb overlays the pointer finger.
The non-dominant pointer finger is firmly placed on the bottom corner of the paddle face for added stability.
2. The Backswing
The non-dominant hand slowly pulls the paddle face back, staying connected with the back leg, with the paddle pointed slightly down.
The dominant hand goes along for the ride.
The motion should be smooth, controlled, and firm—never rushed.
3. Mastering the Footwork
As you pull the paddle back into the backswing, open your hips and step back to establish your back leg.
Let your body weight sink into your thighs and knees. Stay low.
Your body should be close to perpendicular to the net.
Step forward to meet the ball, making contact in front of your lead (front) knee.
Wherever you are on the court, always try to get to the ball in time to establish this footwork.
You may need to shuffle your feet to maximize positioning.
4. Establishing Arm Positioning
Your grip should be firm, but your arms should remain soft and relaxed.
Both elbows should nearly rest on your hips.
The swing path should be smooth, moving from low to high, and staying close to your body.
The wrist should remain especially firm, with zero twisting.
The paddle face remains solid and neutral, slightly open.
5. Understanding the Contact Point
Before contact:
You have used your footwork to get into position.
You have pulled the paddle back into a controlled backswing.
Your arms are soft and positioned near your hips.
Your body weight has sunk into your thighs and knees.
At contact:
Watch the ball and identify a contact point approximately 12 inches in front of your lead knee.
This is where you want the paddle face to meet the ball.
Because your swing path moves low to high, you do not need a big or long follow-through.
6. Limiting the Follow-Through
Once you have met the ball with a firm wrist and controlled paddle face, your work is done.
Minimize the follow-through so you can quickly re-establish position and prepare for the next shot.
The follow-through should be smooth and straight, minimizing or eliminating any tweaking of the paddle face.
Note: The only reason to extend or modify the follow-through is if you intentionally want to add topspin or underspin—this will be covered in a future lesson.
7. Making Shot Decisions
Find a reference line (nose, ear, or shoulder) to divide your body.
Decide how close you can get to the ball (the “hula hoop” concept).
Quickly determine whether the ball is coming to your forehand or backhand.
Use your footwork to stay solid within the hula hoop distance.
Be prepared at all times.
Maintain the basics and stay disciplined within the hula hoop.
Key Takeaway
Consistency comes from positioning, balance, and simplicity. Stay low, stay compact, control the paddle face, and let good mechanics do the work.