Mastering the Two-Handed Backhand: Pickleball player Tanner Tomassi highlighted why a two-handed backhand is essential in doubles play. In a recent Instagram post, he demonstrated how this technique helps players return wide shots effectively, especially when stacking with a partner.
Handling Wide Returns with Two Hands
Tomassi explained that a two-handed backhand is crucial when returning a wide shot after a serve.
“It’s for when you’re playing doubles and you’re stacking with your partner. If the opponent serves and you return it wide to them over there, if they decide to rip the ball down the line, you have to use two hands to pull this ball back in the court.” – (Tomassi)
According to Tomassi, relying on a one-handed backhand in this scenario can lead to mistakes.
“If you only use one hand, it’s really hard to get around the ball and oftentimes it goes out.” – (Tomassi)
A Key Technique Used by Pros
Tomassi further demonstrated the difference between an incorrect and correct backhand form. “Here’s the wrong way. Here’s the correct way,” he stated while illustrating the technique. He emphasized that professional players consistently use two hands when reaching wide on their backhand side.
“This is something subtle that all pros do. When you get extended wide with your backhand, you have to use two hands to bring the ball in.” – (Tomassi)
News in Brief: Mastering the Two-Handed Backhand
Tanner Tomassi shared an Instagram video explaining why a two-handed backhand is essential in doubles pickleball. He demonstrated how it helps return wide shots effectively, especially when stacking. Tomassi emphasized that pros use this subtle technique to keep the ball in play, preventing errors caused by one-handed backhands.
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