Two-Handed Backhand: Kyle Koszuta recently shared a video on Instagram explaining when and why players should use a two-handed backhand in pickleball. He highlighted two specific scenarios where adding the second hand can improve countering speed-ups and provide better shot control. Koszuta’s insights offer valuable advice for players looking to enhance their defensive and attacking play.
Using Two Hands for Stronger Counters
Koszuta emphasized that the two-handed backhand is particularly useful when playing on the left side and facing a speed-up down the line. In this situation, countering across the body with one hand can be difficult, often forcing defensive play. By gripping the paddle with both hands, players can generate more force and execute a stronger counterattack.
“The first situation is if you’re the left-side player getting sped up on down the line,”. “It’s very hard to counter across your body. A lot of times you gotta play defense in that position if you do anything good.
So what I like to do is actually get my hand on my paddle, and if someone speeds up down the line, I will try to rip that ball with a two-hander, which gives me a lot more force on the counter.”(Kyle Koszuta)
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Improving Middle Shot Returns
Another key scenario where the two-handed backhand can be effective is when playing on the right side and responding to an opponent’s speed-up to the middle. Koszuta pointed out that countering across the body with one hand in this position is challenging. With a two-handed grip, the dominant left hand can direct the shot more effectively.
“Oftentimes, just sit here with two and boom—rip this thing from the middle because it’s harder to counter again across my body,”. “I want my left hand dominant—boom—to be able to go middle.”(Kyle Koszuta)
A Game-Changing Adjustment
Koszuta shared that incorporating the two-handed backhand into his game took months of practice, but the results were worth it. The adjustment has helped him handle tough speed-ups, especially in mixed doubles.
“If you could do those two things, golly, you’ll be a way better counterer because I’m freaking tired of getting burned up the line, especially in mixed doubles,” . “I was like, I gotta do something different. I was like, how about a two-handed backhand? Took me a few months to learn, but if you put that in your game, I tell you what, you’re gonna get better.”(Kyle Koszuta)
Koszuta’s advice highlights how small technical changes can significantly impact a player’s performance, making the two-handed backhand a valuable tool for competitive play.
News in Brief: Two-Handed Backhand
Kyle Koszuta shared an Instagram video explaining two key situations where using a two-handed backhand improves counterattacks. He detailed its benefits when handling speed-ups down the line and middle shots, emphasizing better shot control and power. Koszuta’s insights offer practical advice for players looking to strengthen their defensive and offensive skills.
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