Connor Garnett’s Two-Handed Backhand Tips: Connor Garnett, the No. 3-ranked men’s singles player on the PPA Tour, recently shared a clear guide to help players improve their two-handed backhand. Coming off a silver medal at the Atlanta Pickleball Championships, Garnett explained his top five tips, aiming to help players gain power, spin, and control.
Garnett’s online teaching platform, TWOEY Skool, offers personal lessons and video modules. Players can try the first week free to see how his coaching style works for them.
Use the Hips and Core
Connor Garnett says power starts in the hips and core, not the arms. “Think of how you throw a medicine ball or do band rotations at the gym,” he explained. A strong base lets players rotate into the shot with more force. Rushing the swing can lead to lost power. Instead, Garnett recommends letting the hips start the movement and then letting the paddle follow.
Swing from Low to High
To create topspin, players should start with the paddle tip below the wrist and swing upward. Garnett compares it to throwing over the ball. He notes, “If we have our paddle tip below our wrist and then throw that up and over the ball… this gives us the topspin.”
Focus on the Contact Point
Hitting the ball at the right time is key. Garnett says players often hit too late because they step in too slowly. He explains, “We want our contact point to be slightly in front of our hips.” This gives better control and allows a clean follow-through.
Lead with the Shoulder
Body movement should help direct the shot. Garnett suggests players, “make sure that our body weight is moving toward the ball.” Pushing the front shoulder through the shot avoids lifting the chest and helps keep the swing level.
Finish with Forward Motion
At the end of the shot, players should carry their body weight forward. Garnett says, “Finish our swing and have our weight come through the ball and naturally let our arms follow through.” This helps make each shot smoother and more powerful.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
For players lacking power or spin, Garnett recommends checking two things. First, make sure the lower body is doing the work, not just the arms. Second, use a clear low-to-high motion with the paddle tip below the wrist. He explains that lifting with the upper body or swinging only with the arm can hurt performance.
News in Brief: Connor Garnett’s Two-Handed Backhand Tips
Top PPA Tour player Connor Garnett, fresh off a silver medal win, shared five easy steps to improve the two-handed backhand. He says players should use their hips, lead with their shoulder, swing low to high, and finish forward. His tips aim to build strong technique and greater control.
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