New: Tennis Directory — Top 10 academies, camps, resorts & getaways →
Play Ace Court — our free arcade tennis game →
Featured: Teo Davidov, the two-forehand phenom →
Join the Big Tennis newsletter — free weekly tips & news →

Top-Hand Backhand Builder

Strengthen the non-dominant hand that drives the two-handed backhand.

BackhandIntermediate

Strengthen the non-dominant hand that drives the two-handed backhand.

  • Players2
  • Time10 min
  • EquipmentBasket of balls

Setup: Feeder at the service line with a basket; player at the baseline on the ad side.

  1. Player chokes up and holds the racquet with only the top hand.
  2. Feeder sends slow balls to the backhand.
  3. Player hits 15 left-handed (for right-handers) forehand-style shots.
  4. Return to two hands and hit 15 more, feeling the top hand lead.

Coaching cues

  • Top hand leads
  • Low to high
  • Finish high over the shoulder

Common mistakes

  • Swinging too hard with one hand
  • Bending at the waist rather than knees

Progression: Live crosscourt rallying, two hands, focusing on the top-hand drive.

Coach's note: Many two-handers are really one-handers with a passenger. This drill makes the second hand work.

Back to the Drill Library

Big Tennis
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.