One-Handed vs. Two-Handed Backhands in Pickleball: Which Is Better?
If you’re working on your pickleball backhand, you’ve probably wondered: should you use one hand or two? The truth is, both techniques have strengths and drawbacks-and the “better” option depends on your skill level, style, and what feels natural on court.
Let’s break down the pros and cons of each, with real pickleball examples to help you decide which backhand is right for you.
The One-Handed Backhand
Why Players Like It
- Greater Reach: With just one hand on the paddle, you can extend farther to pick up wide balls-especially useful in singles or when you get stretched in doubles.
- Flexibility & Shot Variety: One-handed backhands give you more wrist freedom, making it easier to flick, slice, or add creative spin. If you like disguising your shots or changing direction at the last second, this is a big plus.
- Quick Transitions: It’s easier to switch between forehand and backhand, and to defend balls hit right at your body.
- Energy Efficient: With less muscle involved, you can sometimes make quicker, less tiring adjustments on defense.
What to Watch Out For
- Less Power & Stability: It’s harder to generate as much power or absorb hard shots with just one hand, especially against fast drives or in quick volley exchanges.
- Steeper Learning Curve: Mastering a consistent, powerful one-handed backhand takes time and practice-especially for beginners or players without a racquet sports background.
- Less Stability Under Pressure: When the pace picks up at the kitchen or you’re in the transition zone, a one-hander can feel less stable.
The Two-Handed Backhand
Why Players Like It
- More Power: Using both hands lets you involve your whole body, adding extra pop to drives, counters, and even aggressive dinks.
- Greater Stability & Control: Two hands give you a firmer grip and more control over the paddle, especially when blocking fast shots or absorbing pace in quick exchanges at the net.
- Consistency: Many find it easier to repeat the same motion and keep their shots on target, especially under pressure or when learning the game.
- Topspin & Aggressive Dinks: The two-hander makes it easier to add topspin and speed up the ball from the kitchen line, giving you more options to attack or disguise your intent.
What to Watch Out For
- Reduced Reach: With two hands on the paddle, you can’t stretch as far for wide balls. This can be a disadvantage in singles or when pulled off the court.
- Less Flexibility: It’s harder to quickly switch between shots, and you may have fewer options for last-second adjustments or wristy flicks.
- Telegraphing Shots: Some players use two hands only for drives or speed-ups, which can tip off your opponent about your intentions.
What Do the Pros Do?
Many top pickleball pros use both techniques, switching depending on the situation. For example, they might use a two-handed backhand for power or when countering fast balls, but switch to one hand for reach, quick blocks, or defensive flicks. Players like Anna Leigh Waters and Federico Staksrud have shown how effective the two-hander can be for power and topspin, while others excel with a classic one-hander.
Final Thoughts & Tips
- Try Both: Many players benefit from learning both. Use two hands for power and stability, especially on drives and counters, and one hand for reach, finesse, or defensive blocks.
- Personal Comfort Matters: The best backhand is the one you can execute confidently and consistently. Try both in drills and games to see what feels best.
- Mix It Up: Don’t be afraid to switch mid-rally based on the ball’s location and your positioning. The most versatile players adapt on the fly.
Bottom line: There’s no single “best” backhand for everyone in pickleball. Both one-handed and two-handed backhands can be effective weapons-so experiment, practice, and play to your strengths!