Inside The Rise Of The Two-Handed Backhand In Professional Pickleball

In the fast-evolving world of professional pickleball, one shot has quietly reshaped the way the game is played—the two-handed backhand.

Once a rare sight, the two-handed backhand is now a staple among many of the top pros, offering players greater control, stability, and power from both the baseline and the kitchen line. As the sport grows faster and more competitive, it's no surprise that this technique has surged in popularity.

Source: The Pickleball Clinic

Why The Two-Handed Backhand Is Gaining Momentum

The two-handed backhand provides several key advantages, especially in a sport where speed, precision, and quick resets are critical. By using both hands, players can generate more stability through their core, leading to steadier volleys and faster reaction times at the net.

It also allows for better topspin generation and deeper drives when attacking from the baseline. In a game where keeping the ball low and forcing errors is often the winning formula, having a reliable two-handed shot can make all the difference.

For younger players and those coming from tennis backgrounds, the transition feels especially natural. After all, many tennis players grow up developing strong two-handed backhands, and they're bringing that muscle memory straight onto the pickleball court.

Pros Leading The Two-Handed Movement

Some of today’s brightest stars have turned the two-handed backhand into a signature part of their arsenal. Rising talents and established veterans alike are proving that this style can be a true weapon, not just a safety net.

Players like Anna Leigh Waters, who regularly unleashes punishing two-handed backhands during fast exchanges, have helped normalize the shot at the highest levels. Male pros, too, are increasingly leaning on two hands during quick resets, roll volleys, and speedups at the kitchen line.

The modern pro game is faster and more physical than ever, and the two-handed backhand meets those demands head-on.

Technique And Training: It's Not Just About Power

While the two-handed backhand brings obvious power benefits, it’s also a shot that demands excellent technique. Balance, footwork, and timing are crucial. Players must work hard to ensure that their non-dominant hand isn’t just "along for the ride," but actively guiding the paddle through contact.

Many coaches now emphasize two-handed drills for juniors and newer players, knowing it can fast-track development in both defense and attack. As pickleball grows more professionalized, refining technical fundamentals like the two-hander is becoming an important part of high-performance training programs.

Will It Become The Norm?

At the current rate, it’s likely that the two-handed backhand will only continue to spread through the pro ranks—and eventually into the amateur game. Already, it's common to see juniors and club players experimenting with the shot, drawn by the added stability and faster adjustment times it offers during quick exchanges.

Still, the one-handed backhand isn’t disappearing. Many top pros successfully use both styles depending on the situation. But for those entering the sport today, having a two-handed backhand is quickly moving from an option to almost an expectation.

As pickleball continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the two-handed backhand is here to stay—and it's reshaping the future of how the game is played at every level.