Optimal Two-Handed Backhand Preparation

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In today's video, I discuss optimal two handed backhand preparation.
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#intuitivetennis #nikolaaracic

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Overhead smash that like button and subscribe if you haven’t yet. Great things coming your “tennis improvement” way 🔥@intuitivetennis

[@ToiletTennis]

I djokosmashed that like button

[@goggleboy2464]

Totally agree with u on this. I don't like the shortened forehand either though it is useful on return of serve

[@aarohazel]

Kyrgios just smashed his phone after watching this video

[@itsdenizcankaya]

No it slipped out of his hand

[@Mango_995.]

@@itsdenizcankaya😂

[@amosfong]

I've always had an awful, stiff-looking backhand. Tried this in front of a mirror. Literally fixed all of my awkwardness. I'm gonna need some on-court reps to make it work for real, but thanks so much, Nick.

[@unkown1e3]

When dropping the racket, dont drop your wrists straight down and come up at a sharp angle. Do a stir the pot motion that novak does. You can search what stir the pot motion is, but its way more fluid and you simply hit cleaner/stable shots. only extent your non-dominant hand outwards (for extension) as your hitting the ball, not on your backswing, so you can maximize RHS.

[@cherrydrop7025]

That kyrgios clip repeating 😂 with perfect comedic timing on the cutoff

[@joseh899]

Agree with you 100% Nik! The young Chilean Cristian Garin has the short backswing, and definitely looks stiff and not free flowing. Unfortunately us amateurs tend to copy certain players technique, even though it may not be beneficial to our game. You have the BEST instruction on KZbin! 👍👏

[@SECHMOU]

Literally binge watching your videos at the moment.

[@drmitofit2673]

Coach Nick, Excellent observation! With the forehand, most people can get adequate power with the mental picture of accelerating thru the ball, but due to the decreased range of motion on the two-handed backhand, I have found that I really need to start accelerating on the downward loop before contact. It's a scooping motion (some call it the NIKE swoop, but it's more 3 dimensional than just 2 dimensional) toward the non-dominant knee timed with torso rotation. Biomechanically, the increased take back also pre-tensions the dominant arm/shoulder and increases torso coiling (more back to the net). I am using a KSports Tennis Rebounder alternating forehand backhand drill for up to 60 minutes continuously for 1,800 strokes per session (ball returns every 2 seconds, faster than court play). I am concentrating on ball tracking and pre-contact acceleration which necessitates an up and back take back as you describe. As evidence I developed a skin callus at the base of the index finger of my non-dominant (left) hand. This is because I am properly bending that wrist on the take back and there is some motion going on there during the swing. I will wear a Bandaid on that finger next time. But I believe it is a good indication that my two-handed take back is adequate. As further evidence, I am using a green 70 training ball which compresses more and thus makes a "Pop" on good hits. This gives good auditory feedback of racket head speed and solid contact. My two-handed backhand is "popping" nearly as well as my forehand now.

[@ppp-he5lg]

It's quite forgotten but how about David Nalbandian backhand.... honestly that was pure art...

[@norberthuelse1800]

Great analysis and very good advice 👍 I like your channel and the knowledge about the technical details. Greetings

[@elchanclascocina]

I noticed myself doing this just this last week. It felt odd... but for some reason, had twice in a row one of the most consistent training rallies I ever had. For sure when I did point the racquet to the back I had more power, but lost consistency. Will continue to see how it feels and how it performs.

[@jackko90MI]

That's gold! What's your opinion on the technique of pointing the racket head up instead of horizontally (always behind, obviously) during the takeback?

[@chanceschimel5675]

The way Zverev hits the backhand is enviable! His kinetic chain from his wide stance to his hips, up to his shoulders back n arms finishing w the wrist… and 💥 pow! Mama Mia what a shot! Cam Norrie n Jenson Brooksby have a shovel backhand that’s fun to watch. I think that could be more of a trend moving forward. The ball stays low and forces their opponents to hit up or respond w a slice. Gr8 video coach! This one struck a chord!

[@elchanclascocina]

I fully agree with Zverev. There's a top court lesson of his on his backhand which probably is the best out there. Regarding Norrie, to me it hurts visually seeing it, but now I'm learning to appreciate the benefits of it, which are the ones you said (low ball, opponent raising it, and definitely cutting time to opponent as it is pretty flat)✌️

[@Lucian86]

I call it Andy Roddick backhand

[@LukeHader-kq5jr]

I struggled with my backhand for years when I first began tennis but I had an aha moment when I practiced generating power on my backhand by using a exercise band tied up to a door(stand perpendicular to the door). The starting point was the handle of the band at the full back swing as described per Djoko/Williams and my end was my contact point. Using a band in this way highlights how you have to use your legs, hips, and shoulders to create the power AND MOMENTUM in your swing. The shortened version of the swing aka Kyrgios is much more dependent on arm and chest strength. It can work, but not effectively for most people. (I can make a video if somebody wants to demo the exercise)

[@ZacharyShahan]

yes, please!

[@t2dev]

Great points. I agree. Those players can get away with biomechanically less optimal backhands because of their size. The arm strength and leverage compensates. Add to that current racquet technology. However, up against their counterparts they reach the limit ofntheor technique. I think lazy footwork also encourages these abbreviated bh preps. Also, fast courts tend to nurture these strokes. Clay courts that absorb a lot of the energy won't give a blocker much pace to return. Also, sliding into a shot on clay is awkward with the racket too much in front as it won't serve as a counterbalance when sliding forward.

[@ZacharyShahan]

great insights!

[@christianandres9561]

Nalbandian also had an excellent two-handed backhand!

[@knotwilg3596]

Great video Nick! How would you qualify the backhands of other upcoming young players like Sinner, Rune or Korda? Especially Korda has struck me as having of the most beautiful natural stroke technique, with an extreme attention to footwork and body position. What do you think?

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Korda top 5 backhand for sure

[@knotwilg3596]

@@IntuitiveTennis Only top 5? That means Norrie is #4? :D

[@IntuitiveTennis]

@@knotwilg3596 haha I did a video in my private Q&A on Norrie’s backhand. People are fascinated with it. As far as top 5 BH’s: Djokovic, Zverev, Nadal, Alcaraz and Korda (Could substitute Korda with Medvedev, both very good)

[@jackko90MI]

@@IntuitiveTennis is Sinner's backand in top 10 in your opinion?

[@IntuitiveTennis]

@@jackko90MI for sure

[@ruisousa1839]

Thank you for helping us Nick!

[@infinitlycool]

Off topic question but I've been curious, what racket are you using now? I can never get a good look at it since you made the switch. At first I thought it was a Head Extreme, but now it looks like a Solinco Whiteout. Can you clarify?

[@transamination]

The Hurkacz/Paul match at Indian Wells the other day was a great example of this. They were both doing it.

[@ZacharyShahan]

hmm, but they have two of the best backhands on tour

[@joshualeifer3335]

what is the white racket? is that a Wilson Shift?

[@mib910]

Nick, I have been playing with a single backhand and 3 years later still have bit of a poor backhand, mostly because of late prep, so you can imagine the direction/precision isn't there. I am trying the double backhand but not much success there either. What would you recommend?

[@cbrisfiorello6933]

Prepare earlier

[@mattcarlson8262]

I totally agree with you about this ! It's not only ugly as a backhand, but absolutely sub- optimal and these players will have less choices... My backhand is a 2 hander and the take back is high to my shoulders/head - like my forehand, I also have a natural lag on both sides..

[@wasabiattack]

Damn no wonder I've always had no power on my backhand. My takeback has been completely wrong. Can't wait to try this on court.

[@mattiastennis]

Have noticed the 2-handers have also become flatter recentley. Agree that Zverev and obviously Novak have the best 2-handed backhands currently. What do you think of Holger Rune's backhand? Also would be interesting to see a video with your take on One-Handed Backhands now on Tour

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Rune amazing BH

[@27blanx]

Yes but which hand is in control for the takeback and racquet drop?

[@greenhammer1148]

people who are left eye dominant would have problems with the Djokovic BH. Cover your right eye and try it.

[@mattcarlson8262]

I would add too, that raquette technology has not necessarily been a positive to our sport of tennis, kind of like TV contracts....

[@jonathanchen1026]

Does the racket drop happen naturally for two handed backhand when you pull forward? Or do you need to be conscious of it?

[@javiergomez4753]

In my experience you have to do it consciously until you do it unconsciously

[@commondirtbagz7130]

The best way I can describe it is that your right wrist(if righty) stays extended until you to a certain part of the racket drop. Then you kind of pull down as you bring your arms forward. Hard to really decide whether it’s intuitive or not. Kind of both I guess?

[@sebastiandomagala9233]

I don't think that it is worth mentioning that short takebacks work on the tour. The backhands that are worth mentioning are the ones with the cleanest swing.

[@krisztianszabo88]

Nick @intuitivetennis, I wanted to ask this question for some time now, and it relates to your backhand topic too - why do these top, elite players would hit a backhand like that? Or any other stroke, that hinders their game overall, especially against certain players? When I look at a Paire forehand, a Johnson backhand, a Tsitsipas slice (which is not bad, still..), I dont get it - is it the lack of talent, feel on those strokes, or bad coaching from the past? What role a coach has in these cases, during their junior years? For instance, Norrie's backhand looks weird, has its limitations against the best players, but I guess it makes him consistent, rarely misses that shot. Still, I dont quite see why would someone teach this to him, instead of the Zverev/Novak technique you described. Maybe that's why I'm not a coach! :D

[@melissaneumann7081]

Their athleticism is allowing them to compete at the highest level not their skill and technique. Guys are much bigger and faster then 30 yrs ago

[@VARMOT123]

Straight arm backhands eh .Hewitt,kyrgios,Murray etc

[@nicholastsinonis]

Great video. This is exactly my problem with the 2 handed backhand. I will start practicing the correct technique

[@steveosaur]

I have a one-hander but still found this interesting. Keep it up!

[@robinhoodwink9345]

Hi Thanks you, back in the day as a skinny kid with a woodin racket we could get more power then any stroke because you use the arms and think of the grib as a handle like you said good back swing.

[@gregoryphillips3969]

You're absolutely right great video. Bjorn Borg and Jimmy Connors were excellent on the 2 handed backhand and would be great examples to show also.

[@timefly4221]

Two things on the two-handed backhand that pros now teach and I would never do (having a 2HBH from way back in the day): number one: mimic an ATP forehand with the off hand which is roughly what this video is about; number two: hit a two-handed backhand out of the open stance. You need to have amazing balance and strength to get anywhere close to the stability and power versus having a neutral or closed stance. The pros can do it, but average joes like me can’t.

[@mdr8615]

Andre Agassi has quite a short, open take-back and I'd argue he has one of the top-two double handed backhands of all time.

[@stanleyextra2812]

Those people don't have Agassi's hand-eye co-ordination, that's just like trying to copy Isner serve without Isner's height. Not to mention there are two players with even better 2-handed backhand with long take-back and they are: Nalbandian and Djokovic. They showed you the truth of how to do the 2-handed backhand the best way possible

[@kaialoha]

He took everything on the rise on or inside the baseline thus needing a short takeback. Unlike nowadays.

[@bballah9969]

Everyone talks about the jokers two hander as the greatest of all time but don't count David Nalbandian is just as good as the jokers backhand. Absolutely smooth a true thing of beauty to watch!

[@bobdehuisbaas2660]

What do you think is the cause of the decline of the quality of the 2hbh on the tour?

[@Plewina]

I feel the same. Yet Technique always evolves in a context, meaning that it suits as an antidote to other players while supporting ones game style/strenght: Meaning, Berretini wants to hit forehand, so his (so so) backhand wants to go down the line more, so it adapted to this use, he also wants it not tooop fast, so he has time to run around. Kyrgios on the other hand switches his technique, but generally plays more with timing and variation to control the point and set up his forehand. Lets be honest, these guys have enough talent, to play technically like djokovic, but it doesnt make sense for their game. Nole always had a better backhand them forehand, so he developped more of a weapon to win. So i guess you are right, but also you perspective is maybe a little narrow on that one? :)

[@ryangallagher3371]

I love that the clip he uses of kyrgios happens to include a classic racket throw.

[@mjmassi11]

This is helpful! It automatically turns the hip and shoulder.

[@golllaur]

Are you talking about bunt-backhand? What can you say about players like Tiafoe or Norrie? Do they have the same technique? What can you say about Fritz's BH? I super frequently see him to have extremely short finish, why? Thanks in andvance!

[@melissaneumann7081]

Athleticism has gone way up... but skill and technique have gone down.. agree 100% .

[@Charmander009]

Wow, I never knew about this. I think I’ve been doing it wrong all this time I’m going to try taking it back all the way and see how that works.

[@bbulla]

Just watching Cam Norris right now and he seems to be a perfect example of this, yet playing well.

[@leolionroarrrrrrr5509]

Didn’t safin have same takeback? But, when he threw his weight forward, and uncoiled his core, the abrupt pull would give him a whippy lag. And he hit heaviest

[@liszt85]

I've always wondered if Kyrgios can improve his backhand, and this video makes a lot of sense.

[@MA-rq6ie]

Its kinda a trade off, I play a lets say high recreational level and the trainers I work with from time to time tell me the same thing you are saying here and it does give more power but you lose consistency. I feel like the more motion you make on any shot is more risky but more powerful so I guess it takes more practice for more motion. Therefore for recreational level less is more considering you cant practice as much as the pros. The higher level you reach and the more you practice yes, you are more then right, more motion means more power.

[@Robust2013]

Actually you can see Alcaraz backhand has the racquet on the side. Just slightly more up. I think leaving the racquet on the side is the future for technique. Taking the racquet far back has been a huge problem in many of my students

[@lucasgermain5022]

Not only berretini on match point vs Murray but also kyrgios on match point vs djokovic at the Wimbledon final

[@robertgonda2168]

That´s I guess a general development that harms most players, especially the recreational ones. Swingpaths are getting shorter and shorter on almost every stroke these days - apart from volleys :P. I see kids emulating the next gen "modern" technique while they miss out on crucial fundamentals, which are way more difficult to attain with this style...

[@user-zr2oi5qt3g]

The way Borg bent his left arm and kept it so close to his body was, and is, unicorn like. Never seen it again. Weird….

[@issoisso9967]

Thanks

[@RM-jj4xi]

Agassi used to do this…

[@djforcefield]

So, to summarize, the C motion is turning into a dash (-) I agree that is detrimental for sure.

[@Saeedzr]

Did Roddick have the same issue on his backhand?

[@yeetsquad9380]

For his interesting look, medvedev has a phenomenal backhand

[@giorgiotortorici1851]

also sinner has a very good and strong backhand

[@mutton4ever]

Murray and novaks backhands are the best to me

[@sompasongsack]

This is the technique for flat backhands like Kyrgios

[@Drwatcherman]

What about Sinner? He clearly has a lag takeback and one of the best 2HBH on tour

[@joselitoaquino3207]

I agree 100%

[@mredjevic]

Think this is a workaround, for those who seem to can't master proper technique. This way, with limited range of motion is less errors....

[@franzXX98]

the last sentence 😁😂

[@roshansreedhar4727]

Roddick used to do this too. Reason why he had the worst BH of any elite 2000's player

[@livingtribunal4110]

Which is why current ATP is ´Weak Era´. *Marat Safin* had an awesome double-handed backhand: racquet-head moving in and pointed at an 180° backward / 40° upward direction on the takeback and a really clean, powerful contact + follow-through. Even *Rafael Nadal* on his open-stance backhand position has the racquethead pointed in the right direction.

[@alecmorariu6291]

The current atp isn’t weak era that’s a stupid comment. If a player like Felix played between 2001-2007 he would Already have 2-4 slams

[@alecmorariu6291]

Look at the players back then with 1 handlers they had absolutely awful backhands even fed as a young player had a terrible backhand. What nick is saying in this video is 100% correct but the backhands these players use will still work because 1. All players mentioned have a big forehand and big serve. 2. Fast pace of play so they can counter well with this type of backhand

[@livingtribunal4110]

@@alecmorariu6291 It´s quite probably the weakest of all-time. It´s the sole reason why Djoker / Nadal / Federer have been so dominant for the last 10 years and further reason why the ATP is only interesting because of a 19-yr old Spaniard and a 35-yr old Serbian. Everyone else is a mental-midget. FAA 2-4 slams. 🤣🤣🤣 Funny as fck.

[@melissaneumann7081]

I do not think it's a weak era but it's based more on raw athleticism(strength size speed) and less skill. Agassi is small by today's standard but could stand in one spot and dictate play and run you around with great ball striking. Today, they chase the ball more than hitting it and their endurance and strength and reach allows this. It's less skillful for sure (defense in most sports is easier skill wise than offense). I am watching Medvedev on tv as i write this.

[@livingtribunal4110]

@@melissaneumann7081 Perfect example of ´Weak Era´: journeymen like Norrie and Ruud - low-level players taking advantage of a very shallow field since 2015. Today´s players are extremely dogged competitors, just hard to put away and have huge stamina/endurance. Terrible. The guy above who thought FAA could win multi-slams back in the day is just deluded/Woke/stupid.

[@Phat-rj3jo]

Lol, that’s what my coach is teaching me………He said that’s how modern ATP men plays 😂

[@K4R3N]

Agassi had an amazing 2hander. Kyrgios has a 3.5 2-hander now. Sinner and Djokovic are my current gold standard

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Ok I know you are joking but I want to reiterate that Nick K backhand is elite level. My point is that it’s not as good as it could be (he occasionally hits it normal btw.) In the overall context of his game it doesn’t even matter that much, bc he wins with his serve and FH. In other words, despite his BH technique he can win slams etc.

[@K4R3N]

@@IntuitiveTennis I appreciate this video and most of your lessons Nik because you highlight to us rec/club level hitters the fundamentals and that trying to copy the pros "style" (or use their exact equipment!) is a little cutie because they are such levels beyond us.

[@Rafa-kz3bz]

berrettinis backhand is a joke, considering that he trained it for 20 years, unforced error upon unforced error, that is why he always lost to big3, great serve, great forehand, but that backhand...

[@michaelvonhaven105]

It's easier to time a backhand with a shorter back swing.

[@scrobertson2]

Korda backhand >

[@tenniswithandy]

For Kyrgios, his backhand is fine for him and a quality shot. He can take the ball early and bunt it up the line for a winner. When he has more time, he takes a fuller swing. For amateurs like myself, I don’t have the timing of the pros. This sort of backhand works when I’m trying to be Uber aggressive on returns (high risk and high reward), but on routine groundies, it is hard to time the weight transfer to get any decent pace and spin on the ball. A fuller takeback or WTA takeback with the loop would be more beneficial for the majority of players.

[@alexeyovriakh2450]

Correction: BH takeback should not be far unless you are next-gen BH like Sinner

[@_headsheeran]

that kyrgios clip lmaoooooo

[@kevinle5460]

keep the GOATee 4ever !

[@Official.tadiwa]

Now that’s a lie NALBANDIAN HAS THE BEST BACKHAND OF ALL TIME. Roger and Rafa have also confirmed this. No one could break down rafas forehand like nalbandian did with his backhand and the ridiculous angles and variety of his backhand NO ONE not even Novak

[@mib910]

I think tall players can somehow get away with this shortcut technique

[@commonwealthedison2640]

Rick Macci disagrees with you. This is what he teaches.

[@FrozonRU]

sinner have best bachhend

[@mauricecatayan3406]

Agassi, Safin, Nalbandian: 3 great 2HBHs to study and emulate. Look no further.

[@jk-hj6ub]

👍👍👍

[@nick4yt]

What racquet is Nick using now?

[@tomisadone1145]

nalbandian's backhand > novak's

[@kanhaiya_cooks1044]

oney gang \

[@alnorris251]

I will be surprised if any recreational player actually try copying backhand of Kyrgios and Berrettini..

[@jhondoe6735]

Copy Osakas backhand

[@jeffpaxton9172]

Any 2 handed backhand is bad technique. It is an unorthodox stroke. Unless your a woman or a child, you should not be hitting it.

[@turntech4776]

Damn tell that to djocovic and Nadal I think they’d start winning some grand slams if they had that advice

[@jeffpaxton9172]

@@turntech4776 The pros start playing at a very young age and because they are not strong enough at that time, they use a 2 handed backhand. Some of them switch to a 1 hander when they get older and stronger and some dont. The 2 hander is supposed to be for people who lack upper body strength.

[@turntech4776]

@@jeffpaxton9172 well I imagine it depends, if I’m someone who wants to sit behind the baseline and play defensive I have no clue why I’d pick a one handed over a 2 handed. If I was more aggressive of course it’s up in the air

[@jeffpaxton9172]

@@bmanbusee3812 Have you ever played with a racquet that's too heavy for you like the Sampras Pro Staff 85? With the heavy racquet your arm gets tired quicker, you hit late and you lack racquet head speed. But, if you get stronger the heavier racquet is no longer a problem for you. A 27 inch frame for a 5 year old is too much for them so that's why they use 2 hands.

[@12GaugePadawan]

Roger Federer said that he would teach his kids the two handed backhand because it gave them more options. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@gomriria2197]

nick could it is for hitting the ball earlier?

[@LukeHader-kq5jr]

I struggled with my backhand for years when I first began tennis but I had an aha moment when I practiced generating power on my backhand by using a exercise band tied up to a door(stand perpendicular to the door). The starting point was the handle of the band at the full back swing as described per Djoko/Williams and my end was my contact point. Using a band in this way highlights how you have to use your legs, hips, and shoulders to create the power AND MOMENTUM in your swing. The shortened version of the swing aka Kyrgios is much more dependent on arm and chest strength. It can work, but not effectively for most people. (I can make a video if somebody wants to demo the exercise)