How to Hit a Two Handed Backhand Like Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic owns arguably the best two handed backhand the game has ever seen. It is a shot built on balance, a clean turn, and hands that stay relaxed until the last instant. The good news is that the fundamentals behind it are teachable. Below you will learn the grips, the unit turn, the contact point, and the drills that build a two handed backhand like Djokovic, plus a training tool that adds real racket head speed.
What makes Djokovic's two handed backhand so good?
Three things stand out. First, his preparation is early and complete. He turns his shoulders and hips as a single unit the moment he reads the ball, so the racket is back before the ball bounces. Second, his balance is perfect. He steps into the shot with a stable base and stays centered through contact, which is why he can hit on the run and still control the ball. Third, his hands are quiet and relaxed until the final snap, letting the racket head accelerate through the ball rather than muscling it.
Think of the two handed backhand as a left handed forehand for a right handed player. Your non dominant hand, the left for a righty, does most of the driving. That is why players who struggle often have too much of the bottom hand fighting the top hand. Let the top hand lead the racket through and the shot smooths out immediately.
Footwork is the hidden half of the shot. Djokovic almost always sets his feet early and hits from a balanced base, whether he uses a neutral stance stepping into the ball or an open stance when he is pushed wide. He also recovers fast, splitting back to the middle so he is ready for the next ball. If your backhand breaks down under pressure, the cause is usually your feet arriving late, not your hands. Work on reading the ball early, taking small adjustment steps, and planting before you swing, and your contact point will clean up on its own.
Which grips should you use for a two hander?
Grips are where most two handed backhands are won or lost. The standard setup pairs a continental grip on the bottom hand with a semi western or eastern grip on the top hand. This lets you brush up the back of the ball for topspin while keeping the racket face stable. Here is a simple reference for a right handed player.
| Hand | Grip | Job |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom hand (right) | Continental | Stabilize the racket face and guide the path |
| Top hand (left) | Eastern to semi western | Drive the racket and create topspin |
| Hand spacing | Hands together, no gap | Keep the wrists connected and strong |
| Pressure | Light until contact | Let the racket head accelerate freely |
Keep your hands touching with no gap between them. A gap splits the power of the two hands and makes the shot feel weak and disconnected.
How do you add power and racket head speed?
Power on the backhand does not come from swinging harder. It comes from a relaxed, fast racket head and strong hands and wrists that can hold the racket stable through a heavy ball. That is where targeted grip and hand speed training pays off. Training with light weight on your hands builds the forearm strength and wrist stability that let you accelerate the racket without losing control, then your normal racket feels quick and effortless.
S.W.A.G. Adjustable Weighted Gloves
Adjustable finger and hand weights that build grip strength, wrist stability, and hand speed, so you can drive the racket through your two hander with more control.
Which drills groove a Djokovic style backhand?
Build the shot in layers. Start slow to lock in the shape, then add speed and movement. Run these in order in every practice.
Backhand questions players ask
Should I hit a one handed or two handed backhand?
For most players, the two hander is easier to control, especially on high balls and return of serve. It is the shot Djokovic, and most of the tour, relies on.
Where should I make contact?
Out in front of your front hip with your arms extended but not locked. Late contact next to your body is the most common cause of weak backhands.
Why does my backhand feel weak?
Usually the bottom hand is overpowering the top hand, or there is a gap between your hands. Let the top hand lead and keep your hands together.
How do I add topspin?
Start the racket below the ball and brush up the back of it with the top hand, finishing high over your shoulder. Low to high is the key.
How do I build strength for a heavier ball?
Train grip, wrist, and forearm strength off the court so you can hold the racket stable and accelerate through contact without spraying the ball.
Build a backhand that holds up under pressure
Add grip strength, wrist stability, and racket head speed with the right training tool.
Tags: Tennis, Two Handed Backhand, Novak Djokovic, Racket Head Speed, Backhand, Tennis Training
