Learning how to play tennis is all about fundamentals. The backhand is the second most common shot in tennis and should be learned in tandem with the forehand. The process of hitting a backhand is the similar to the forehand stroke. This article will show how to hit a two hand backhand.

The two-handed backhand stroke is used for players who want more control and accuracy. Learning the backhand is more difficult than the forehand as the feel of the stroke is less natural than hitting a forehand. There are four basic elements when hitting a backhand; court movement, shoulder turn, strike and follow-through.

Knowing and being where the ball is before the ball hits your side of the court is important as being in the right spot at the right time will increase your chance of hitting an explosive backhand. Make sure that your feet are planted and a shoulder-width apart before the ball lands on your side of the net. Being passive and letting the ball come to you will result in a less powerful stroke.

Your shoulders should be turned and the racket should be pulled back above waist level. Both hands should be grabbing the racket and both shoulders should be turned perpendicular to the net. Having your shoulders turned before the ball comes is important because it will give you enough time to increase racket speed, this will ensure a clean strike and follow through.

Hit the ball hard. Don’t be afraid to swing through the ball as this is the only way you’ll feel where to strike the ball. When hitting the ball, strike low and follow through high. Your strike should be around waist level and your racket should still be above your wrists. Follow through the ball by lifting up on the racket and swinging across the body. Your racket should be across the opposite shoulder if you have swung through the ball correctly.

Following the steps outlined above will ensure that you hit your backhand with proper form. Practice makes perfect with any sport so start hitting backhands today and become the next Andre Agassi.