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Hey PICKLEBACKCLUB,

Some pickleball debates never really go away: third-shot drop or drive, power or patience, middle ball yours or mine?

And then there’s the backhand.

For some players, one hand feels natural and versatile. For others, two hands instantly provide more control and confidence. And increasingly, players are realizing the best answer might not be choosing one at all.

This week, we’re breaking down the one-handed vs. two-handed backhand—where each shines, where each can let you down, and how to figure out which one belongs in your game.

One Hand or Two? Choosing the Right Backhand for Your Game

The backhand is one of the most important shots in pickleball—and one of the shots players often feel least comfortable hitting.

Unlike the forehand, the backhand can feel less natural, especially when you’re dealing with a hard drive, a ball at your feet, or a quick exchange at the kitchen. That’s why many players eventually find themselves asking the same question:

Should I use a one-handed or two-handed backhand?

The answer isn’t quite as simple as saying one is better than the other. Both techniques have advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice often depends on your playing style, strength, mobility, and the type of shots you want to develop.

Let’s break down both options.

The One-Handed Backhand

The one-handed backhand is less common in modern pickleball, but that doesn’t mean it’s ineffective. When executed properly, it can be a very versatile shot.

The Pros

More reach.

One of the biggest advantages of a one-handed backhand is reach. With your non-dominant hand off the paddle, you can extend your paddle farther away from your body. This can be particularly useful when you’re stretched wide or trying to reach a ball that would otherwise be difficult to get to.

Excellent for slice.

The one-handed backhand can be especially effective for hitting slice. A well-executed backhand slice can keep the ball low, change the pace of a rally, and make your opponent hit upward.

Slice can also be useful when you’re trying to reset a point or buy yourself time to get back into position.

Greater freedom and versatility.

Because you have only one hand on the paddle, you can move the paddle through a larger range of motion. This can make certain shots—especially defensive reaches, lobs, and angled balls—more accessible.

Potentially easier transitions.

For players who already have a strong one-handed backhand from tennis or another racket sport, the motion may feel natural. Rather than learning an entirely new technique, they can adapt an existing skill to pickleball.

The Cons

Less stability.

The biggest drawback is stability. With only one hand controlling the paddle, it can be harder to absorb pace from a hard drive. This becomes particularly noticeable during fast exchanges at the kitchen.

More difficult to generate easy power.

A one-handed backhand generally requires more precise timing and technique to generate power. You can certainly hit hard with one hand, but you may have to work harder to produce the same stability and pace that comes more naturally with two hands.

Can be challenging under pressure.

When you’re rushed, your technique can break down more easily. A fast ball to your backhand side can force you to reach, causing the paddle face to open or close and sending the ball into the net or out of bounds.

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The Two-Handed Backhand

The two-handed backhand has become extremely popular because it provides stability, control, and easy access to power.

The Pros

More stability and control.

Having both hands on the paddle gives you additional support. This makes it easier to control the paddle face, especially when returning hard shots.

That stability is a major advantage in pickleball, where reaction time can be extremely short.

Easier power generation.

The two-handed backhand allows you to use your torso and both arms more effectively. Instead of relying heavily on the dominant arm, you can rotate your body and use the non-dominant hand to help drive the paddle forward.

This makes the two-handed backhand an excellent option for drives and aggressive returns.

Great for attacking.

If you like to attack from the baseline or hit aggressive backhand drives, the two-handed backhand can be extremely effective. The additional stability allows you to swing aggressively without sacrificing as much control.

Excellent for fast kitchen exchanges.

At the kitchen, you don’t always have time for a full swing. The two-handed backhand can act almost like a shield, allowing you to block, counter, and redirect hard shots quickly.

The Cons

Less reach.

Putting both hands on the paddle naturally limits your reach. When a ball is pulled wide, you may have to move your feet more quickly because your paddle cannot extend as far from your body.

Can feel restrictive.

Some players find that having both hands on the paddle limits their ability to maneuver the paddle freely. This can become noticeable when attempting certain defensive shots, lobs, or extreme angles.

Requires good hand positioning.

The two-handed backhand can become awkward if your hands are too close together or positioned incorrectly. Your non-dominant hand should play an active role rather than simply sitting on the paddle as an extra grip.

So, Which One Should You Use?

For most recreational players, the two-handed backhand is probably the easier option to develop, particularly if your goal is consistency, stability, and attacking ability.

But that doesn’t mean you should automatically abandon the one-handed backhand.

A player with a strong one-handed backhand can develop an extremely effective game by using reach, slice, placement, and variation to create problems for opponents.

And here’s an important point: you don’t necessarily have to choose just one.

Some players can benefit from using both techniques depending on the situation. You might use two hands for a hard return or kitchen counter, then transition to one hand when reaching for a wide ball or hitting a defensive slice.

The key is knowing what each shot gives you.

PICKLEBACKCLUB Tip of the Week

Instead of asking, “Which backhand is better?” ask yourself:

“Which backhand gives me the most reliable shot in the situations I face?”

Try both during your next session. Hit returns, drives, blocks, resets, and defensive shots with each technique.

Pay attention to three things: control, consistency, and comfort.

The best backhand isn't necessarily the one that looks the best or hits the hardest. It's the one you can trust when the score is tight, your opponent is attacking, and you have very little time to react.

Whether you choose one hand, two hands, or a combination of both, the goal is the same:

Build a backhand you can count on when it matters most.

Your backhand doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. It just needs to work for you.

Experiment with both styles, notice which shots feel more dependable, and don’t be afraid to build a backhand that changes depending on the situation. A little versatility can go a long way when the pace picks up and there’s no time to think.

Until next week, keep playing, keep experimenting, and keep building a game you can trust.

Dill-lightfully,

Your PICKLEBACKCLUB Team

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