The Best Tennis Rackets for a Two-Handed Backhand of 2024

Published:

Read our review guidelines

The two-handed backhand grip became widely popular in the early ‘70s when major tennis stars of the time like Chris Ever, Born Bjorg, or Jimmy Corners used it to win one slam after another. Since then, players from all over the world have embraced this move and are constantly looking for the best tennis rackets for a two-handed backhand to deliver with success.

During the 2000s, this particular led it to become so widely popular that people seriously started to assume that it would replace the single-hander completely, which would change the game of tennis forever. This clearly did not happen because, as with other moves, the two-handed backhand has some great advantages but also some negative drawbacks that can affect the match’s outcome. 

Well, in this article, we will teach you all about the pros and cons and what are the best tennis rackets you can use for this move. If you are serious about the game and want to upgrade to advanced levels, it would be better to learn this because it can dramatically improve your performance. Still interested? Keep scrolling! 

  1. Best Overall: Head Speed Pro
  2. Runner Up: Head Gravity Pro
  3. Best Budget: Head Ti S6
  4. Best for Beginners: Babolat Pure Drive (2021)
  5. Best for Women: Wilson Clash 100

Best Tennis Rackets for a Two-Handed Backhand Reviewed

In the following list, you’ll find our selection of the best two-handed backhand tennis rackets at various price points and categories. 

Best Overall
The Best Tennis Rackets for a Two-Handed Backhand Options: Head Speed Pro
Photo: Amazon.com

Head Speed Pro is our top pick as the best two-handed tennis racket. The overall performance is simply impressive, and with a skilled player, this can easily turn into a dangerous weapon on the court. During the playtest, backhanded slices were a delight, especially when using both hands for the grip. The Head Speed Pro provides a rare blend of all the most important features; control and stability. It’s easy to hit all of the targets with high accuracy or push the ball deep into the opponent’s court to close off points as fast as possible. 

The racket features a middle size head that feels solid and has a generous sweet spot. It also comes with a decent amount of power that feels controllable, so you don’t have to worry about overhitting the ball or adding too much physical strength behind each shot. The brand-new technological updates have enhanced the racket’s response and touch making it feel much more lively and comfortable to play with. 

On the downside, it is not an easy-to-maneuver racket, which came as no surprise, considering the fact that even unstrung; it is quite heavy to begin with. We would recommend this racket for intermediate and advanced players who are more equipped to handle this racket’s potential. 

Product Specs

  • Head size: 100 sq. in / 645.16 sq. cm
  • Length: 27 in / 68.58 cm
  • Weight (unstrung): 10.9 oz / 310 grams

Pros

  • Stable and solid 
  • Controllable power 
  • Responsive 
  • Nice, plush feeling 

Cons

  • Not easy to maneuver 

See our review and playtest.

Get the Head Speed Pro 2022 at Head’s Official Site, on Amazon or at Do It Tennis.

Runner Up
The Best Tennis Rackets for a Two-Handed Backhand Options: Head Gravity Pro
Photo: Amazon.com

We decided to feature Head Gravity Pro in the runner-up category, which genuinely surprised us with its performance and playability. This racket is the latest update of the iconic Gravity Pro line and has had new technological enhancements and design improvements. The most noticeable feature is the high control that the racket is able to deliver, helping the player hit even the most ambitious targets or control the trajectory of the ball. 

When unstrung, it comes on a hefty weight of 11.1 ounces, which makes the frame feel solid and harder to push around. We could immediately set up a good rhythm and keep up with the pace, even when switching stance from the baseline to the net. While it works well all across the court, this Head tennis racket truly shined in its full potential during returns, where the two-handed backhand slices made everything much better. The racket feels very responsive but also comfortable, as it can absorb shock better. 

On the downside, it makes up for quite of a challenge when it comes to maneuvering, which is expected considering the weight. Another thing players should be aware of is the low power potential of the frame, so unless you can generate a lot of physical strength and have mastered some descend skills, maybe it’s better to look at other options on our list. 

Product Specs

  • Head size: 100 sq. in / 645.16 sq. cm
  • Length: 27 in / 68.58 cm
  • Weight (unstrung): 11.1 oz / 315 grams

Pros

  • Control 
  • Stability 
  • Responsive 
  • Comfort 

Cons

  • Low – powered 
  • Hard to maneuver 

Get the Head Gravity Pro at Head’s Official Site, on Amazon or at Do It Tennis.

Best Budget
The Best Tennis Rackets for a Two-Handed Backhand Options: Head Ti S6
Photo: Amazon.com

Head Ti S6 might be the perfect solution for those on a tight budget. This racket comes at a reasonable, affordable price for most players and combines a variety of important attributes on the court. It features an oversized head that is loaded with explosive power and a bigger length that provides extra leverage, making it simpler to reach for low, difficult angles.

This racket works especially well on the baseline for the groundstrokes and serves. Two-handed backhand slices were a delight with this racket, which helped hit targets more easily and add some variety to the game. This Head racket is perfect for fresh beginners that are just aiming for a learning experience and want to master their basic techniques. The frame is comfortable for the arm, very well-balanced, and lightweight, which makes it incredibly easy to maneuver. 

The huge sweet spot is a great bonus, especially during serves and rallies. On the downside, however, the racket is noticeably lacking control and stability, which can seriously impact the performance of an advanced player. 

Product Specs

  • Head size: 115 sq. in / 742 sq. cm
  • Length: 27.75 in / 70 cm
  • Weight (unstrung): 8 oz / 226 grams

Pros

  • Very comfortable 
  • Loaded with power 
  • Nice sweet spot
  • Well balanced 

Cons

  • Lacks control and stability 
  • Not well suited for advanced players 

See our review and playtest.

Get the Head Ti S6 on Amazon or at Do It Tennis.

Best for Beginners
The Best Tennis Rackets for a Two-Handed Backhand Options: Babolat Pure Drive (2021)
Photo: Amazon.com

Babolat Pure Drive (2021) is the best double-handed backhand racket for beginners. This racket provides a great learning experience for those who are serious about the game. It features a rather big head size that is loaded with a great amount of power and has a nice sweet spot. Even when unstrung, the racket weighs around 10.6 ounces, which is not challenging enough for the players to improve their skill sets and techniques constantly. 

Tapping into the incredibly high levels of powers is easy, which can transform the Babolat Pure Drive into a serious weapon on the court. Additionally, it delivers crazy speed and a great deal of spin potential, which makes it perfect for big servers. The brand has used new technology to enhance the feeling and make the frame rigid. As a result, the racket also does a great job of transferring energy, adding a layer of comfort to the performance. 

However, the frame is quite stiff, which we weren’t expecting, considering the technicalities and the fact that it is made for beginners and intermediate players. While it can be a great racket, you better be sure that you are up for the challenge when picking this one. 

Product Specs

  • Head size: 100 sq. in / 645.16 sq. cm
  • Length: 27 in / 68.58 cm
  • Weight (unstrung): 10.6 oz / 300 grams

Pros

  • High levels of power 
  • Great spin potential 
  • Rigid frame 
  • Enhanced touch

Cons

  • Features a stiff frame for beginners 

See our review and playtest.

Get the Babolat Pure Drive (2021) on Amazon or at Do It Tennis.

Best for Women
The Best Tennis Rackets for a Two-Handed Backhand Options: Wilson Clash 100
Photo: Amazon.com

For women players, we strongly recommend the Wilson Clash 100 tennis racket. While there is no such thing as a gender-specific racket, this will help you bring the best of your abilities in court. Clash 100 features a generous head size and comes on a light weight of 10.4 oz, or 295 grams. The racket is loaded with a great deal of power, helping the player hit big without spending much physical energy. 

The lower weight and flexible frame make it very easy to maneuver or quickly switch grips, which is perfect for those with a lower muscle mass. This racket has a very lively response when it comes in contact with the ball, making it easier to dictate the shots in whichever position on the court. It can generate effortless spin, which really comes in handy during backhanded slices. 

The frame is very well-balanced and can dampen harsh vibrations, making it quite comfortable for the arm. While it can deliver some descent control levels, there were definitely times when the performance could become a little erratic, leaving the player craving for some extra weight and added stability. For this reason, this Wilson racket suits beginners and intermediate players better but is not a good fit for highly advanced ones. 

Product Specs

  • Head size: 100 sq. in / 645.16 sq. cm
  • Length: 27 in / 68.58 cm
  • Weight (unstrung): 10.4 oz / 295 grams 

Pros

  • Flexible frame 
  • Loaded with power and spin 
  • Comfortable for the arm 
  • Easy to maneuver 

Cons

  • It can use a little more stability 
  • Not suitable for highly advanced players 

See our review and playtest.

Get the Wilson Clash 100 at Wilson’s Official Site, on Amazon or Do It Tennis.

Benefits of the Two-Handed Backhand

From Rafael Nadal to Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, many players use the two-handed backhand grip, even when performing at the highest levels. There are many reasons why some of the biggest stars on the planet would choose this one and why you probably should consider it too. Let’s take a look; 

  • Easier for beginners. Usually, coaches teach the grip for a two-handed backhand shot to newcomers first because it is easier to master and more comfortable. 
  • Stability. The extra hand, when holding the grip for a two-handed backhand shot, adds more stability, and it makes it easier for the player to stay consistent. 
  • High accuracy. Players who use the two-handed backhand shot tend to be much more accurate with hitting all the targets or pushing the ball deep into the opponent’s courts. This is also a result of the added stability that comes with this type of grip. 
  • Keeping pace. The extra stability and accuracy on the court make it much easier for the player to establish a good rhythm and keep up with the pace of the shots throughout the match. 
  • More power. It’s no secret that when players use even their non-dominant hand to hold the tennis racket, they will be able to generate more physical power for the shots. This adds to the speed, agility, and accuracy of the shot. 
  • Time for preparation. It doesn’t matter in what stance you keep the feet. Whether it is perpendicular to the net, parallel, or in between, you can always take a shot using the two-handed backhand grip. It might seem like only a few seconds, but not having to worry about getting into position is a huge advantage, which you can use to buy off some time and focus on hitting the ball right. 
  • Higher balls. With a two-handed backhand, it’s much, much easier to keep the ball above the shoulder length and hit higher balls than it is with one-handed shots. 
  • Return of serves. This grip helps players be aggressive with their returns and react faster since it provides more power and gives them more time the response. 
two handed backhand grip tennis racket Mario

Drawbacks of the Two-Handed Backhand

If you opt out of a two-handed backhand, it’s important to be aware of some major drawbacks because, just like with everything else in this game, some sacrifices are required. Here’s what you’ll be missing out on; 

  • Lack of leverage. To put it in simple words, using a two-handed backhand means that you have to deal with a significantly reduced reach of the ball. 
  • Less reach for difficult angles. Your mobility will be more limited when reaching for difficult or challenging angles on the court since both of your hands are holding the racket. 
  • Requires more energy. When using both hands for the shots, it also means that more muscles of the body are engaged, and more energy is spent. After a while, this might leave the player feeling tired or sore. 

How We Chose the Best Tennis Rackets for a Two-Handed Backhand

We relied on our expertise and the well-established review process to pick up the best tennis rackets for a two-handed backhand. It took us months to deep-search the market and shortlist the rackets that had the best players’ feedback and satisfaction. After that, we bought and tested all of them ourselves so that we could give our readers honest and precise opinions on them. 

We based our selection on a few important factors which can improve the perfomance of two-handed backhand slices. In other words, we prioritized control, stability, accuracy, speed, pace, comfort, and leverage; only those rackets that excelled in all or at least most of these features made it on our final list. 

Our Verdict 

Our top pick in this list is Head Speed Pro. This racket is simply great when it comes to two-handed backhand slices, and it can deliver a fantastic perfomance on the court. It combines some great qualities such as control, stability, and some descend power. 

Another favorite of ours is Head Gravity Pro, which came very close to rating at the top of the list. This racket delivers everything a player can ask for; responsiveness, control, stability, enhanced feeling, and comfort, making two-handed backhand shots effortless. 

FAQs

This guide offers a comprehensive examination of various elements you need to ponder when selecting the ideal tennis racket for your two-handed backhand strokes. Despite this, you might still have some inquiries about utilizing such rackets. Following are responses to some of the most commonly posed questions.

Q: Do pros use a two handed backhand?

Yes, pros do use a two handed backhand. In fact, it is becoming increasingly common among professionals. Many current and former top players have used the two handed backhand throughout their careers to great success, such as Andre Agassi who won eight Grand Slams during his career featuring this style of play. Novak Djokovic has also adopted a double-handed shot from both sides of the court and has seen tremendous improvement in his game since he began using it more consistently in 2007–2008.
Two other prominent tour players with notable two-handed backhands are Marat Safin and David Nalbandian – both relying upon this stroke to reach the heights of professional tennis at one point or another during their respective careers. 

Q: Is the two handed backhand more powerful?

When it comes to power, the two handed backhand definitely has an advantage over the one handed backhand. This is because having a second hand on the racket means you can achieve that power much more easily using the extra support. You can use both hands to generate more force, which helps to propel your shots at much higher speeds than with just one hand alone. 

The two-handed backhand technique also promotes better mechanics in your stroke, which leads to better control and accuracy; this is especially true when hitting topspin or slice shots. Furthermore, since you are able to hit balls harder with two hands instead of one, you are likely going to be less fatigued after playing for long periods of time as well. 

Q: How can I improve my two handed backhand in tennis?

The correct grip for a two-handed backhand is the Eastern grip. This grip involves placing your dominant hand at the bottom of the handle and positioning your non-dominant hand higher up on the handle near the throat of the racket. Placing your hands close together allows for improved control and accuracy when hitting balls with topspin or aiming for precise angles. To obtain maximum power, make sure that both hands are firmly gripping towards each other instead of having them separated too far apart. 

When you have obtained this grip, make sure to keep your elbows parallel in order to maintain proper swing form and technique. It’s important not to overswing as this will lead to an inconsistent ball placement; instead focus on keeping a smooth rhythm with short strokes throughout all stages of execution from preparation to follow-through. 

Q: Is a 2 handed backhand better?

A two-handed backhand is an excellent choice for many players because it can be much simpler to learn and it allows a player to progress their game rapidly. By using both hands, the stroke is easier to control, which enables a more consistent hit that can help your accuracy when playing against opponents. Having both hands on the racket provides greater power and spin on shots than with just one hand. 

Using two hands also gives you better balance when executing your backhand shot which helps reduce the chance of errors due to over-hitting or misjudging angles. Additionally, because you use both shoulders in tandem, there is less fatigue during long rallies as opposed to if only one arm was used exclusively throughout the session. As such, practicing this stroke not only builds confidence but also endurance as well. 
Making the decision whether or not a two-handed backhand will work best for you depends largely upon personal preference and comfort level with technique execution based on prior experience levels with other strokes such as forehands or serves. However, more often than not; our experience has found that learning and mastering a two hand backhand leads to accelerated development of overall tennis skills compared to traditional single handed alternative shots.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

As you found this post useful...

Share it with your friends and family.

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

I am Mario, a tennis player passionate about encouraging others to join the sport.

Here at TennisRacketBall, we strive to set ourselves apart from other review sites by making an effort to purchase and test the products whenever possible. We do not allow ourselves to be bribed! We are 100% honest with our reviews even when manufacturers do not like it.

Disclosure: TennisRacketBall.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.