I see a lot of people trying the two-handed backhand dink. My slice is good but not very aggressive. I’m 4.0, and I'm 63 years old, and I like to drill.
- Gerry, CA
Gerry, you didn’t actually ask a question. However, because I like where your head is at, I’m going to assume you’re asking if you should try the two-handed backhand dink also. The short answer is probably not. There’s no harm in trying but don’t be surprised by the difficulty level being more than a little frustrating.
The two-handed backhand dink is popularized by certain demographics: Former tennis players that own a similar shot, young people, exceptionally agile people, and last but not least, the pickleball YouTube addict. Most of these people have a level of quickness that makes the dream of rolling two-handed backhand dinks a reality. The question you need to ask yourself is simple: Are you quick enough to make it a weapon? If not, then it will be a liability.
The single-handed backhand, by contrast, has a large comfort zone that allows a player to be further away from the contact point and still have good control of the shot. This is due to the reach advantage that one arm stretched out has over two, which in turn reduces the required footwork.
I’m happy to hear you like to drill, that will certainly be key if you choose to go down this double-handed road. If you do, make sure you're getting extra low, using predominantly an open stance, and use the minimum amount of grip pressure required to keep complete control of the paddle.
Many people who attempt the shot forget that it’s not a jack of trades. This shot is reserved for when you manage to make contact inside your stance, or at least close to. If and when the ball gets further wide of you, your standard single-handed backhand will need to be employed, or risk some monumental pop ups! Along the same lines, don’t forget about those lean-in volley dinks, those can apply pressure almost as well as an aggressive topspin dink.
Consider working on it as an attack off the bounce also. This is the complementary shot to the two-handed backhand dink and it needs to be incorporated to take full advantage of the added power of the left arm. Have you ever seen a pro hit a one-handed backhand attack off the bounce in the kitchen? I would wager no! With the advent of the “twoey” in full flight we now have a new realm of possibilities of combination attacks. I encourage you to try it out, regardless of whether or not you embrace the dink variety also.
Wishing you luck at the kitchen line,
Cheers…Morgan
