Two-Handed vs One-Handed Backhand in Pickleball: Which Is Better?

The backhand is where a lot of pickleball points are won and lost — and one of the first questions players ask is whether to hit it with one hand or two. The honest answer: both work, and the best players use each at different times. Here’s how to decide what’s right for you.

One-handed vs two-handed: the quick answer

There’s no single “correct” backhand. A one-handed backhand gives you more reach and a softer touch — ideal for dinks and resets at the kitchen. A two-handed backhand gives you more power, stability, and easier topspin — ideal for drives and returns. Most well-rounded players end up using both, depending on the shot. So the real question isn’t “which is better,” it’s “which do I need, and when?”

The one-handed backhand: pros and cons

Pros:

• Reach — you can extend much farther for wide balls.
• Soft touch — far better for dinks, drops, and resets at the kitchen line, where most backhands actually happen.
• Quicker in fast hands battles — one hand resets faster than two.

Cons: less power and less stability on drives, and it can feel weak under pace if your wrist and grip aren’t solid.

The two-handed backhand in pickleball: pros and cons

Pros:

• Power and stability — the second hand adds force and keeps the paddle steady against pace.
• Easier topspin — great for backhand drives and rolls.
• More forgiving for many players — the extra hand makes a clean, controlled swing easier to repeat.

Cons: noticeably less reach (you can’t stretch as far), and it’s a touch slower to deploy in rapid exchanges.

Which backhand should you use?

A few honest guidelines:

• Coming from tennis with a two-handed backhand? Keep it — your drive will be a weapon. Just develop a one-handed dink for the kitchen.
• New to racket sports? A two-handed backhand is often easier to control and build confidence with early.
• Struggling with weak, floaty backhand dinks? Work the one-handed version — touch and reach live there.
• Struggling with backhand drives sailing or lacking pop? A two-handed drive will add stability.

You don’t have to pick just one

Here’s what most 4.0+ players actually do: one hand for dinks, resets, and wide balls; two hands for drives and returns. Your hand naturally comes off the paddle for soft, reaching shots and goes back on for power. You don’t have to choose a side forever — building both gives you the most complete backhand.

How to hit a clean backhand (either style)

• Prepare early — turn your shoulders and get the paddle back before the ball arrives.
• Contact out in front, not beside or behind you.
• Stay low and let your legs drive up through the ball.
• Loose grip for touch shots (dinks, resets), firmer for drives.

Common backhand mistakes

• Late preparation — the backhand needs an earlier turn than the forehand. Prep sooner.
• All arm, no body — drive with your legs and rotation, not just the wrist.
• Death-gripping dinks — soft backhand dinks need a relaxed hand.
• Avoiding it entirely — running around your backhand leaves the court open. Build it instead.

Frequently asked questions

Is a two-handed backhand better in pickleball?

Not universally. A two-handed backhand gives more power and stability for drives, while a one-handed backhand gives more reach and a softer touch for dinks and resets. Many players use both.

Do pros use one or two hands on the backhand?

Both. Many top players use a two-handed backhand for drives and a one-handed backhand for dinks, resets, and wide balls, switching based on the shot.

Which backhand is easier for beginners?

Many beginners find a two-handed backhand easier to control and keep stable. Players coming from tennis often keep whatever backhand they already have.

Can you use both backhands in pickleball?

Yes, and most well-rounded players do: one hand for dinks, resets, and reaching balls, two hands for drives and returns. Your second hand comes on and off as needed.

How do I fix a weak backhand in pickleball?

Prepare earlier, contact the ball out in front, drive with your legs instead of just your arm, and use a loose grip for soft shots. Drill it rather than running around it.

Build a backhand you trust

The fastest fix for a shaky backhand is a few reps with someone watching your prep and contact. I run private lessons and clinics here in Central Mass. A control-friendly paddle helps too — take the Paddle Finder quiz, then find a court in our New England directory to drill.