Photo Lesson: The Basic Two-Handed Backhand

The simplicity and compactness of the backswing for a basic two-handed backhand contribute greatly to the ease of learning the stroke. You needn't complicate the backswing as you get better: Most of the pros use a simple, compact backswing, too. You'll see a few use a more looping backswing.

As you bring the racquet back, turn sideways and prepare to step forward.