Master the Two-Handed Backhand Dink: How to Add Power, Spin, and Precision to Your Pickleball Game

Main Points

• The two-handed backhand dink gives players more topspin and offensive control at the kitchen line.
• Start by practicing with just your left hand to build proper feel and control.
• Keep your swing compact — shorter swings produce better pace and spin while keeping shots low.
• Drop your paddle tip toward the ground to get under the ball and disguise direction.
• Wait for the ball to “meet your paddle” rather than swinging early.
• Footwork should stay balanced and square to the net — beat the bounce and get set early.
• Commitment to each swing is crucial — hesitation causes mishits and loss of control.
• Practice progression: one-handed drills → two-handed dinks → speed-ups off the bounce.
• The two-hander improves disguise, spin, and recovery position compared to one-handed or runaround forehands.

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Summary

This video breaks down one of the most advanced yet effective shots in modern pickleball — the two-handed backhand dink. With the game evolving toward faster, more topspin-heavy play at the kitchen line, this technique gives players a way to stay on offense even in soft exchanges. The video explains how adding a two-hander helps generate natural topspin, creating more aggressive dinks that stay low and hard to read. Players who rely only on slice often find themselves stuck on defense, but the two-hander opens up new attacking possibilities from the non-volley zone.

To develop the shot, the training begins with just one hand on the paddle — specifically the left hand (for right-handed players). This drill isolates the dominant motion and builds the correct feel for brushing up on the ball. Once consistent, players add the right hand for support, keeping most of the power and spin coming from the left hand. Grip setup is also key: the right hand uses a continental (handshake) grip, while the left hand rests high on the handle with the index finger extended slightly on the paddle. The compact swing motion — almost like a windshield wiper — allows for a quick, controlled brush up on the ball rather than a long, looping follow-through.

Another critical lesson is paddle positioning. The paddle tip should drop down toward the ground before contact, helping players get under the ball for maximum topspin. Many players make the mistake of starting their swing too early or hitting the ball on the rise. The correct approach is to wait until the ball reaches its peak and then “let the ball meet the paddle.” This timing adjustment allows for more consistent, spin-heavy dinks that stay in the kitchen. Compact swings, proper paddle angle, and patience create deceptive and controlled shots that can quickly turn a defensive dink rally into an offensive opportunity.

Footwork and commitment also play major roles. Players are encouraged to stay square to the net, beat the bounce, and get set early before contact. Once the motion begins, it’s important not to “decommit” mid-swing — hesitation leads to errors. The video also transitions into using the two-handed backhand for speed-ups off the bounce, blending control and power seamlessly. With continued practice — starting one-handed, progressing to two-handed, and then integrating speed-ups — players can unlock a dynamic, disguised shot that’s become a weapon among top pros.

Overall, this tutorial highlights how the two-handed backhand dink is changing the pace and strategy of pickleball. It offers a balanced blend of offense, disguise, and consistency — a must-learn for players who want to dominate kitchen exchanges and outspin their opponents.

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