The two-handed backhand is often easier to learn at first than the one-hander. Its advantages over a one-hander include requiring less arm strength, allowing both quicker preparation and a slightly later point of contact, and providing easier topspin production. The two-handed backhand does have weaknesses, though: it's difficult on low balls, it's very awkward for slice, and it doesn't allow as much reach as a one-hander.
Assume a right-handed player.
Key points:
Lefty forehand: One of the main reasons for the ease of learning the two-handed
backhand is its similarity to a forehand. Thinking of it as a lefty forehand
with the right hand just helping out is often a key to learning the stroke or
to fixing a stroke that has gone astray.
Grip:
The most common grip combination for a two-hander is Eastern forehand for the
left hand and Continental for the right, but plenty of variations have proven
successful. Moving the left hand to a Semi-Western grip and/or the right hand
closer to an Eastern backhand grip usually facilitates heavier topspin. Feel
free to experiment, but keep in mind that you'll have to let go with your left
hand now and then to reach very wide or short balls, and having your right hand
in a reasonable position (Eastern backhand or Continental) to hit by itself
is an advantage.
Footwork:
Having two hands on the racquet requires more precise positioning than using
one hand, where you have more freedom to stretch if necessary. The great two-handers
typically take lots of small steps to fine-tune their positioning. Take a larger
final step toward the ball with your front foot to initiate your forward weight
transfer.
Stance:
The square stance, where you align your feet so that a line from the back foot
through the front foot runs parallel to the sideline, is easiest for most players,
especially when learning the stroke. A more open stance (facing the net) is
starting to show up among pro and other advanced players, and it may prove increasingly
popular as has the open-stance forehand. One advantage to a more open stance
is that it might feel freer to those players who find the classic stroking style
constricting.
Backswing:
Some players use a little loop on their two-handed backswing, but there's
very little argument for its necessity. Having two hands on the racquet makes
it easy and quick to get the racquet back in the proper position, and two arms
can usually generate plenty of power within a short swing path. Pull the racuquet
back and down, so that the tip is pointing at the back fence. Laying your wrists
back slightly should feel comfortable, and it will enhance your racquet-head
speed.
Foreward Swing:
The two-handed backhand can hit flat, but you'll usually want to create some
topspin, for which it's well suited. To create topspin, the low point of your
swing must be below where you'll meet the ball. A foot or so lower is usually
about right. Let your left arm execute more or less a forehand swing, with your
right providing stability and added power. Transfer your weight onto your front
foot just before you swing, but use both legs to push upward and forward as
you swing. Brush up the back of the ball, meeting it roughly as far forward
as your front foot. The two-handed backhand uses a significant amount of rotational
energy. While your feet shouldn't move during the swing, your upper body can
turn quite a bit, depending on your swing style.
Point of contact:
Meet the ball roughly even with your front hip.
Follow through: Appropriate follow-throughs on the two-hander vary from finishing
out in front, with the racquet's edge pointing toward the net, to finishing
with your hands over your right shoulder and your racquet behind your back.
The more you use rotational energy from your hips and torso, the farther around
your racquet will typically travel.