If you want to dominate the kitchen line in pickleball, you need a reliable counterattack. When an opponent speeds up the ball toward you, especially to your backhand side, it’s your moment to strike back with precision and power. One of the most effective ways to respond is with the two-handed backhand volley.
This shot allows you to counter aggressive plays with stability, control, and confidence. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to properly grip, position, and execute the two-handed backhand counterattack, along with strategic insights to help you become a serious threat at the net.
What Is a Two-Handed Backhand Counter Attack?
The two-handed backhand counterattack is a compact volley technique where you use both hands on the paddle to respond to a fast-paced shot. It’s particularly useful when opponents attack your non-dominant side with a speed-up. The purpose of this counter is to take their offensive shot and turn it against them—either by driving the ball back fast or redirecting it strategically.
It’s a tool that adds both consistency and aggression to your kitchen-line game.
The Right Grip for a Two-Handed Backhand
A proper grip is essential for generating power and maintaining control. Your dominant hand (typically the bottom hand) should be in a continental grip. You can find this grip by pretending to make a checkmark with your index finger and running it down the edge of the paddle. This will naturally position your hand correctly on the handle.
Your non-dominant hand (top hand) should use an eastern grip. You can achieve this by holding the paddle up vertically, placing your palm against the face of the paddle, and simply "slapping" your hand onto the handle. The fingers of both hands should be close, maybe even touching, but not overlapping.
