Tennis backhand technique for kids is the difference between a young player who looks comfortable on court and one who runs around every shot to hit forehands. The backhand is the second-most-hit shot in tennis, and weak backhands get exploited fast as kids climb the competitive ladder. The good news: a sound backhand is teachable from age 6 onward, and the techniques below work for both one-handed and two-handed grips, indoor and outdoor courts, and rec through tournament players.
Two-Handed vs. One-Handed: Choosing the Right Grip
For most kids under 12, the two-handed backhand is the right choice. It provides more stability, more power, and is much easier on developing wrists and elbows. The non-dominant hand drives the swing while the dominant hand guides and stabilizes. Think of it as a left-handed forehand for right-handed players (and vice versa).
The one-handed backhand is more elegant but harder to control and tougher on young bodies. According to the USTA, two-handed backhands are recommended for the vast majority of junior players because they reduce stress on the elbow and shoulder joints.
Don’t switch grips mid-development. If a child starts with two-handed, stick with it through middle school at minimum.
The Continental-Eastern Grip Combination
For a two-handed backhand, the dominant hand uses a continental grip while the non-dominant hand uses an eastern forehand grip. To find continental, place the racket on edge and shake hands with it. To find the non-dominant eastern, hold the racket vertically and place the palm flat against the strings, then slide the hand down to the grip.
Practicing the grip transition from forehand to backhand is its own drill. Have kids stand at the baseline and switch grips on a coach’s call, going from forehand-ready to backhand-ready. Do 20 reps before every practice. For more on building the foundational coordination tennis demands, see our tennis drills for beginners.
A loose grip pressure (4 out of 10) lets the wrists work properly. Tense grips kill backhand power.
The Unit Turn and Early Preparation
The single biggest backhand fix for kids: turn the shoulders early. Most beginners wait too long, then have to rush the swing. Teach kids to turn their non-dominant shoulder toward the net the moment they recognize a backhand is coming — usually as the ball crosses the net.
Drill it: have a coach feed slow balls to the backhand side and call out “turn!” as the ball crosses the net. The player must turn the shoulders before the ball bounces. Run 30 reps per practice.
Early preparation gives kids time to set their feet and swing under control. Late preparation means flailing arms and weak contact. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends technique-focused practice for young athletes to prevent the overuse injuries common in repetitive sports like tennis.
Contact Point and Follow-Through
The contact point on a backhand is in front of the body, around hip height. Kids who let the ball get behind them produce weak, off-balance shots. Use cones to mark the ideal contact zone and have kids practice swinging at imaginary balls in that exact spot.
The follow-through finishes high, with the racket finishing over the non-dominant shoulder for a two-handed backhand. A short, choppy follow-through limits power and topspin. Tell kids to “finish high and hold the pose” for a count of one after every shot.
Drill it: 20 backhands hit with a coach saying “freeze!” right after contact. The kid checks their finish. Bad finish = redo the shot mentally. Repetition with feedback builds the right pattern fast.
Practice Routine for Backhand Improvement
A kid who hits 100 backhands a day, four days a week, will transform their game in a single season. Start with mini-tennis at the service line — soft, controlled exchanges that groove the swing pattern. Progress to baseline rallies focused only on backhand exchanges.
The biggest improvement driver is hitting backhands on purpose, not by accident. Set a rule in practice: every other ball must go to the backhand side. This forces players to stop running around the shot and develop real two-wing competence.
Pair this work with general athletic development like our speed and agility drills for young athletes to build the footwork that lets kids get into proper position for every backhand.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can kids start learning a backhand?
Most kids can begin basic backhand work around age 6 with a smaller racket and foam balls. Real two-handed mechanics start around age 8.
Should my child use a one-handed or two-handed backhand?
For nearly all juniors under 12, two-handed is the better choice. It’s easier on developing joints and produces more consistent shots.
How can I help my child stop running around backhands?
Make a rule in practice: every other ball must go to the backhand. Repetition builds confidence faster than avoidance.
What’s the most common backhand mistake for kids?
Late preparation. They wait too long to turn their shoulders, then rush the swing. Early turn fixes 80% of bad backhands.
How long should a backhand practice session be?
Aim for 20-30 minutes of focused backhand work per session, 3-4 times per week. Quality over quantity always.