David Nalbandian has all the ingredients for a great two-handed backhand.

A few years ago at the U.S. Open I saw David Nalbandian play for the first time. He was about to turn pro and I was extremely impressed with how smoothly and easily he executed his strokes, especially his backhand. Whenever I teach students how to hit the two-handed backhand, I encourage them to watch Nalbandian at work. His balance, posture, and effortless power are exemplary. When you look at his stroke, pay particular attention to his extension (Picture 4)—it’s as good as it gets.

1. Nalbandian brings his racquet back fairly high with a straight right arm. Preparing the racquet at this level is not for everyone because you have to drop it quickly to get it below the ball. It looks like Nalbandian is holding his racquet with a Continental grip in his right hand and a Western grip in his left, which I really like. His stance is square to the net, and he’s nicely balanced, ready to step forward with his right foot. His head is up (it’s important not to drop it) and his eyes are focused on the ball.

2. The ball comes into view as Nalbandian drops his arms and racquet. What he does particularly well here is keep his arms straight rather than break his wrists to lower the racquet. That prevents his backhand from becoming too “wristy.” Nalbandian has started to shift his weight to his right leg so he can get forward momentum into the shot. His feet are still fairly close together and his knees have a nice bend in them. This is an excellent setup for Nalbandian to hit the daylights out of the ball.

3. At contact the ball seems a little bit high in his strike zone, but Nalbandian still nails it. His racquet face looks slightly closed, but this is a fraction after impact—it was perfectly level when he struck the ball. Since well beneath the ball, there will be plenty of topspin on it. Nalbandian’s right knee is completely straight, something I don’t usually tolerate, because I’d prefer some flex. But some players feel they can get more topspin this way.

4. The thing you should take away from this frame is that when Nalbandian has driven through the ball, his left arm has come through fully extended as if he has just hit a lefty forehand. You won’t find a better example of a player driving through the ball on a two-handed backhand. In fact, everything looks solid. His wrist isn’t floppy, his balance is steady, his weight has shifted forward, the upper body and head are nicely composed, and his lower body continues to open as his left leg comes around.

5. Once the left foot plants on the court, Nalbandian will be ready to move back into position toward the center. Many club players have trouble opening up the hips and shoulders like this on the two-handed backhand and end up with their weight on the back foot. Do what Nalbandian does—this is textbook stuff.

Article by Robert Lansdorp, Photos by Tommy Hindly – Tennis.com