The padel backhand can be hit one-handed or two-handed. One-handed backhand is more common and offers better reach for wall rebounds. Two-handed gives more stability and power but less reach. Both use the continental or eastern backhand grip. Technique emphasises a controlled, compact swing with weight transfer.
One-handed vs two-handed
Most padel players use a one-handed backhand. It suits the game's emphasis on reach - wall rebounds often require stretching for balls at awkward angles, and one-handed gives more extension.
Two-handed backhands exist, particularly among players with tennis backgrounds. They offer more stability on hard-hit balls and better power on flat drives. The tradeoff is shorter reach and harder adjustment on wall play.
| Aspect | One-handed | Two-handed |
|---|---|---|
| Reach | Better | Limited |
| Power on flat drives | Good | Better |
| Wall rebound defence | Easier | Awkward |
| Slice | Natural | Harder |
| Stability on hard returns | Weaker | Stronger |
For most players, one-handed is the right choice. Switch to two-handed only if you come from tennis with a strong two-handed backhand already grooved and reach isn't a concern.
Grip for the backhand
The standard backhand grip for one-handed play is the continental grip - the same grip used for serving and volleying. This allows you to switch between forehand and backhand without changing hands or significantly adjusting.
Some players use an eastern backhand grip for dedicated backhand shots, which gives slightly more power but requires a grip switch. For efficient play in padel, the continental is usually best.
Core backhand technique
Stance and preparation
- Turn your shoulders sideways to the target - this is the key prep move
- Step across with your non-dominant foot to get positioned for the hit
- Racket back to about shoulder height, head slightly above the incoming ball
- Keep your non-dominant hand lightly supporting the racket throat during prep
Contact
- Contact point out in front of your body, at about hip-to-chest height
- Weight transfers from back foot to front foot through the shot
- Firm wrist - don't flick
- Racket face slightly closed at contact for drives, slightly open for slice
Follow-through
Extended follow-through across your body for drives. For slice, the follow-through is more downward and shorter. Keep your head still through contact - looking up too early is a common cause of mishits.
The slice backhand
A sliced backhand uses underspin instead of flat pace. The one-handed player's best-kept weapon. Brush down and through the ball with a slightly open face.
Slice backhands:
- Stay lower after bouncing, making them hard to attack
- Give you time to recover position
- Handle awkward shoulder-height balls that are hard to drive
- Generate defensive variety that keeps opponents off balance
Every one-handed backhand player should develop a solid slice as an alternative to driving. At intermediate level, the slice backhand often becomes the go-to shot for safe returns and defensive resets.
Backhand off the glass
Many balls coming off the back glass or side wall require a backhand. The one-handed grip advantage really shows here - you can reach further and adjust to awkward angles.
Key technique for wall backhands:
- Position early - move to the expected rebound point as soon as you see the incoming ball
- Low to the ground - wall rebounds are often low, so bend your knees
- Short, controlled swing - you don't need power on wall balls, you need placement
- Aim deep or hit a lob rather than attempting aggressive drives from the back glass
See our off-the-glass guide for full wall-reading technique.
Common backhand mistakes
- Running around the backhand. Tempting but unsustainable - eventually opponents will exploit your gap. Develop the backhand rather than avoiding it.
- Breaking the wrist. Flicking at the ball destroys consistency. Keep the wrist firm.
- Late contact. Backhand contact should be well in front of your body. Late backhands end up weak and short.
- No shoulder turn. Players who try to backhand with just their arm get no power and no consistency. Turn your shoulders.
- Wrong grip. Using a forehand grip on the backhand leads to constant mishits and lack of control.
Backhand drills
- Shadow swings: practice the backhand motion without a ball, 50 repetitions per session, focusing on shoulder turn and weight transfer
- Cross-court rally: rally backhand-to-backhand with a partner for extended periods to groove consistency
- Backhand-only games: play practice games where you can only hit backhands - forces you to stop running around the shot
- Wall feeds: have a partner feed balls into your back glass so you practice backhand wall returns
- Slice-and-drive alternating: alternate slice and drive backhands every other shot to build both feels