Standard Two Handed Backhand Grip
Grips used for each of these can vary, but here are examples. The most common one is the continental grip combined with an eastern forehand grip. The dominant side generally holds a continental while the opposite side uses an actual forehand grip, usually eastern. This method allows flexibility in the finish, offering greater wrist mobility and the option of moving to a one handed backhand for a hard to reach ball. The continental also sets up the possibility of a slice backhand for high balls or very wide ones. (Continental=serve grip, grab the handle as if you would use the edge of the frame for the head of a hammer.)
There are a number of reasons to learn a two-handed backhand. Foremost for younger players is the lack of strength many have for holding the racket for a one handed backhand. Adults learn with this for similar reasons or to feel power that they cannot find with poor timing they might have initially with a one handed backhand.
Tennis elbow can force this for adult players and require them to learn a whole new approach to playing tennis that include a loss of reach and more rotation of the body. This rotation may bring about back or disc issues for older adults and should be a consideration when choosing the type of two-handed backhand to develop.
Picture Agassi or Connors with their very rigid rotation of their bodies when hitting the backhand. Both of them developed back problems over the years and it is likely that their backhands contributed to these problems.
Imagine Borg with his loose free flowing stroke, and limited rotation. This type of backhand is ideally suited to adults, especially those with existing back issues. Much of the racket velocity is accomplished by the forearms and upward lift versus the rotational velocity derived from the firmly held two handed backhand.
Double Forehand Grip
This method of gripping the racket changes a few things. One is reduced flexibility, though it can be a more powerful stroke, and it is often the one used by the rigid rotation backhands. The downside of this approach is the poor grip, very weak, for reaching volleys and wide balls that require a reversion to a one handed reach. Try hitting a backhand volley or ground stroke with one hand using an eastern forehand grip and you will be convinced of this problem.
