Source:

http://www.nickbollettieri.com/tips/index.cfm?tipID=8

Double-Handed Backhand

	Double Handed Backhand Grips The double-handed backhand as with the forehand has several combinations, as you can see in the photos below: When discussing double-handed grips it is important to distinguish between the role each hand plays when hitting a backhand. During the swing the bottom hand always plays a supporting role, helping with timing, racquet-head stability and control. I prefer that my students use a continental grip with the bottom hand because they can hit with one hand on wide balls, slice approaches and volleys. Note: bottom hand/tophand
1 - Bottom Hand - Eastern Forehand Top Hand - Eastern Forehand	Bottom hand: Eastern Forehand Top hand: Eastern Forehand With this grip, the bottom hand (wrist) has to be laid back on the backswing making it more difficult to control the racquet head as well as having a tendency for the racquet face to open slightly on contact. The Eastern grip of the bottom hand can be used for slice and volleys when the top hand is released.
2 - Bottom Hand - Eastern Backhand Top Hand - Semiwestern Forehand	Bottom hand: Eastern Forehand Top hand: Western Forehand This grip combination requires the top hand not only to control the contact point but totally dominate the stroke with a complete follow through around your opposite shoulder. Jim Courier used this grip because in his first few years on the tour he was attacked on this side until I suggested a much bigger follow through. The top hand played a more dominant role as Jim’s left hand was so strong that it was difficult for him to have a long follow-through. You must treat the backhand with this grip like a left-handed forehand – hitting it with a complete follow-through around the opposite shoulder. He was able to dip the ball against a serve and volleyer and hit more depth with spin as a result of the change.
3 - Bottom Hand - Eastern Forehand Top Hand - Western Forehand	Bottom hand: Eastern Backhand Top hand: Semi-Western Forehand This grip combination is rather unusual and it comes down to individual choice. One feature is you do not have the variety of options when the top hand is released. The Eastern backhand grip of the bottom hand is not ideal for the slice, approach or volley. The Semi-Western grip of the top hand, however, provides an ideal amount of support allowing it to play a dominant role during execution.
4 - Bottom Hand - Eastern Forehand Top Hand - Semiwestern Forehand	Bottom hand: Eastern Forehand Top hand: Semi-Western Forehand This situation is very close to the Continental/Semi-Western and comes down to individual choice. The bottom hand can execute slice and the volley satisfactorily, however a grip change is required if you are to find the ideal slice and volley grip to the Continental.
	Bottom hand: Continental Top hand: Eastern Forehand This grip allows the player to let go with the top hand on contact and hit a single-handed slice, drop shot, or volley with a continental grip. Although the top hand does not provide as much support as it does with a semiwestern grip, this grip combination will serve the player well.
	Bottom hand: Continental Top hand: Semiwestern Forehand This is my grip recommendation for the double-handed backhand. The semiwestern grip of the top hand is in an ideal position to play the dominant role, with the palm of the hand being under the grip, providing maximum support. The continental grip of the bottom hand gives the player the option to slice, drop shit, volley, and reach wide balls when the top hand is released. To reinforce the dominant role the top-hand plays, I have my students practice hitting with one hand, the top hand, in a semiwestern grip, teaching them to use the top hand to drive the racquet head forward. Martina Hingis and both Williams sisters do this exercise every day as did Andre Agassi.
	Bottom hand: Continental Top hand: Western Forehand This grip is very similar to the continental/semiwestern backhand grip. The top hand is located slightly more under the grip, causing it to play a more dominant role throughout the swing, especially during the follow-through. The continental grip of the bottom hand gives the player the option to slice, drop shot, volley, and reach wide balls when the top hand is released. With this grip the backhand must be treated like a left-handed forehand, hitting it with a complex follow-through around the opposite shoulder.