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two-handed backhand

two-handed backhand

1 3.9
A backhand shot you make while holding the racket with both hands
  • noun
translation icon : revés a dos manos
  • He won the tournament using his excellent two-handed backhand to hit winners from the baseline.

Examples

  • I attribute this (in part) to the fact that, at the time, I had a two-handed backhand in tennis, so the stroke came somewhat naturally...

    Blog text (28)
  • She improved her game significantly after mastering the two-handed backhand in tennis.

  • Many players believe that a two-handed backhand provides more control and power during a match.

Synonyms

backhand shot
vstwo-handed backhand
1 3.6

A stroke in tennis or similar racket sports made with the back of the hand facing the ball

specifies using both hands on the racquet rather than a single hand
backhand stroke
vstwo-handed backhand
3.7

A hit in tennis or table tennis when the back of the hand faces the ball

requires holding the racquet with both hands rather than one
backhand
vstwo-handed backhand
4.8

A hit with the back of the hand facing the ball across the body

focuses on holding the racquet with both hands instead of using one

Surface Forms

Morphology

two-handed + backhand

The phrase is compositionally built: 'backhand' names the type of stroke and 'two-handed' specifies that it is performed with both hands, so the combined meaning (a backhand shot made using both hands) is directly derivable from the parts. This modifier+noun pattern is transparent and common in sports terminology across languages, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents should understand it.

Etymology

Two-handed backhand comes from the simple picture of hitting the ball on your backhand side while holding the racket with a two-handed grip. That's why the phrase means the specific shot played with both hands for extra 'control' and 'power'.