two-handed backhand
- noun
- He won the tournament using his excellent two-handed backhand to hit winners from the baseline.
Examples
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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.
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Many players believe that a two-handed backhand provides more control and power during a match.
Synonyms
A stroke in tennis or similar racket sports made with the back of the hand facing the ball
A hit in tennis or table tennis when the back of the hand faces the ball
A hit with the back of the hand facing the ball across the body
Surface Forms
Morphology
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'.