Fighting Pace with Pace: The Two-Handed Backhand Counter in Pickleball

The two-handed backhand counter is one of the most reliable weapons at the kitchen line in pickleball. Pro player Ava Ignatowich breaks down the exact grip, footwork, and stroke mechanics you need to master this shot.

When your opponent attacks your backhand at the kitchen line, you have a choice: reset the ball or take it on.

The two-handed backhand counter gives you a third option that most recreational players never develop.

It's the shot that lets you stay aggressive when you're under pressure, and it's the difference between surviving a fast-hands battle and actually winning it.

Ava Ignatowich, a professional pickleball player on the PPA Tour, recently released a comprehensive breakdown of this essential shot.

Her video walks through everything from grip fundamentals to the subtle wrist action that keeps the ball in the court.

If you've been struggling with backhand volleys or getting pushed around at the net, this is the weapon you've been missing.

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Why the Two-Handed Backhand Counter Changes Everything

Here's the thing about pickleball at the kitchen line:

Pace is currency.

When someone hits a hard speed-up at your backhand, a one-handed counter gives you limited options.

You're fighting the ball's momentum with one arm, and the margin for error shrinks fast.

A two-handed backhand counter, by contrast, lets you absorb that pace and redirect it with control and confidence.

The shot isn't just about power. It's about stability.

When you use both hands, you're distributing the force across your entire upper body.

Your shoulders, arms, and core all work together to keep the paddle face stable through contact.

That stability is what separates a winner from a ball that sails long or dips into the net.

Ignatowich emphasizes that this shot is particularly valuable when you're on the right side of the court and a ball comes high past your inside hip.

Instead of resetting, you can take it as a two-handed counter and put pressure back on your opponent immediately. It's a momentum shifter.

Getting the Grip Right (It's Simpler Than You Think)

The grip intimidates most players because it looks complicated.

You're stacking two hands on one paddle, and if you've only ever hit one-handed backhands, the positioning feels foreign.

But Ignatowich breaks it down into two simple steps.

• First, use a continental grip on your right hand.
• Find the U-shaped groove between your thumb and index finger, place it on the edge guard, and slide it down.
• Then, stack your left hand directly on top, placing the U of your left hand over the grip flat.
• Close your fingers and shift up until it feels comfortable.

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The beauty of this grip is that it's personal. Some players choke up on the paddle for more control. Others hold it at the bottom for more reach.

Ignatowich has been experimenting with placing her index finger at the back of the paddle, which she says gives her more control lately.

The point is: find what works for your hands and stick with it.

One thing to avoid: don't overthink the grip. If you're spending more time adjusting your hands than practicing the stroke, you're missing the point.

Get it close, then move on to footwork and the swing itself.

Footwork: Stay Square and Stay Still

A lot of players assume that hitting a two-handed backhand counter requires fancy footwork. It doesn't. In fact, the opposite is true.

Ignatowich keeps it simple:

Stay square to the net and keep your feet still while you hit.

At the kitchen line, you're never sideways. Your body should be open toward the net, which means your shoulders and hips face the court.

When a ball comes at you, your first instinct might be to move, but resist it. A split step to prepare is fine.

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Occasionally, you'll take a lateral step toward the middle if the ball pulls you wide. But most of the time, your feet should be planted.

Why? Balance. When your feet are still, your entire body is stable. You can focus on the stroke itself rather than managing your movement.

Ignatowich catches balls late probably 50 percent of the time, but she gets away with it because her feet are set and her backswing is compact.

You can't do that if you're moving around.

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The Stroke: Compact Backswing, Wristy Finish

This is where the two-handed backhand counter separates from other shots.

The backswing needs to be short. Not medium. Not "pretty compact." Short.

Why? Timing. If you take the paddle all the way back and the ball catches you mid-swing, it's going straight into the net.

A compact backswing gives you a safety net. Even if you're late, you can still roll over the ball with spin and keep it in the court.

Ignatowich describes the motion as a tiny baby loop, similar to the Nike swoosh she mentions in her drive video.

You're taking the ball out in front and to the side with minimal backswing, then driving through with your shoulders and arms.

Here's where the left hand becomes critical. Ignatowich says she wants 90 percent of the feeling in her left hand.

That's where the spin comes from. Your left hand closes the paddle face and rolls over the ball at contact, which keeps it down and in the court.

If you're just using your arm without that wristy action, the ball floats up and out.

The power comes from your shoulders, but the control comes from your left hand.

It's a partnership, not a solo act.

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When to Use It (And When to Reset Instead)

Not every ball deserves a two-handed backhand counter. Ignatowich is clear about this: if the ball is dipping below your waist, don't hit a counter.

Reset it instead. Swinging up on a low ball is a recipe for disaster, no matter how good your technique is.

The sweet spot for this shot is a ball that's coming high past your inside hip. That's when you take it as two hands and attack.

The ball needs to be at a height where you can hit down on it or at least hit through it level. Anything lower, and you're fighting physics.

This distinction matters because it keeps you from developing bad habits.

If you're constantly trying to counter balls that are too low, you'll ingrain an upward swing path. That's the opposite of what you want.

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How to Practice This Shot (Fed Ball Work First)

Most players try to learn the two-handed backhand counter in live play, which is a mistake. You need reps with controlled conditions first.

Ignatowich recommends starting with simple ball work. Get a coach or a friend to feed you balls at a consistent height and pace.

This lets you focus on the grip, footwork, and stroke without worrying about where the ball is coming from. Film yourself doing it too.

Video feedback is invaluable because you can see if your backswing is too big, if you're taking the ball out in front, or if you're rotating too much with your shoulders.

Once you've dialed in the feeling with fed balls from the baseline, move to counters at the net. The progression matters.

You're building muscle memory in stages, not trying to master everything at once.

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The Difference Between a Counter and an Attack

Before you hit the court, understand the distinction.

• A two-handed backhand counter is hit on a lower ball and requires a quicker backswing because you're more rushed.
• A two-handed backhand attack is hit on a higher ball and allows you to hit down on it more aggressively.

Both use the same grip and footwork. The difference is ball height and how much you can load up on the shot.

If you're confused about which one to use, let the ball height decide for you. High ball? Attack. Lower ball? Counter.

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Why This Shot Matters for Your Game

Here's what separates good pickleball players from great ones: they have weapons.

A two-handed backhand counter is a weapon that most recreational players don't have.

Once you develop it, you'll notice something shift in your matches. You'll stop getting pushed around at the net.

You'll start dictating points instead of just reacting to them.

Ignatowich notes that you'll never get as much pace on a one-handed counter as you will with a two-handed counter once you get it down.

That pace is what makes opponents uncomfortable. It's what turns defense into offense.

The shot takes time to develop. It won't feel natural for a while.

But if you commit to the progression—fed ball work, baseline practice, then net play—you'll have a shot that changes how you compete at the kitchen line.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a continental grip and other grips?

A continental grip is neutral, sitting between an Eastern and Western grip. It's ideal for the two-handed backhand counter because it gives you flexibility to hit with spin or pace depending on the situation. Most pros use a continental grip for net play because it allows quick adjustments.

Can I use a two-handed backhand counter if I'm left-handed?

Absolutely. The mechanics are the same; you're just mirroring the hand positions. Ignatowich actually recommends practicing with your non-dominant hand first to build feel and control, then adding your dominant hand back in.

How long does it take to master this shot?

It depends on your practice frequency and baseline skill level. With consistent fed ball work, most players can develop a functional two-handed backhand counter within a few weeks. Mastering it to the point where it's reliable in matches takes longer, typically several months of regular practice.

Should I always use a two-handed backhand counter when I can?

Not necessarily. If you have a comfortable one-handed counter and the ball is at a height where you can execute it well, stick with it. The two-handed backhand counter is best used when you're under pressure or when the ball is high enough to attack. Use the shot that gives you the best chance to win the point.

What's the most common mistake players make on this shot?

Taking the backswing too far back. A big backswing kills your timing and forces you to rush through the stroke. Keep it compact, and you'll be amazed at how much more consistent you become.