The ULTIMATE Double Handed Backhand Lesson | Ft. Winston DU

Overview

The video is a tennis lesson focused on building a consistent double-handed backhand with emphasis on lower-body power and correct arm/hand sequencing.

Coach Karu works with Winston DU, who says his backhand is less consistent than his forehand. Common issues include not driving through, landing off the back foot, and driving too flat, which often sends the ball into the net.

Part 1: Lower-Body Mechanics (Power and Stability)

The core idea is generating power from the left leg/left hip (for a right-hander), especially through a strong push off the left leg.

Karu demonstrates that the swing should feel like a “left-right” contact rhythm—push left, hit through—with the body rotating and extending through the shot.

Winston’s drills and corrections

Winston practices drills including:

• Starting in a baseball-like one-leg stance, then stepping into the ball while exaggerating the feeling of the left-leg drive.
• Side-shuffling into position so he can drive into balls even when they are deeper, without letting the ball drop too low.

Karu repeatedly corrects Winston’s tendency to drop too much (letting the ball get below the knees) and coaches better timing for when to load and when to drive.

Part 2: Arm/Hand Sequencing (Syncing and Swing Shape)

A common amateur mistake is treating the double-handed backhand like a left-handed forehand—engaging the left hand too early, causing the “chicken wing” (an incorrect elbow/wrist shape).

Karu emphasizes that Winston should delay strong left-hand emphasis until closer to contact, allowing the right side to take over more naturally.

Winston’s practice focus

He practices:

• Feeding reps where he hits, then releases the left hand before/at contact, finishing with a one-handed roll-through feel to support proper wrist action and keep the ball in the strings longer.
• Adjusting contact so the racket meets the ball in front of the hip (not behind). Contact behind the hip leads to poor wrist roll and a chopping motion.

The goal is to maintain a repeatable “bow” swing shape to avoid chopping, improving spin, depth, and control.

Rally Outcomes and Key Takeaways

Winston performs multiple rallies with improved consistency and depth by committing to the lesson’s core inputs:

• Left-leg push
• Right hand engaging
• Contact point more in front of the hip
• Hands extending up above the shoulder

He reports that when he gets lined up and transfers weight correctly, the swing feels easy. His remaining struggles are mainly footwork placement and occasionally hitting behind instead of forward.

The lesson concludes that even when not every ball is perfect, returning immediately to the core inputs leads to better backhand quality—then supporting improved forehand play by reducing pressure.

Presenters / Sources

• Karu (coach/instructor)
• Winston DU (student)