Two-Handed Backhand Picks · Updated October 2026
Best Pickleball Paddles for Two-Handed Backhand (2026)
Tennis converts who play a two-handed backhand need a longer handle — most paddles have a 5" handle, but elongated-shape paddles typically run 5.5" or longer. That extra handle length is what enables a proper two-handed grip without finger crowding. Every pick below has an elongated shape, a longer handle, and the swing weight range that rewards the full backswing mechanics that tennis players bring to pickleball.
Top 5 Pickleball Paddles for Tennis converts with two-handed backhand
11SIX24
11SIX24 Hurache-X Jelly Bean 2
Elongated · 16mm · $169.99 ($10 off)
Austin's review: 'Reach-and-power specialist. Extra leverage on groundstrokes. Longer handle optimized for two-handed backhands. Favorite for tennis converts transitioning to pickleball. Rewards players who take full, deliberate swings.' SW 116.37, HexGrit surface, UPA-A approved. The Hurache-X JB2 was specifically designed with tennis converts in mind. At $169.99 with $10 off via PLAYBOOK = $159.99.
Bread & Butter
Bread & Butter Loco 2
Elongated · 16mm · $220.00 (10% off)
SW 119.14 with Austin's S-tier rating — the Loco 2 Elongated has the higher swing weight that rewards a full two-handed backhand swing. Longer handle for two-handed grip, Space Dust Grit for elite spin on groundstrokes. Tennis converts who want an S-tier tool for their two-handed game will feel immediately at home. $220 with PLAYBOOK.
Holbrook
Holbrook Mav
Elongated · 16mm · $99.99 (15% off)
SW 118.43 at $99.99 — elongated shape with a long handle at an exceptional price. The Holbrook Mav is the pick for tennis converts who want a proper two-handed backhand tool without overspending. TW 6.49 keeps off-center groundstrokes directional. Code PLAYBOOK applies.
Gearbox
Gearbox Pressure X 8E
Elongated · 16mm · $279.99 (10% off)
The Pressure X 8E — SW 117.78 with Austin's review: 'all-court versatility and balance, impressive forgiveness across the entire hitting surface.' Tennis converts rely on their backhand as a weapon; the 8E's consistent sweet spot rewards the bigger swing mechanics of a two-hander. SpinLock surface for topspin. $279.99 with PLAYBOOK.
Head
Head Radical
Elongated · 15mm · $199.00 (15% off)
Head is synonymous with tennis — if you're a tennis convert who already trusts the Head brand, the Radical Elongated is a natural bridge paddle. SW 118.67, elongated shape, 16mm core. At $169 with PLAYBOOK (10% off = ~$152), it's a familiar brand with pickleball-specific engineering. Good starting point for tennis players who want to stay in their equipment ecosystem.
Get more picks for tennis converts with two-handed backhand in your inbox
Weekly paddle reviews, exclusive discount codes, and what's worth buying — straight to your inbox.
Unsubscribe anytime · No spam · Free forever
What tennis converts need to know about paddle handles
Most pickleball paddles have a 5" handle — fine for one-handed play, but cramped for two-handed grips. Elongated-shape paddles typically have 5.5"–5.75" handles. The paddles above all have elongated shapes with handles that accommodate two hands without finger crowding. Check the handle length spec before buying.
Heavier swing weight rewards tennis backhand mechanics. Two-handed backhands generate power through a full shoulder-rotation swing — bigger swing = more swing weight needed to transfer energy to the ball. SW 115+ is the zone for two-handed backhand power. SW 107–112 feels underpowered for a player with full tennis mechanics.
The kitchen game is the adjustment, not the backhand. Most tennis converts struggle with dinking and the NVZ game, not their groundstrokes. Consider pairing a power-spec elongated paddle (for when you're at the baseline) with practice sessions focused on drop shots and dinking. The paddle won't fix the adjustment — but the right tool helps.
New to pickleball from tennis? See our best paddles for tennis players — a broader guide covering all the spec considerations for the tennis-to-pickleball transition.
Common Questions
FAQ
What's the best pickleball paddle for a two-handed backhand?
The 11SIX24 Hurache-X Jelly Bean 2 — Austin reviewed it specifically as optimized for two-handed backhands and tennis converts. The longer handle and elongated shape with SW 116.37 reward full swing mechanics. For premium S-tier, the Bread & Butter Loco 2 Elongated (SW 119.14).
How long should a pickleball handle be for a two-handed backhand?
5.5" or longer. Elongated-shape paddles typically have 5.5"–5.75" handles. Standard pickleball paddles (widebody, hybrid) often have 5" handles — fine for one hand, tight for two. Every pick on this page is elongated with a longer handle.
Can I use my tennis mechanics in pickleball?
Groundstroke mechanics transfer directly — the two-handed backhand, flat forehand, and topspin game all work in pickleball. The adjustment is the kitchen game: shorter swings, soft hands, and dinking are very different from tennis net play. The right paddle helps with groundstrokes; the adjustment is mostly skill development.
Should a tennis convert use an elongated or hybrid pickleball paddle?
Elongated for the two-handed backhand — longer handle, more reach, higher swing weight from head-heavy balance. If you're also working on your kitchen game, a hybrid is a reasonable compromise (slightly shorter handle but less extreme). Most dedicated tennis converts prefer elongated.
Drills · Training · Tips
Train Smarter, Hit Harder
Drills Guide
The 20 Best Pickleball Drills (For Every Skill Level) — 2026 Guide
Drilling is what separates 3.5 players from 4.5 players. Not playing more, drilling more. Here are the 20 most effective pickleball drills we've tested — sorted by shot type — with solo, partner, and ball machine variations for every level.
Training Guide
How to Get Better at Pickleball (Fast): A Pro-Backed 4-Step System
Most players try to get better by playing more. Tour pros get better by drilling more. The 4-step system below is what actually works at 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, and 4.5 — and the only one tested across 100+ rec players who've used it to climb a rating in 90 days.
Training Guide
How to Hit a Perfect Third-Shot Drop in Pickleball (Step-by-Step)
The third-shot drop is the most important shot in pickleball above 3.0 — and the one most rec players skip drilling. Here's the step-by-step: grip, contact, swing path, drills, and when to drive instead.
Drills Guide
The 8 Best Pickleball Drills for Beginners (Where to Start)
If you're new to pickleball, drilling matters more than playing. The 8 drills below cover the foundational shots — dink, drop, serve, return, reset — and the footwork that holds them together. Run these before you ever add a fancy shot to your game.
Looking for paddles at every price point?
See All Best Pickleball Paddles