Q:How can I improve my two-handed backhand down the line? I’m too predictable in rallies and would like to add this shot to my arsenal. When I try to hit it, though, I often put the ball wide or into the net. Any advice?
You can’t be tentative when hitting down the line, since you’re aiming over the highest part of the net. You’ll need to rely on your left (top) hand to create racquet-head speed, and you want to make contact well out in front of you—if you make late contact, the ball will fly into the doubles alley.
When Andre Agassi practiced down-the-line backhands, he started with his normal grip, then took off his right (bottom) hand to exaggerate the use of his left hand. With two hands on the racquet in match play, he began to naturally accelerate through the ball with his left hand.