Pronation Part Deux - The Two-handed Backhand

For those new to this series, pronation is an inward rotation of the arm.  On the two-handed backhand, the non-dominant arm pronates during the production of a topspin backhand.  For right handed players, this means your left arm rotates clockwise during the stroke production.  For lefties, the right arm rotates counter-clockwise.

Take a look at Rafael Nadal's backhand both in his natural state (left handed), and also flipped for right handed viewing.

Left handed Nadal

Right handed Nadal

As you can see, in both iterations, Nadal's non dominant arm has rotated in such a manner that the racquet face (the side of the strings that struck the ball) is essentially facing his opponent (forward) at full extension. 

Like pronation on the forehand, this movement accelerates the hand, and begins just prior to striking the ball.  The faster the pronation, the greater the power and spin rpms.

In order to practice this movement, place a ball on the net strap, and pin it on the net tape with the racquet, positioning yourself to essentially hit a non dominant forehand. Be sure to grip the racquet in the normal place you would hold it when you hit your two handed backhand. In other words, you will be choking up.  Then pronate as shown below.

Right Handed

Left Handed

 

Once you get the idea, then repeat the identical drill using two hands with your normal grips. See the picture below.

Right Handed

Left Handed

 

Now you know how to pronate on the backhand. Go crush some huge topspin backhands!