Why is slice much more often used with backhand?

[New Daddy]

Why is slice much more often used with backhand? I see pros slice rarely with forehand.

[Koaske]

Imagine that you have a 90 mph forehand. Would you still hit slice instead of your very hard forehand meaning your opponent would have more time to reach it, set up for his shot and really whack the ball? Pros have generally so big forehands that there's just no point in hitting fh slice. Backhand is the weaker shot for many pros and backhand can't be hit as hard as forehand.

[Vims]

kinda what he sed most players hit hard on both sides but the forehand is more damagin and more can be done with it. It is also more complex so there is no eed to add an extra shot into it unless ur santoro

[x Southpaw x]

Why is slice much more often used with backhand? I see pros slice rarely with forehand.

I'm wondering the same question... even a pro like fabrice santoro who slice a lot on both sides prefers to switch hands and do a backhand slice with his offhand than hit a forehand slice.

I myself have much less consistency executing the forehand slice as well compared to backhand, is it body mechanics?

[WhiteSox05CA]

It's more natural a stroke if you ask me. It's also easier to hit defensive topspin shots from the forehand side, than backhand- and you have more reach on the forehand.

[krz]

I hit with a 1 handed backhand if I don't prepare well, I'll just slice the ball back. Since being late on a 1hander = wide(left) or just a horribly weak shot.

The forehand has much more margin for poor preparation, and hitting late. I've hit forehands like a foot behind me.

Although I'll use a eastern forehand slice if someone hits an extremely wide angle.

[A.Davidson]

Bobby Riggs used to hit forehand slice, often as a drop shot. However, I believe that with the expansion of gear into the new frames and strings, unless you keep your slice very low, it'll get pounded back at around 100 mph, so many pro's aren't huge fans of it.

[heycal]

I don't what some people are talking about above... The answer to this is pretty simple, even to non-pros like myself:

Body mechanics. It's much easier and more natural to execute a slicing motion with the backhand than the forehand. Even in non-tennis situations, whenever you slice something -- like shaving cheese or cutting roast beef -- your are essentially using a backhand motion, and doing so because it's more natural.

[madmanfool]

yup, it's a more natural shot;

[Bagumbawalla]

I am going with WhiteSox05ca and Heycal on this one. It is a bio-mechanical thing.

[Lloyd Barcenilla]

hahaha, santorro

[sapient007]

slice is a safer shot on the BH as well the FH. it allows for more height adjustment as you swing through so you don't have to be in your comfort hitting zone to get a decent slice in.

not to mention the slice take back is not as important compared to the FH and BH.

[Mountain Ghost]

It’s mostly about how much time is required for positioning and preparation. While a slice backhand can be used as a “neutral” shot, it is not a weapon of choice at the professional level, and is often used when there is no time to position or prepare for a topspin backhand.

During the backswing for a topspin forehand, the racquet naturally goes back with your dominant shoulder as you rotate your shoulders, and there is almost always enough time for a full (or at least an adequate) backswing. If you are pressed, you can even get by with very little shoulder rotation at all, and the racquet head can still get back.

During the backswing for a topspin backhand, the racquet has to go all the way across your body to get back. If there’s not enough time, a slice is the one backhand option that doesn’t require a full backswing, near-perfect positioning or optimal shoulder rotation.

MG

[kingdaddy41788]

It's easier to do just about everything on your forehand side. Easier to set up, time, etc. a top spin shot. It's also easier to hit a backhand slice, imo.

[krz]

During the backswing for a topspin forehand, the racquet naturally goes back with your dominant shoulder as you rotate your shoulders, and there is almost always enough time for a full (or at least an adequate) backswing. If you are pressed, you can even get by with very little shoulder rotation at all, and the racquet head can still get back.

During the backswing for a topspin backhand, the racquet has to go all the way across your body to get back. If there’s not enough time, a slice is the one backhand option that doesn’t require a full backswing, near-perfect positioning or optimal shoulder rotation.

MG

Thats what I was getting at, just more in depth. Its not that its more natural if that was the case why do some people have better backhands than forehands.

[heycal]

Thats what I was getting at, just more in depth. Its not that its more natural if that was the case why do some people have better backhands than forehands.

No, it's not about time to set up, or topspin backswings, or that some people are stronger on one side or another, etc. It's about simple body mechanics.

Given all the time in the world and perfect conditions, it should always be easier to slice a backhand than forehand because it's a more natural motion.

[lethalfang]

I don't what some people are talking about above... The answer to this is pretty simple, even to non-pros like myself:

Body mechanics. It's much easier and more natural to execute a slicing motion with the backhand than the forehand. Even in non-tennis situations, whenever you slice something -- like shaving cheese or cutting roast beef -- your are essentially using a backhand motion, and doing so because it's more natural.

Or throwing a frisbee.

[krz]

I don't what some people are talking about above... The answer to this is pretty simple, even to non-pros like myself:

Body mechanics. It's much easier and more natural to execute a slicing motion with the backhand than the forehand. Even in non-tennis situations, whenever you slice something -- like shaving cheese or cutting roast beef -- your are essentially using a backhand motion, and doing so because it's more natural.

cutting things can be applied to either a forehand slice or a backhand slice, shaving cheese same thing. The knife is straight up and down, and you're chopping straight up and down. If you look to your right when chopping its a backhand slice if you look to your left its a forehand slice.

And actually when chefs cut on a bias they always cut with the face open like a forehand slice(yes, i watch to much food channel)

and if you notice the forehand slice is usually only used as a last resort because the player cannot get to the ball and cannot get a swing in so they just slice at it because it does not require a full swing.

[Swissv2]

You slice with your backhand easier because the arm has unrestricted movement across the body and the palm of the hand is naturally facing down.

I would have to disagree with Mountain Ghost in saying that it is not a weapon of choice at the professional level, and is often used when there is no time to position or prepare for a topspin backhand.
because slices can be used offensively on an approach forcing an opponent to pop the ball up a bit to clear the net (because the ball bounces low) allowing for an easy volley. There are other uses for an offensive slice, as the ball skids off the ground lower.

[BreakPoint]

I don't what some people are talking about above... The answer to this is pretty simple, even to non-pros like myself:

Body mechanics. It's much easier and more natural to execute a slicing motion with the backhand than the forehand. Even in non-tennis situations, whenever you slice something -- like shaving cheese or cutting roast beef -- your are essentially using a backhand motion, and doing so because it's more natural.
I don't know about that. Both the backhand and forehand slice feel just as natural to me and I can execute both just as easily, and I do hit both often.

[The Gorilla]

just look at squash players

[heycal]

cutting things can be applied to either a forehand slice or a backhand slice, shaving cheese same thing. The knife is straight up and down, and you're chopping straight up and down. If you look to your right when chopping its a backhand slice if you look to your left its a forehand slice.

And actually when chefs cut on a bias they always cut with the face open like a forehand slice(yes, i watch to much food channel)

I don't know what the chefs on the food channel are doing, but I can't imagine preferring to shave romano cheese or dragging a hunk of chedder across a cheese grater with anything but a backhand slice type motion.

I don't know about that. Both the backhand and forehand slice feel just as natural to me and I can execute both just as easily, and I do hit both often.

I don't see how you can say they are just as natural. With a backhand slice, you are essentially dragging your arm across your body back to the side it belongs on. With a forehand slice, you are pushing away from your body in an awkward inside-out motion.

I urge those who are currently uncertain on this issue to step away from the their computer and do a shadow slice forehand and shadow slice backhand, and then go grate some parmesan cheese, and report back to us!

[Solat]

it is all body mechanics I agree, basically when you stand in a neutral body position you will have your arms down with palms inward this is the natural body position it is also the basic position for topspin FH and slice BH, that is forearm is neither pronated or supinated.

In response to BP, the fact that you are equally comfortable is no doubt more to do with the fact that you are probably equally comfortable with all strokes in tennis, due to many years experience. Almost every beginner will hack at the backhand because it is what happens naturally witht the arm/grip.

[madmanfool]

Or throwing a frisbee.

It's not hard to trow a frisbee on the forehand site actually. I trow better on that site. But you use different body mechanics then in tennis, trowing a frisbee is done with your wrist.

[AlpineCadet]

From what I've heard, the forehand slice is also known as the "sissy shot" but only if it's frequently being abused during a match. Though on the contrary, if it's only being used during clutch moments to bring you back into the match defensively, then it's just called the "forehand slice." =]

[lethalfang]

It's not hard to trow a frisbee on the forehand site actually. I trow better on that site. But you use different body mechanics then in tennis, trowing a frisbee is done with your wrist.

My hip, shoulder, and arm motion when throwing a frisbee to generate the forward momentum is very much like my backhand slice in tennis, with the exception that when throwing a frisbee my hand is pointing up, and I will snap my wrist to create spin in the frisbee.
I can't throw a frisbee with a forehand motion without the disk flying at random directions.
Well, I throw around frisbee only occasionally, but that tells me what is natural to me without training.

[BreakPoint]

I don't see how you can say they are just as natural. With a backhand slice, you are essentially dragging your arm across your body back to the side it belongs on. With a forehand slice, you are pushing away from your body in an awkward inside-out motion.

But that applies to ALL backhands and ALL forehands, not just to slices. So if you truly believe this then why is it that most people have stronger forehands than one-handed backhands?

Actually, my one-handed backhand is my better shot, whether it's slice, topspin or flat, than my forehand, so maybe it is a bit more natural for me. But I'm the exception, not the norm, as most people do have stronger forehands than one-handed backhands.

[Borat]

a topspin backhand and slice backhand traditionally use the same grip, continental. On the forehand side a grip change is needed from western, semi-western, and eastern. Grip change=less time to set up for a shot=errors.

[BreakPoint]

a topspin backhand and slice backhand traditionally use the same grip, continental. On the forehand side a grip change is needed from western, semi-western, and eastern. Grip change=less time to set up for a shot=errors.
Actually, traditionally, the topspin backhand is hit with an eastern grip while the slice backhand is hit with a continental grip. Same on the forehand side, although I can hit forehand slices just as well with an eastern grip as with a continental grip. However, if you use a full western or semi-western grip, then getting over to the continental grip quickly and smoothly during a rally could be problematic. That's why we don't see too many people with "modern strokes" hit forehand slices anymore.

[heycal]

But that applies to ALL backhands and ALL forehands, not just to slices. So if you truly believe this then why is it that most people have stronger forehands than one-handed backhands?


Well, why is that most people have stronger backhand slices than forehand slices?

I think non-slice forehand and backhands are a bit different than slices -- less dragging across the body for one thing.

MAYBE a pure chopping motion slice shot MIGHT be equally easy from both sides. But I think me and most other people add some side spin to our slices, and there's simple no question that this kind of slice is much easier and more natural to execute on the backhand side than the forehand side, where it's a very awkward motion. (It's doable, sure, and I sometimes do it myself, but it's much more cumbersome and unnatural feeling.)

[BreakPoint]

Well, why is that most people have stronger backhand slices than forehand slices?
Because very few people even bother with the forehand slice anymore since everybody wants to kill their forehands with topspin, and also because it's much, much harder, if not impossible, to hit forehand slices with a western or semi-western grip and it takes too long to get over to the continental grip from there to hit slices with. It's much easier to get over to the continental grip if you use a traditional eastern forehand grip, like I do.

I think non-slice forehand and backhands are a bit different than slices -- less dragging across the body for one thing.
Both the slice backhand and the topspin backhand should be hit the same way - with your arm going out and away from your body. If you're hitting backhand slices by dragging it across your body then you're doing it incorrectly and you'll be able to hit a much more effective and biting slice by hitting out and away from your body.

[zapvor]

for me, its because my bh sucks suck sucks. and slicing is more fun. with the forehand its weird i think because thats the way we were taught.

[heycal]

Because very few people even bother with the forehand slice anymore since everybody wants to kill their forehands with topspin, and also because it's much, much harder, if not impossible, to hit forehand slices with a western or semi-western grip and it takes too long to get over to the continental grip from there to hit slices with.

I disagree. People have always favored backhand slicing over forehand slicing, even in the olden days of non-western grips. I have old fashioned 1970's strokes myself, and hit more backhands slices than forehand slices mostly because of the aforementioned body mechanics argument. Has nothing to do with grips or time to set-up.


Both the slice backhand and the topspin backhand should be hit the same way - with your arm going out and away from your body. If you're hitting backhand slices by dragging it across your body then you're doing it incorrectly and you'll be able to hit a much more effective and biting slice by hitting out and away from your body.

I hit all sorts of backhand slices, with all sorts of degrees of spin. Sometimes I purposely drag it across it across my body a bit to create the side spin I mentioned, so it's not that I am doing it incorrectly because I don't know better. (As a lefty, I like that side spin bouncing away from their backhand.)

Look, I'm not a particulary good player, but I can hit a decent slice -- and can also shave romano cheese or slice roast beef competently -- and it's simply much easier to do so with a backhand motion than forehand, and understandably so, because of the body mechanics...

[Off The Wall]

Actually, my one-handed backhand is my better shot, whether it's slice, topspin or flat, than my forehand, so maybe it is a bit more natural for me. But I'm the exception, not the norm, as most people do have stronger forehands than one-handed backhands.

Yes, most people do. What's happening with your forehand.

[HellBunni]

think the follow through plays a big role too.
the amount/degree of follow through that you can perform with your fh is just much more restricted than the bh.

[AlpineCadet]

think the follow through plays a big role too.
the amount/degree of follow through that you can perform with your fh is just much more restricted than the bh.

I agree 100%. I mean, how does the forehand slice work easier than the backhand slice? Not only is your palm facing upwards, you have to slide your arm downwards with a lot of muscle strain compared to a backhand slice.

[skiracer55]

...it's body mechanics, but I think to a large extent there's a lot of tradition that says only wimps hit forehand slice. I don't use forehand slice a lot, but I use it more than I used to. Best example is when run way out of court for a forehand. I used to try to blast a winner down the line, which worked about every third Sunday. So my coach had me start using a kind-of slice to the center of the court to get back into the point.

When I say a "sort of slice", what I do is pretty much like a classical forehand volley with a Continental grip. This is also something I use on an approach shot (a) for variety and (b) if I can't set up in time to hit over the ball. A kind of "block" forehand like this also works if you're getting into an unwanted slugfest from the baseline with an opponent who just loves to bang the ball. Sometimes just blocking the ball short and wide will throw off his or her rhythm, and if you use a stroke that's more like a volley than a groundstroke, it doesn't seem too hard at all on the forehand...

[AlpineCadet]

^ did you read post #26 (http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showpost.php?p=1525647&postcount=26)on this thread? lol.

[skiracer55]

^ did you read post #26 (http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showpost.php?p=1525647&postcount=26)on this thread? lol.

...it was better the second time. I really like that...a forehand slice is for wienies until, of course, it gets you a point when you really need it...

[AlpineCadet]

No, actually it's only for "sissies" if it's being blatantly ABUSED. But when it's NOT being abused, and is being used for defense, then it's perfectly fine to use.

[BreakPoint]

No, actually it's only for "sissies" if it's being blatantly ABUSED. But when it's NOT being abused, and is being used for defense, then it's perfectly fine to use.
Hmm...what qualifies a stroke as being "fine to use" or "not fine to use"? :confused:

If the stroke wins you the point or keeps you in the point, isn't that all that matters?

[BreakPoint]

I disagree. People have always favored backhand slicing over forehand slicing, even in the olden days of non-western grips. I have old fashioned 1970's strokes myself, and hit more backhands slices than forehand slices mostly because of the aforementioned body mechanics argument. Has nothing to do with grips or time to set-up.

If you watch old videos of pros from the 50's or 60's, you'll see a lot of forehand slicing. It had a lot to do with the grips (mostly continental and eastern), the small racquets (which had much less margin of error for hitting extreme topspin and much less power to hit clean winners), the slower pace of play back then (slicing to keep the ball in play was a good strategy as it was very difficult to blast a winner from the baseline), and the fact many more matches were played on low-bouncing grass (3 of the 4 Grand Slams were played on grass).

[AlpineCadet]

Well back to our time era, I think sliced forehands are pretty much defensive strokes. But for those in need of a topspin forehand but cannot find confidence in hitting one, a slice would be the perfect stroke to constantly use. I mean, who said you have to win pretty?

[BreakPoint]

Well back to our time era, I think sliced forehands are pretty much defensive strokes. But for those in need of a topspin forehand but cannot find confidence in hitting one, a slice would be the perfect stroke to constantly use. I mean, who said you have to win pretty?
Exactly, I knew a 5.0 player that sliced 100% of his forehands and won every 5.0 tournament that he entered. He just kept the ball in play forever until his opponent missed. His opponents also had trouble dealing with those deep, low-bouncing slices as it made it hard for them to attack him. Forehand slices can definitely be an offensive stroke if you know how to use it well.

[AlpineCadet]

Hmm, yeah, it's a "nice" surprise for your opponent if you can use it to change a defensive shot into an offensive one. But using it all the time as a weapon isn't my type of play. I'd rather hit a combo of heavy top/slice/flat than just slicing everything on my forehand side, as I'd only consider using that shot purely for strategy.

[fgbowen33]

on grass the slice/bh is still the best approach cuz it skids and stays low. To hit the slice w/ forehand requires alot of practice and skill. But if more pros had the shot they wouldn't get passed so much.

[BreakPoint]

on grass the slice/bh is still the best approach cuz it skids and stays low. To hit the slice w/ forehand requires alot of practice and skill. But if more pros had the shot they wouldn't get passed so much.
I hit my forehand approach shots 1/3 of the time with heavy topspin, 1/3 flat, and 1/3 with slice. It really keeps my opponents off-balance and guessing, and also gives me easier returns to volley. :D

[Frank Silbermann]

Why is slice much more often used with backhand? I see pros slice rarely with forehand. Most players slice their forehand volleys. But I suppose you are talking about ground-strokes -- one-handed ground-strokes.

Most people slice their backhands not because they want to, but rather because they often have no choice. On the backhand side, if the ball is high then you cannot get it back except by slicing it. If the ball is very low, say, six inches above the ground, you cannot topspin it. If you are hitting while on the run you cannot topspin the backhand -- unless you can time your steps perfectly so that your front foot happens to be land forward at the exact moment you strike the ball. If you're running backwards for a deep ball, or running forwards for a short one -- even worse. If you're going cross-court, fine; down the line is harder. If you want to hit the backhand inside out (e.g. returning a serve down the T to your backhand and aiming it wide to your opponent's forehand -- assuming you're both right-handers or both lefties), then you'll probably have to slice it. It is _extremely_ difficult to hit an inside-out topspin backhand one-handed.

Years ago there were many top player who could not hit _any_ backhand except by slicing it. Even players who _could_ topspin their backhands (e.g. Lew Hoad, Rod Laver, Arthur Ashe) generally saved it for passing shots. To topspin one's backhands in baseline rallies was too error prone. Don Budge was the only player in his day who did not usually slice his backhand in baseline rallies -- and for decades after he was thought to have had the best one-handed backhand in history. Until 1990 you could probably count on one hand the top players who mainly topspun their 1-handed backhands in baseline rallies. (Let's see: Don Budge, Dick Savitt, Tony Trabert, Guillermo Vilas, Gabriella Sabatini -- who else?)

In fact, the only reason even to consider using two hands on the backhand is because for many people it's the easiest way to rise above involuntary backhand slicing (i.e., by adding some weak-handed forehand action to the shot).

For years many teachers claimed that "the backhand" (topspin or slice? Didn't specify!) was the more natural shot and that most good players had better backhands than forehands. I guess it depended on what one means by "better". Perhaps many players' slice backhands were steadier, more accurate, and less erratic than their forehand -- but apparently that wasn't enough to convince opponents to serve and volley or hit approach shots towards the forehand! I realized the truth when I heard commentators talk about how Pat Cash's backhand was better-produced than his flawed wristy forehand ground-stroke. His backhand definitely had better form. And yet, opponents still served and approached to his backhand because, as the commentators explained, for all its flaws Cash's forehand was still more _effective_. (!!!)

So why hit a one-handed backhand? Because it will build forearm strength that you'll need for hitting one-handed backhand volleys. And a good slice is nice to have when your opponent who is weak on low balls.

[In D Zone]

For starters - forehand slice was not even taught in any classes I have attended from 2.0 to 4.0. Unless ... if you consider drills on forehand volley as fh slice.

I knew how to slice backhand because it was more natural for me since I play 1 BH and from playing table tennis during my early years. The forehand slice I learn from a friend who I learn to play tennis. He uses his forehand slice as an offense especially when hitting down the line shots on his approach shots. MAN! My buddy can hit the forehand slice long and with pace, the ball would skid down low. Come to think of it - I better use the fhslice as an offense as well.

I love the slice - bh or forehand. It's a good weapon to use
I use the forehand slice as weapon to return serve; especially effective in against those fast flat serves (believe me its the best weapon to use). I also use the forehand / bh slice as defensive shots when I am on a dead run, hitting it down the line or crosscourt.