slice backhand

[bigcattennis]

I was playing a tournament over the weekend and during the semis all of the sudden I could not get my slice backhand to sit and bite. I think I was contacting it too far out in front instead of by my hitting shoulder. Anyone have this happen to them? I feel like when I do not hit it right it becomes a sand wedge shot instead of a backhand :)

[paulfreda]

When we hit some shots, we frequently make small moves with our wrists that make the shot more effective. Then in a match we all have a tendency to get tight and try to force the shot and lose the natural little moves we make but are not aware of. For a slice to be effective, it needs to be driven, not just chopped down upon. To do this many flatten the strings to the ball and then open the face while coming under it. This could be what you lost under the pressure of the match.
Your thought that you were simply taking it too early is a good possibility too.

[Thereallovebone]

Also try accentuating the followthrough out in front of you.

[bigcattennis]

What would you say is the ideal contact point for the slice backhand?

[paulfreda]

What would you say is the ideal contact point for the slice backhand?

Good question.
I assume you mean point on the ball with center of strings.

I would say just slightly above the equator on the ball formed by a plane parallel to the court intersecting the ball. (Note the laws of geometry dictate
that the angle of the racquet face determines what one and only one point on the ball will be touched.)
Theoretically the contact point should be right on this equator because you want to drive the ball directly forward with a stringbed perpendicuar to the court and let gravity bring it down. But since the ball is usually below your chest you have to come at it from above slightly and peel under it pronating (forearm rotation CCW) on the BH side, suppinating (forearm rotation CW) on the FH side.
This is my image. You may find yours to be slightly different. Do what works for you.

[bigcattennis]

No, I mean out in front of your leading leg or at your front shoulder or other contact point.