Question about "offensive" slice(Using Thiem backhand grip)

[crazyups]

I am a 4.0 looking to get to 4.5 and my regular partners are 4.5 level(lucky me). I have a two hand backhand and a good one hand slice but due to age I sometimes have trouble when I am extended running to hit my two hander. By the time I get to the ball I don't have enough time to turn my hips for a powerful enough shot. I can slice it but my technique breaks down a bit when I am on a full run under pressure. I understand that I could improve my slice using my regular continental grip with better timing but wondered if my slice would have more pace using a Thiem backhand grip for a slice(index knuckle on bevel 2 with hammer grip). Similar to a Rosewall slice if I'm not mistaken where take back is below the shoulder?

 

[LeeD]

I am a 4.0 looking to get to 4.5 and my regular partners are 4.5 level(lucky me). I have a two hand backhand and a good one hand slice but due to age I sometimes have trouble when I am extended running to hit my two hander. By the time I get to the ball I don't have enough time to turn my hips for a powerful enough shot. I can slice it but my technique breaks down a bit when I am on a full run under pressure. I understand that I could improve my slice using my regular continental grip with better timing but wondered if my slice would have more pace using a Thiem backhand grip for a slice(index knuckle on bevel 2 with hammer grip). Similar to a Rosewall slice if I'm not mistaken where take back is below the shoulder?

Experiment with contact point, the distance of contact in front of your body...in front as in towards the opponent.
Strong 1hbh grips need a contact point well in front, meaning less time to defend.
Weak 1hbh grips need a contact point very late, so you can allow the ball to get almost past you, but still slice it back with pace.
Try both for defense, see what works for your individual case.

 

[kiteboard]

Extension counts when on the run. Fully extend out and down with continental grip, plant sideways for a more stable coil.

 

[rkelley]

When being pulled wide to the bh and you have a 2hbh there are a couple of options:
- Hit from open stance - generally not preferred (unless you're Serena Williams), but an important tool to have if you have a 2hbh. The contact point is more difficult to hit and there's less margin for error.
- Bh slice. You can hit from a very closed stance. Plant the right leg, get the racquet up by your ear, and rip down on the ball. Works best if you have some incoming pace to work with.
- Desperation one handed flick. Generally not a recipe for success, but over the net is better than not.

Age will take steps, but move the best you can. Watch your opponent. They'll often telegraph where they're going even before they hit, so you can start moving early.

 

[crazyups]

Open stance sounds good. As for slice it seems to me that slightly more extreme grip would have more pace than a continental but it would have less backspin and since contact point is closer to opponent I would see him better because of my more forward facing position.

 

[SinjinCooper]

When being pulled wide to the bh and you have a 2hbh there are a couple of options:
- Hit from open stance - generally not preferred (unless you're Serena Williams), but an important tool to have if you have a 2hbh. The contact point is more difficult to hit and there's less margin for error.
- Bh slice. You can hit from a very closed stance. Plant the right leg, get the racquet up by your ear, and rip down on the ball. Works best if you have some incoming pace to work with.
- Desperation one handed flick. Generally not a recipe for success, but over the net is better than not.

Age will take steps, but move the best you can. Watch your opponent. They'll often telegraph where they're going even before they hit, so you can start moving early.

Defensive lob.

 

[crazyups]

Well I know my options but I was mainly interested about the characteristics of the power slice like Steffi Graf did. She seemed to use the hammer grip as opposed to the more pistol like conti grip. I notice that when I have my conti grip and adjust it to the hammer grip moving only the heel pad that it closes the racquet face a bit. Index knuckle is between bevel 2 and 3 but shifts slightly toward bevel 3 during the change.
I am thinking similar to the Ken Rosewall slice which is not seen any more in the pro level for some reason.

 

[Deleted member 23235]

my $0.02...
I've experimented with strong/weak grips for slice...

I don't use the slice as an offensive shot (prefer hitting 2hbh topspin for that much more consistent)

personally i like a conti grip better because:

• while a strong grip gets me more backspin,
  • it requires me to hit further in front of me... not great as a defensive shot (less time to prep),
  • harder to control, when i'm slicing a short ball as an approach (less time to prep, need to be more precise on balls i misjudge as i'm rushing in)
• my right hand on my 2hbh is a conti grip... which makes it easier to switch to conti at the last minute... allows me to disguise say a drop shot without having to grip change
• conti grip allos my contact to be lslightly further back... good for defensive shots, returning hard serves, etc...
• i find chipping back high loopy balls easier with conti grip vs. stronger grip
• matches my fh/bh volley grips

my $0.02

 

[mightyrick]

I am a 4.0 looking to get to 4.5 and my regular partners are 4.5 level(lucky me). I have a two hand backhand and a good one hand slice but due to age I sometimes have trouble when I am extended running to hit my two hander. By the time I get to the ball I don't have enough time to turn my hips for a powerful enough shot. I can slice it but my technique breaks down a bit when I am on a full run under pressure. I understand that I could improve my slice using my regular continental grip with better timing but wondered if my slice would have more pace using a Thiem backhand grip for a slice(index knuckle on bevel 2 with hammer grip). Similar to a Rosewall slice if I'm not mistaken where take back is below the shoulder?

It sounds to me like you are talking about using poor technique as a fix for your real problem -- which is movement. Regardless of age (unless serious injury is involved), when I hear of someone who has problems with movement, I immediately go to two huge factors: 1) Losing weight, and 2) Improving your preparation (preparing earlier/better reaction time/better anticipation/better first step/better footwork). A secondary thing to look at is how to "set yourself up better". If you often find yourself on the run, then you need to "dictate" more. You simply need better shots.

So, maybe lose ten pounds. Maybe do some footwork drills. Maybe work on some better approach shots or setup shots. Maybe work on court positioning/awareness so you can prepare earlier. IMHO, *those* are the real potential fixes to your problem.

But don't go to the level of trying to apply a gimmicky fix to your grip. Stick to a proper, fundamental continental grip for a slice. A continental grip applies to *all* positions on the court... from behind the baseline... all the way up to the net... allow you to hit dropshots... but allow you to hit deep slices. Best of all, it will allow your backhand volley to be the best it can be.

 

[Lance L]

Defensive lob.

I'm with the defensive lob. Slice hardly ever cuts it anymore, even when done pretty well. Getting the ball deep is your best bet, even if that means a high ball/lob. Regardless you are likely to loose the point, but I think this will get you 10% more points than a more normal slice.