A Federer backhand slice or a Sampras one?

[theagassiman]

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=421939
inspired me.

Both often defensive shots. To my perceptions anyway, Federer used his slightly more, especially as an offensive shot.

Sampras in his early years had a very attractive topspin backhand. In contrast, his slice floated too much. Indoor accentuates this. Maybe this is why he did not experience early success at Wimbledon. Sampras talks about 'firming his backhand slice up' over the years. It certainly became a valuable part of his game.

I don't know whether Federer had similar problems in the early part of his career. As you see though, the backhand slice is not such a crucial shot, not on any court, though variety is nice. Federer's slice seems to have more spin than Sampras', however.

[kiki]

If you reall want to see a true slice, go back to the 70´s...heard of a certain Ken Rosewall?

[ramos77]

Graf had a better slice than both Fed and Sampras

[theagassiman]

Originally Posted by kiki

If you reall want to see a true slice, go back to the 70´s...heard of a certain Ken Rosewall?

seems almost like a drive backhand, short backswing. I tried hitting that way. very flat and penetrating, actually not too much slice. rosewall was more eastern I think

I think Sampras and Fed are more traditional, in that they use a continental(?) and for them its more a keep in the point/variety shot. Therefore they also try and get some more slice on it

[kiki]

Originally Posted by theagassiman

seems almost like a drive backhand, short backswing. I tried hitting that way. very flat and penetrating, actually not too much slice. rosewall was more eastern I think

I think Sampras and Fed are more traditional, in that they use a continental(?) and for them its more a keep in the point/variety shot. Therefore they also try and get some more slice on it

That is true.Most people think it was slice but it was a semi flat shot with little backswing...and the best use of opponents´s pace that I ever saw ( only matched at some point by Connors)

[DolgoSantoro]

The answer is Rosewall obviously, but if I can't pick his slice I'll take federer's

[Limpinhitter]

Originally Posted by theagassiman

seems almost like a drive backhand, short backswing. I tried hitting that way. very flat and penetrating, actually not too much slice. rosewall was more eastern I think

I think Sampras and Fed are more traditional, in that they use a continental(?) and for them its more a keep in the point/variety shot. Therefore they also try and get some more slice on it

Rosewall hit with an Aussie forehand grip (between Continental and Eastern), and a Continental grip for everything else, as did Newcombe.

[theagassiman]

but rosewall isn't part of the question