backhand slice

hi

i can't seem to hit a backhand slice without it "dying" (i.e. like a drop shot) on my opponent's side of the court.

am I applying the wrong spin on the ball? or am I not putting enough or too much spin on it?

thanks

[JohnThomas1]

Do you follow thru the ball properly? A lot of the time if you chop at the ball it has no penetration or depth. Most slices that fall very short are the result of jabbing at the ball. Hitting off the front foot also helps.

yes, now that you've mentioned it, my slice does fall short.
Can you explain how to follow through properly?

also, what is the ideal grip for a backhand slice? should I swing forcefully or loosely? should I apply as much spin as possible? should I apply backspin only? should the contact point be close to or slightly ahead of my body? should my racquet be facing the ground or in the direction of the ball at the end of my swing?

thanks for your help

[Bungalo Bill]

I think if you search through some recent posts you will see some key upper body movements to perform that I have mentioned on how to produce an offensive slice.

Modern game or no modern game, I think Ken Rosewal had one of the best slices ever. Many opponents thought it was a flat drive they were recieving but when slowed down it was slice or backspin that he was putting on the ball. Ken's form on the slice is timeless and should be a model for your game.

Some of the things I have not mentioned is maintaining good balance. To practice and see how well or how poorly you maintain your balance throughout the slice stroke, it is a good idea to stop the swing once contact is made and do not followthrough - just stop. Your wieght should be on your front foot and you should be able to maintain your balance for at least 5 seconds without wobbling around, preferably 10 seconds.

Prepare the swing as Ken Rosewall is doing but instead of following through the ball, stop your swing right when you make contact. The followthrough will happen naturally but you must understand what your balance is like before letting the racquet go.

Do a search for the upper body movements nd use it along with this post. Study how the arm is moving that the video provides and bring in as much elements of this stroke as you can for your own body type and style.

Your imitation of the stroke may or may not be a perfect imitation, you will develop your own preferences and style, but the fundamentals will be there. Look at the direction of his racquet on the forward swing - it goes almost straight out - not chopping down.

[Frank Silbermann]

To hit the slice like Ken Rosewall in that clip, take a Continental grip and attempt to hit the ball flat. You'll get a penetrating shot that carries a mild backspin. (Likewise, if you try to hit your forehand flat using a semi-continental grip, you'll probably get a touch of forward spin.)

[Robert Jones]

That sounds good. If you want some pace hit it flat with just a tad of backward face tilt for the backspin.

You can get it deep with severe backspin, you have to swing very hard and if you don't do it just right it ends up short. I practice that shot often, I routinely hit a super spin drop shot from mid court, it makes them run like hell. So don't give up that shot of yours just use it for drop shots.

Originally Posted by Frank Silbermann

To hit the slice like Ken Rosewall in that clip, take a Continental grip and attempt to hit the ball flat. You'll get a penetrating shot that carries a mild backspin. (Likewise, if you try to hit your forehand flat using a semi-continental grip, you'll probably get a touch of forward spin.)