1hbh slice vs 2hbh ?

[sinnetklat]

Hello friends,

I use a topspin and flat 1hbh and I had the will to convert to 2hbh for a long time. For the last 4-5 months, I have tried to get used to 2hbh even by using it during the matches if possible. Now I feel much closer to being able to play two-handed backhand than any other time in the past. However, my 1hbh is still better and I have a way to go for 2hbh.

I talked to a coach a few days ago; he said that hitting one handed backhands mainly as sliced shots may be proper for me. He said deep 1hbh slice shots -if hit well- may be very accurate and hard to return as they go close to surface; that this would be better for me as a man in his forties.

So, now I have difficulty in deciding whether I would go on trying to convert to 2hbh or develop deep sliced 1hbh as my essential backhand shot.

Your comments, experiences are very important for me. Thanks...

 

[soleil]

What's the reason for your change? If your 1hbh is better why change it? O:

 

[aceX]

Can you slice well already?

I have a 1hbh and slice it 40-50% of the time. I would say I would probably draw more opponent errors using my slice than my topspin bh. The topspin bh just sits up whereas the slice sometimes skids off the court with little height

 

[sinnetklat]

What's the reason for your change? If your 1hbh is better why change it? O:

Thanks for your answer.

I said my 1hbh is better than my 2hbh in order to state the current situation; that my 2hbh needs to get better.

The reason for my will to quit 1hbh is that I don't have enough stability; I cannot return very hard shots and good players catch advantage by hitting to my backhand.

Thanks again...

 

[soleil]

Thanks for your answer.

I said my 1hbh is better than my 2hbh in order to state the current situation; that my 2hbh needs to get better.

The reason for my will to quit 1hbh is that I don't have enough stability; I cannot return very hard shots and good players catch advantage by hitting to my backhand.

Thanks again...

Yeah I have the same experience with lack of stability. I used a 1hbh when i started playing then switched to a 2hbh before until i realized that although i can return those hard shots, my 2hbh didnt have the reach and power of the 1hbh. So i tried to improve the 1hbh, which made me happy with my shots these days.

I think its just personal preference really on how you want to hit the ball. I, being more of an aggressive player, rely on the power of a 1hbh. If I was more of a defensive, consistent player i would've stayed with my 2hbh long ago but i couldnt quite get power with it :|

 

[sinnetklat]

Can you slice well already?

I have a 1hbh and slice it 40-50% of the time. I would say I would probably draw more opponent errors using my slice than my topspin bh. The topspin bh just sits up whereas the slice sometimes skids off the court with little height

Well, I have never tried to slice deeply from the baseline. I always tried to hit mostly topspin or flat, thinking that these are the fundamental and ideal shots and should not be conceded. For shorter shots, I sometimes try to slice.

I think, already I have to practice for some time to be able to slice effectively. I assume it won't be too long as I always used 1hbh.

Thanks for your answer...

 

[sinnetklat]

Yeah I have the same experience with lack of stability. I used a 1hbh when i started playing then switched to a 2hbh before until i realized that although i can return those hard shots, my 2hbh didnt have the reach and power of the 1hbh. So i tried to improve the 1hbh, which made me happy with my shots these days.

I think its just personal preference really on how you want to hit the ball. I, being more of an aggressive player, rely on the power of a 1hbh. If I was more of a defensive, consistent player i would've stayed with my 2hbh long ago but i couldnt quite get power with it :|

Good, so as you are happy with your 1hbh these days, I'd like to learn in what ratio you use backhand slice (for long and short shots) ?

Thanks...

 

[gahaha]

If you're having stability issues, try gripping the eastern back hand grip with your thumb supporting the back of the handle, you'll have to grip a lot harder but it helps keep your racquet face stable. I learned the one hand back hand when I was really young and had a weak wrist, but it really helped. (I also sent my racquet flying a couple of times lol)

Having a pure back hand slice can draw errors and frustrate your opponent, but most advance players have no problem adapting to them.

Oh, having your weight on back leg and then shifting to front leg as you swing is really important.

 

[sinnetklat]

If you're having stability issues, try gripping the eastern back hand grip with your thumb supporting the back of the handle, you'll have to grip a lot harder but it helps keep your racquet face stable. I learned the one hand back hand when I was really young and had a weak wrist, but it really helped. (I also sent my racquet flying a couple of times lol)

Having a pure back hand slice can draw errors and frustrate your opponent, but most advance players have no problem adapting to them.

Oh, having your weight on back leg and then shifting to front leg as you swing is really important.

Thanks, for your advice and I will try it. I have also spotted that holding the grip 1-2 cm shorter in 1hbh also helps to stabilize by shortening the lever.

I try to convert to 2hbh mainly due to the fact that I have difficulty in doing the timing of 1hbh for fast balls.

Thanks again...

 

[larry10s]

you do want an effective one handed slice back hand
whether you use a 1 or 2 handed backhand
the slice as your only backhand will not get you far if you plan to play tournament tennis
at the club level if it bites and is reliable you can get away with the slice being your only backhand

if your timing on slower balls is ok with your one hander
you need to drill with someone feeding you balls standing closer so you have less reaction time and have to prepare and hit faster.
and or serve to your backhand with them at the service line opposite the net

 

[sinnetklat]

you do want an effective one handed slice back hand
whether you use a 1 or 2 handed backhand
the slice as your only backhand will not get you far if you plan to play tournament tennis
at the club level if it bites and is reliable you can get away with the slice being your only backhand

Thanks for your advice. It is very meaningful for me as I want to decide whether I would develop 2hbh or 1hbh slice.

So, you think 1hbh slice will allow a limited improvement, enough for club level. Till now, I didn't have good results in tournaments (not performance tournaments of course). Therefore, it may be easy to go on with slice at the club level, but hard to convert to 2hbh later if I decide to go further. Difficult situation.

I am waiting for your comments. Thanks...

 

[Nellie]

realistically, if you are 40+, the one-handed slice backhand will give you more than enough shot ability to play at the club and with friends.

There are limitations with a one-handed slice (such as making it harder to hit a passing shot), but unless you are hoping to play at a high level, you would get far bigger gains by reducing errors. Also, you can develop different types of slice shots (for example, a fast, mostly flat ball versus a heavy backspin, drop shot type of slice) to accomplish almost any type of strategy. As a further benefit, a slice shot is, in my opinion, a very non-strenuous shot to hit, allowing you to play more as you get older.

To put it in perspective, if you switch to a two- hander, it may take you a couple years of practice just to return to the level you are at now.

 

[magnut]

How about the two handed backhand slice.

 

[forthegame]

I've always played a 1HBH but been trying out a 2HBH for quite some time. I occasionally play both to my detriment.

Lately, I've been doing more 2HBH and 1HBH slice with good results - today for example.

My 1HBH is such that if I hit it, it either goes in or it's over the back fence (in my opponents' eye sometimes if they fail to get out of the way).

I'm hoping to keep the 2HBH + 1HBH slice combo or if it doesn't work out, keep the 1HBH slice a la Graf.

 

[soleil]

Good, so as you are happy with your 1hbh these days, I'd like to learn in what ratio you use backhand slice (for long and short shots) ?

Thanks...

I use the topspin backhand more on baseline rallies. When returning serve its either i be aggressive by ripping the ball in with a topspin bh or just return it for a longer rally so with service returns it should be about a 1:1 ratio. For baseline rallies i use the topspin bh as much as i can. I usually use the slice for approach shots and more for shots that are out of my reach or when im not in position. Also use it a lot when the ball bounces too high xP

 

[gahaha]

I've always played a 1HBH but been trying out a 2HBH for quite some time. I occasionally play both to my detriment.

Lately, I've been doing more 2HBH and 1HBH slice with good results - today for example.

My 1HBH is such that if I hit it, it either goes in or it's over the back fence (in my opponents' eye sometimes if they fail to get out of the way).

I'm hoping to keep the 2HBH + 1HBH slice combo or if it doesn't work out, keep the 1HBH slice a la Graf.

That's how most 2HBH players play, 2HBH drive and 1HBH slice. Even though I play with a 1HBH, I feel 2HBH is much better overall, a lot easier to learn, less difficult timing and way less room for error.

Not that 1HBH is worse as a stroke, it just requires a lot more to be on the same level as a 2HBH. Unfortunately my 2HBH skills are nowhere as developed as my 1HBH so I can't help you there The only reason I stuck with a 1HBH because it is classy!

 

[magnut]

That's how most 2HBH players play, 2HBH drive and 1HBH slice. Even though I play with a 1HBH, I feel 2HBH is much better overall, a lot easier to learn, less difficult timing and way less room for error.

Not that 1HBH is worse as a stroke, it just requires a lot more to be on the same level as a 2HBH. Unfortunately my 2HBH skills are nowhere as developed as my 1HBH so I can't help you there The only reason I stuck with a 1HBH because it is classy!

This is all true. I dont know about you guys but If I see a player with a great one handed backhand I immediately think......OK. The chances that this guy can mix up spin, pace, and have the ability to volley well are pretty likely. When I see a two hander I think........I wonder if this guy with actually come in on me.

I guess I stereotype in this reguard ussually thinking a great one hander is a sign of a more developed game. Its not always the case but it seems more often than not.

I will say that a one handed backhand (ala Edberg) is the most beautiful shot in tennis if not all of sport. And this comes from someone who is quite a fan of the Conners two handed backhand (another gorgeous shot).

 

[forthegame]

That's how most 2HBH players play, 2HBH drive and 1HBH slice. Even though I play with a 1HBH, I feel 2HBH is much better overall, a lot easier to learn, less difficult timing and way less room for error.

Not that 1HBH is worse as a stroke, it just requires a lot more to be on the same level as a 2HBH. Unfortunately my 2HBH skills are nowhere as developed as my 1HBH so I can't help you there The only reason I stuck with a 1HBH because it is classy!

I meant I was actually using both the 1HBH and 2HBH for topspin in play and got caught many times in the valley of indecision!

My 2HBH has been working so I'm hoping to keep that for topspin etc

 

[Limpinhitter]

Hello friends,

I use a topspin and flat 1hbh and I had the will to convert to 2hbh for a long time. For the last 4-5 months, I have tried to get used to 2hbh even by using it during the matches if possible. Now I feel much closer to being able to play two-handed backhand than any other time in the past. However, my 1hbh is still better and I have a way to go for 2hbh.

I talked to a coach a few days ago; he said that hitting one handed backhands mainly as sliced shots may be proper for me. He said deep 1hbh slice shots -if hit well- may be very accurate and hard to return as they go close to surface; that this would be better for me as a man in his forties.

So, now I have difficulty in deciding whether I would go on trying to convert to 2hbh or develop deep sliced 1hbh as my essential backhand shot.

Your comments, experiences are very important for me. Thanks...

Stick with the two hander. But, understand that, if you're a righty, a 2hb is basically a left handed forehand with the right hand there for guidance and coordination. Your left hand has to be dominant. In addition, a 2hb requires much more upper body rotation to execute properly because the arms are not free to swing apart from the upper body with two hands on the racquet.

FYI, I switched from a 1hb to a 2hb a long time ago. It takes time - on the court - to make the switch. I have found my 2hb to be more reliable and repeatable than my topspin 1hb. And, I still hit my 1hb slice when needed.

 

[fuzz nation]

I very much agree with the idea of learning a solid bh slice along with a topspin stroke. Building only one stroke will leave you quite limited on that wing.

 

[sinnetklat]

Stick with the two hander. But, understand that, if you're a righty, a 2hb is basically a left handed forehand with the right hand there for guidance and coordination. Your left hand has to be dominant. In addition, a 2hb requires much more upper body rotation to execute properly because the arms are not free to swing apart from the upper body with two hands on the racquet.

FYI, I switched from a 1hb to a 2hb a long time ago. It takes time - on the court - to make the switch. I have found my 2hb to be more reliable and repeatable than my topspin 1hb. And, I still hit my 1hb slice when needed.

Thanks for your advice based upon your experience. Since 4-5 months ago, I have been playing 2hbh insistingly. For the first time I started to gain confidence although I am easily getting tired and starting to make mistakes. I do not have a short way to go, I feel. That is why deep sliced 1hbh attracted my attention as I have always played one-handed backhand.

Thanks again...

 

[larry10s]

Thanks for your advice. It is very meaningful for me as I want to decide whether I would develop 2hbh or 1hbh slice.

So, you think 1hbh slice will allow a limited improvement, enough for club level. Till now, I didn't have good results in tournaments (not performance tournaments of course). Therefore, it may be easy to go on with slice at the club level, but hard to convert to 2hbh later if I decide to go further. Difficult situation.

I am waiting for your comments. Thanks...

let me start by saying i have a one handed back hand im still working on improving

im playing now 9 years so here is my 2 cents
a consistent backhand that will keep you in rallies until you can hit a forehand will always be an asset
a 2 handed bh will let you hit those "loopers" high to your back hand aggressively which a one hander cant
the only advantage to a 1 handed backhand(icbw) is to facilitate a one handed backhand slice and volley
if your one handed slice and volley is developed
commiting to a 2 hander
topspin is ok
you did not tell us your goals and age

if you are 40 and mainly a club player
a wicked slice will be a weapon and you wont need to go further

if you are 14 and hope to win the us open
learn a 2 hander AND a slice

 

[sinnetklat]

let me start by saying i have a one handed back hand im still working on improving

im playing now 9 years so here is my 2 cents
a consistent backhand that will keep you in rallies until you can hit a forehand will always be an asset
a 2 handed bh will let you hit those "loopers" high to your back hand aggressively which a one hander cant
the only advantage to a 1 handed backhand(icbw) is to facilitate a one handed backhand slice and volley
if your one handed slice and volley is developed
commiting to a 2 hander
topspin is ok
you did not tell us your goals and age

if you are 40 and mainly a club player
a wicked slice will be a weapon and you wont need to go further

if you are 14 and hope to win the us open
learn a 2 hander AND a slice

Thanks for the detailed advice. I am over 40 and my aim is to be able to play better in veteran tournaments. Therefore, according to your suggestion, I think slice may be considered to be more suitable for me.

Thanks again...

 

[olliess]

You have already stated that your 1hbh is still better than your 2hbh. I'm with the posters who suggest you should find out what your 1hbh with the addition of a slice (very useful for variety and on defense) can do for you before you give up what you already have for a 2hbh.

 

[sinnetklat]

You have already stated that your 1hbh is still better than your 2hbh. I'm with the posters who suggest you should find out what your 1hbh with the addition of a slice (very useful for variety and on defense) can do for you before you give up what you already have for a 2hbh.

Thanks a lot for your suggestion. About this, I wonder whether slice backhand is capable of returning really hard, fast shots particularly aimed at my backhand as successfully as 2hbh. I think this is something eventually very important.

Thanks again...

 

[larry10s]

Thanks a lot for your suggestion. About this, I wonder whether slice backhand is capable of returning really hard, fast shots particularly aimed at my backhand as successfully as 2hbh. I think this is something eventually very important.

Thanks again...

yes the slice can handle that type of shot
you see it all the time
actually for me the timing is easier to return that shot with a slice
similarly a hard first serve
the "block/chip" return is a "mini slice" in a way

 

[Limpinhitter]

Thanks a lot for your suggestion. About this, I wonder whether slice backhand is capable of returning really hard, fast shots particularly aimed at my backhand as successfully as 2hbh. I think this is something eventually very important.

Thanks again...

A good backhand slice is the most versatile shot you can have. IMO, a good backhand slice is the preferred method of handling power from the other side because it takes less time and footwork to set up for the shot. You can hit back with power or finesse, drop, drive, lob, moonball, block (ie: return of big serve), anything. You can hit with a severe chopping slice (ie: Federer), or drive it nearly flat (ie: Rosewall). You also have more directional and depth control with a slice than with a topspin groundie. You can almost thread a needle with a good slice. All JMHO, from my experience, of course.

 

[sinnetklat]

yes the slice can handle that type of shot
you see it all the time
actually for me the timing is easier to return that shot with a slice
similarly a hard first serve
the "block/chip" return is a "mini slice" in a way

Being able to handle a really hard shot by sending that ball back -fast and deep- enough would be great for me. If I could do it, it would be the ultimate for me.

Thanks a lot...

 

[sinnetklat]

A good backhand slice is the most versatile shot you can have. IMO, a good backhand slice is the preferred method of handling power from the other side because it takes less time and footwork to set up for the shot. You can hit back with power or finesse, drop, drive, lob, moonball, block (ie: return of big serve), anything. You can hit with a severe chopping slice (ie: Federer), or drive it nearly flat (ie: Rosewall). You also have more directional and depth control with a slice than with a topspin groundie. You can almost thread a needle with a good slice. All JMHO, from my experience, of course.

Thank you very much. These are really things similar to what the coach offering me to slice has told. (As I have mentioned in the very beginning of the thread)

I wonder the approximate length of time I need in order to have really biting 1hbh slice. And I have always played one handed since 4-5 months ago. 1hbh slice must be more adaptable for me. For converting to 2hbh, mostly two year-period is mentioned. So, I must have at least 1,5 years more to master it.

I'd like to learn how long may it take for me to master a really good slice?

 

[fuzz nation]

In that case (post twenty eight), absolutely get to work on building a solid, reliable slice backhand. In my opinion, it's the one style of backhand that anyone can use all day and half the night. While it's not necessarily as offensive as a well developed topspin drive, the strike zone with a slice backhand is huge.

Some of our pals will claim that it's a limited sort of shot, but if you're playing heavy recreational tennis and you want a rock-solid reliable backhand that will be able to deal with just about any sort of ball that comes your way, the slice should be quite good for you. How long will it take to learn it? You'll only know that after you've put it together for yourself.

We've discussed the fundamentals of the stroke here a few times in the recent past, so you might want to search up some of those threads for a look at our collective pointers. I did a brain dump on this shot more than once and I haven't had enough coffee to repeat myself yet today. Dig up some good guidance and get to work on it.

 

[Devilito]

Thanks for your answer.

I said my 1hbh is better than my 2hbh in order to state the current situation; that my 2hbh needs to get better.

The reason for my will to quit 1hbh is that I don't have enough stability; I cannot return very hard shots and good players catch advantage by hitting to my backhand.

Thanks again...

Yeah but that isn’t a fault of the 1hbh it’s a fault of your technique. So instead of putting all this effort into changing to a 2hbh wouldn’t it have made more sense to just improve your 1hbh?

 

[Limpinhitter]

Thank you very much. These are really things similar to what the coach offering me to slice has told. (As I have mentioned in the very beginning of the thread)

I wonder the approximate length of time I need in order to have really biting 1hbh slice. And I have always played one handed since 4-5 months ago. 1hbh slice must be more adaptable for me. For converting to 2hbh, mostly two year-period is mentioned. So, I must have at least 1,5 years more to master it.

I'd like to learn how long may it take for me to master a really good slice?

Believe it or not, I learned proper backhand slice technique from a Wilson tennis racquet commercial. It's just a short shot of Billy Jean King hitting a high backhand slice using perfect 1hb slice technique, but, it's a visual that is very effective and easy to emulate.

The most important thing to take away from this is the pronation (in the backswing), and suppination (in the forward swing) of her forearm. (It doesn't show the takeback, only the forearm fully pronated ready to be suppinated in the forward swing). This is how racquet speed is generated on a 1hb, slice or topspin, without having to muscle the racquet with arm strength. Also, notice that the angle of the racquet to the forearm is maintained throughout the swing. The racquet head stays above the wrist and the wrist is not allowed to let the racquet head drop. Here's the commercial:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIvxP9VMo9I&playnext=1&list=PL1BA7DC884E04F21B

 

[Devilito]

Thanks a lot for your suggestion. About this, I wonder whether slice backhand is capable of returning really hard, fast shots particularly aimed at my backhand as successfully as 2hbh. I think this is something eventually very important.

Thanks again...

Not unless you want to be floating a lot of shots long. You return hard and fast shots to your backhand the same way as your forehand. Shorten up the backswing and take it early. If you have trouble doing this with a 1hbh then your technique is incorrect. Chances are you’re not hitting far enough in front of you. Even in the pro game hard shots are usually blocked back flat or with what spin is possible to keep the ball in the court. If you slice a bomb it will float. Steffi Graf would be an exception to the rule but she had a hyper developed slice that really isn’t your typical rally shot. Watch some matches with Federer, Wawrinka, Youzhney and other 1hbh players and see how they handle hard and fast shots.

 

[Limpinhitter]

Not unless you want to be floating a lot of shots long. You return hard and fast shots to your backhand the same way as your forehand. Shorten up the backswing and take it early. If you have trouble doing this with a 1hbh then your technique is incorrect. Chances are you’re not hitting far enough in front of you. Even in the pro game hard shots are usually blocked back flat or with what spin is possible to keep the ball in the court. If you slice a bomb it will float. Steffi Graf would be an exception to the rule but she had a hyper developed slice that really isn’t your typical rally shot. Watch some matches with Federer, Wawrinka, Youzhney and other 1hbh players and see how they handle hard and fast shots.

I don't agree. The problem with Federer's slice (and others like it) is that it's really a chop and too hard to time well against a big shot. This match between Blake and Gonzalez shows some exellent examples of backhand chip returns against big serves. To say that a chip return will be a floater is just wrong. That's like saying a topspin return on the stretch will be a shank. There is a higher risk of shanking a forehand return if you are on the stretch and you try to come up on the ball. Like any shot, if you execute the chip well, you can do what you want with it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HX89r-fWtPk

PS: You can chip a forehand return very effectively, too. Similar to a volley.

 

[Devilito]

I don't agree. The problem with Federer's slice (and others like it) is that it's really a chop and too hard to time well against a big shot. This match between Blake and Gonzalez shows some exellent examples of backhand chip returns against big serves:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HX89r-fWtPk

that's not the same thing. When you're stretched out wide on a fast serve even a 2hbh player will 1h slice a return because that's the only available shot left

 

[Limpinhitter]

that's not the same thing. When you're stretched out wide on a fast serve even a 2hbh player will 1h slice a return because that's the only available shot left

I was just responding to what looked like an overgeneralization. (I edited my post, BTW). If you've got time to come up on the ball, you can shape the shot downward and give it more chance to go in. But, there are plenty of occasions where a chip is the better choice. For example, a chip takes less time to set up for, IMO. If it floats and that's not what you intended, you didn't execute it well.

The backhand slice is a lost art among top pros, IMO. I can't think of any really good ones among the top players today. They all seem to chop the ball, a more difficult, lower percentage shot. A chop is only one way to slice the ball, and not the most versatile shot.

 

[Devilito]

I was just responding to what looked like an overgeneralization. (I edited my post, BTW). If you've got time to come up on the ball, you can shape the shot downward and give it more chance to go in. But, there are plenty of occasions where a chip is the better choice. If it floats and that's not what you intended, you didn't execute it well.

The backhand slice is a lost art among top pros, IMO. I can't think of any really good ones among the top players today. They all seem to chop the ball, a more difficult, lower percentage shot. A chop is only one way to slice the ball, and not the most versatile shot.

It’s a more aggressive shot because a regular slice will open yourself up to be attacked. Players now a days don’t have problems hitting a low ball over the net hard and having them drop back in with plenty of spin. Sure if you don’t have a problem defending hitting slices all day long is fine. If you want to be in control of the point your slice needs to have a lot more action on it than just some mild under spin. There is shot variety you can do anything you want. In that same video they were even hitting forehand slice returns but all those shots lead to a weak position and let the server dominate the point from the start.

Also slicing a return is different because serves drop before the service line obviously. They sit up and are a better candidate for a sliced shot. If someone hits a hard fast shot that lands on the baseline and you’re 1’ away from it trying to take it on the rise you’re going to shorten up your swing and block it back. You’re not going to cut down on it and slice which would actually be a more difficult shot to pull off in that situation. Obviously there are exceptions to everything it’s just they way I’d play a shot like that. The last thing i'm thinking of when someone drills a shot at me is how i'm going to set up to slice it back. There's just no time in that position

 

[dozu]

these posts above between Limp and Dev, I think boil down to 1 thing - swing path matching the trajectory of the incoming ball.... which gives more margin for error.

I hit both Fed-chop type slice and the Gonzo-chip type... on medium pace medium height balls, both work fine.

on high bounce balls, the Fed-chop works better because it 'matches' the trajectory of the incoming ball.

on deep, hard, flat balls, the Fed-chop doesn't work as well as the Gonzo chip... and I agree with Dev, that a 'block' half volley is the easier shot than a slice half volley, (regardless chop or chip).

 

[Limpinhitter]

It’s a more aggressive shot because a regular slice will open yourself up to be attacked. Players now a days don’t have problems hitting a low ball over the net hard and having them drop back in with plenty of spin. Sure if you don’t have a problem defending hitting slices all day long is fine. If you want to be in control of the point your slice needs to have a lot more action on it than just some mild under spin. There is shot variety you can do anything you want. In that same video they were even hitting forehand slice returns but all those shots lead to a weak position and let the server dominate the point from the start.

Also slicing a return is different because serves drop before the service line obviously. They sit up and are a better candidate for a sliced shot. If someone hits a hard fast shot that lands on the baseline and you’re 1’ away from it trying to take it on the rise you’re going to shorten up your swing and block it back. You’re not going to cut down on it and slice which would actually be a more difficult shot to pull off in that situation. Obviously there are exceptions to everything it’s just they way I’d play a shot like that. The last thing i'm thinking of when someone drills a shot at me is how i'm going to set up to slice it back. There's just no time in that position

I don't know what you mean by a "regular slice." But, as I explained to the OP above, the backhand slice is the most versatile shot you can have in your arsenal, IMO.

I can hit a 1hb slice many different ways, in many different situations. I can drive it with pace cross court or down the line with the opponent in the back court or as a passing shot just as hard as I can come over the ball (if I have sufficient net clearance, but, even if I don't, I can knife it pretty hard), I can block back returns of serve with pace, or dink a net rusher, I can float it deep to gain recovery time if I choose to (and I draw more UE from opponents trying to overhit the floater than I do hitting big), I can lob and moonball, all with more touch and control than a topspin bh. And, there's abundant video evidence of pros and amatures supporting my premises. In addition, a slice backhand is a very simple stroke that is easier to learn and to execute than a topspin backhand, either a 1hb or 2hb, IMO. One of my fav shots is when I'm running down a cross court deep to my backhand, I turn my back to the target, fake dtl, and then turn hard and early to drive it cross court. I've passed opponents at the baseline with that one.

I do agree with the bolded part above. The only time I wouldn't hit a slice in on a half volley.

 

[Devilito]

I don't know what you mean by a "regular slice." But, as I explained to the OP above, the backhand slice is the most versatile shot you can have in your arsenal, IMO.

I do agree with the bolded part above. The only time I wouldn't hit a slice in on a half volley.

I think coming from a 2hbh I naturally come over the ball as much as possible. I had a couple of really good 1hbh players surprised at how often I come over the ball and how rarely I slice. I guess it’s more of a mental thing and what you’re used to doing. Even though now I hit a 1hbh I find I slice about as much as I use to on my 2hbh.

 

[Limpinhitter]

I think coming from a 2hbh I naturally come over the ball as much as possible. I had a couple of really good 1hbh players surprised at how often I come over the ball and how rarely I slice. I guess it’s more of a mental thing and what you’re used to doing. Even though now I hit a 1hbh I find I slice about as much as I use to on my 2hbh.

That makes sense. I came from a 1hb (I was a Laver immitator), and switched to a 2hb 25 years ago because of elbow problems. I was one of the only juniors among my tennis playing friends who even hit a topspin bh. But, I still hit my slice for various reasons as said above. Sometimes as much as 1/2 of my bh's are a slices, especially if I'm gassed. 2hb's take more energy to set up for and hit.

 

[Limibeans]

I can only hit a solid 2h backhand if I play left handed. I've tried to learn how to hit the 2HBH on the right side but never could. I get much more power/spin/control with one hand, the only problem is that I dont use slice as much as I should.

I played 9.0 a few years back and had a pretty hard time with service receive since hitting a slice return in doubles is "risky" at best. It's easy to get away with in singles but not so much in doubles.

I tried for about 2 years to learn the 2HBH on the right side but never could get it. I keep taking the ball too far away and get no power at all.

 

[sinnetklat]

In that case (post #28), absolutely get to work on building a solid, reliable slice backhand. In my opinion, it's the one style of backhand that anyone can use all day and half the night. While it's not necessarily as offensive as a well developed topspin drive, the strike zone with a slice backhand is huge.

Some of our pals will claim that it's a limited sort of shot, but if you're playing heavy recreational tennis and you want a rock-solid reliable backhand that will be able to deal with just about any sort of ball that comes your way, the slice should be quite good for you. How long will it take to learn it? You'll only know that after you've put it together for yourself.

We've discussed the fundamentals of the stroke here a few times in the recent past, so you might want to search up some of those threads for a look at our collective pointers. I did a brain dump on this shot more than once and I haven't had enough coffee to repeat myself yet today. Dig up some good guidance and get to work on it.

Thanks for advice that seems to be tailored for me. I will excavate the archives.

 

[sinnetklat]

Believe it or not, I learned proper backhand slice technique from a Wilson tennis racquet commercial. It's just a short shot of Billy Jean King hitting a high backhand slice using perfect 1hb slice technique, but, it's a visual that is very effective and easy to emulate.

The most important thing to take away from this is the pronation (in the backswing), and suppination (in the forward swing) of her forearm. (It doesn't show the takeback, only the forearm fully pronated ready to be suppinated in the forward swing). This is how racquet speed is generated on a 1hb, slice or topspin, without having to muscle the racquet with arm strength. Also, notice that the angle of the racquet to the forearm is maintained throughout the swing. The racquet head stays above the wrist and the wrist is not allowed to let the racquet head drop. Here's the commercial:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIvxP9VMo9I&playnext=1&list=PL1BA7DC884E04F21B

The video tells almost everything at first glance. Thanks for it and for the explanation.

 

[sinnetklat]

About the poll in this thread

As a person trying to decide by which backhand to go, I opened this thread and utilized the very valuable comments based upon the posters' experiences. I also wanted to add a poll.

This poll is prepared particullarly for 1hbh'ers in order to assess how often they prefer to use slice backhand; by the other words how much slice backhand contributes to one-handed backhand. As there are many topics on 1hbh vs 2hbh, and there are many 1hbh'ers content with 1hbh, this poll may humbly give an idea about to which extent single-handed players use slice backhand during the matches. And the result may be useful for one-handers, especially for those who want to go on with this shot, but hesitant about it.

I invite all one-handers to participate in this poll to have a better idea on this issue. I am looking forward to seeing a higher number of participants in the best tennis forum.

Thank you very much...

 

[fuzz nation]

Not unless you want to be floating a lot of shots long. You return hard and fast shots to your backhand the same way as your forehand. Shorten up the backswing and take it early. If you have trouble doing this with a 1hbh then your technique is incorrect. Chances are you’re not hitting far enough in front of you. Even in the pro game hard shots are usually blocked back flat or with what spin is possible to keep the ball in the court. If you slice a bomb it will float. Steffi Graf would be an exception to the rule but she had a hyper developed slice that really isn’t your typical rally shot. Watch some matches with Federer, Wawrinka, Youzhney and other 1hbh players and see how they handle hard and fast shots.

Just want to offer the idea that our OP is in a different context than killers like Fed, the Stan-man, etc. A recreational player with a solid slice and a workable topspin backhand is going to be a very tough nut because he/she will be much more consistent on that wing. Remember that when players develop upwards of a 5.0 level and beyond, they're beginning to really build their individual games around a weapon.

Players at lower levels often pressure their opponents with positioning and consistency instead of the heat that stronger players can churn out. A topspin stroke is certainly useful, but if a player also has a biting, deep slice that's accurate and reliable, it will expand that player's ability to control a greater variety of balls on their backhand side. Even if that's enough to simply keep an opponent neutralized, that makes for a much more formidable player in the recreational realm.

Just saying... we're not the pro's and they're not us.

 

[fuzz nation]

As a person trying to decide by which backhand to go, I opened this thread and utilized the very valuable comments based upon the posters' experiences. I also wanted to add a poll.

This poll is prepared particullarly for 1hbh'ers in order to assess how often they prefer to use slice backhand; by the other words how much slice backhand contributes to one-handed backhand. As there are many topics on 1hbh vs 2hbh, and there are many 1hbh'ers content with 1hbh, this poll may humbly give an idea about to which extent single-handed players use slice backhand during the matches. And the result may be useful for one-handers, especially for those who want to go on with this shot, but hesitant about it.

I invite all one-handers to participate in this poll to have a better idea on this issue. I am looking forward to seeing a higher number of participants in the best tennis forum.

Thank you very much...

Hope I'm not being repetitive, but I believe that we've got to regard the slice backhand as its own stroke. Regardless of which topspin backhand a player has a stronger aptitude or affinity to learn or develop, the slice is an essential for dealing with lots of shots including really low balls, others that are very wide to the backhand side, etc.

I hit all three styles of backhands rather well, but when I need to dig out a low ball, punch a controlled return of serve, or reel in a ball that has me stretched wide to my backhand side, I hit the slice because that's my only option. The ball is simply outside of the strike zone I'd need to produce a topspin stroke.

It's also an option for me when I want to change up the pace in a rally and hit a slice instead of a repetitive topspin drive that might let an opponent dial in and attack me - it can keep opponents off balance. When I hit an approach on my way to the net, I slice off either wing. If an opponent hits a slice to me, it's often easiest to fight fire with fire and slice right back. An off-speed sitter can also be easiest to control with a slice backhand instead of a topspin drive that can easily spray a "stall ball".

 

[sinnetklat]

Hope I'm not being repetitive, but I believe that we've got to regard the slice backhand as its own stroke. Regardless of which topspin backhand a player has a stronger aptitude or affinity to learn or develop, the slice is an essential for dealing with lots of shots including really low balls, others that are very wide to the backhand side, etc.

I hit all three styles of backhands rather well, but when I need to dig out a low ball, punch a controlled return of serve, or reel in a ball that has me stretched wide to my backhand side, I hit the slice because that's my only option. The ball is simply outside of the strike zone I'd need to produce a topspin stroke.

It's also an option for me when I want to change up the pace in a rally and hit a slice instead of a repetitive topspin drive that might let an opponent dial in and attack me - it can keep opponents off balance. When I hit an approach on my way to the net, I slice off either wing. If an opponent hits a slice to me, it's often easiest to fight fire with fire and slice right back. An off-speed sitter can also be easiest to control with a slice backhand instead of a topspin drive that can easily spray a "stall ball".

As you have mentioned, slice backhand is an important stroke and adds a lot to one's game. It is not only hit by one-handers, but also may be hit by two-handers. By the poll in this thread, I have tried to have an idea about how often slice backhand is used by one-handers. That is because as the topic may remind, I want to decide which way to go. (2hbh or slice dominant 1hbh) Therefore, I wondered how much one -handers need to make use of slice. As a one-hander I mostly tried to use topsin or flat backhand and used slice only for short shots. As I look at the poll results now, I see that one-handers use slice more than I thought. So, this absolutely will help me to reshape may 1hbh.

All posters like you contibuted a lot to my topic to enlighten me. I am grateful. Thank you...

 

[smoothtennis]

Agree, gotta have both topspin and slice. I use a lot of slice and it is by far my best variety in a match. I can drive it long and deep, or open the racket a tiny bit, and slice it hard and shorter, or make it sit up, or add side spin - the variety is endless once you start mixing it up. You can learn to hit three slices in a row, with all three coming off the court a little different - very hard to get a good rhthym for your opponent.

 

[USERNAME]

Dude you dont gotta change, just use proper technique and shot selection. On hard heavy shots to your one hander, use a short and fairly straight takeback and step in to just basically block the ball back deep. Using the power given to you by your opponent is the name of the game for that shot. As for slicing, I slice quite a bit! Its a good way to neutralize the point or give you time to get back in the court if your pulled off. Also if you do what I did (work night and day for awhile to really learn to knife your slice) it is a legitimate weapon! Cut down heavy kicking balls and drive them deep so they skid into your opponent, or come around the inside of the ball to put some nasty sidespin on approach shots.