Backhand vs. Slice

[Manus Domini]

Why is it that a slice isn't considered a backhand shot? I always see people refer to backhands as topspin, and slices on that side as backhand slices. Why is a slice not refered to as a backhand shot?

Even my brother, who doesn't have a backhand topspin shot, says his backhand slice isn't a back hand.

Can anyone clarify for me please?

 

[Blake0]

Not sure, i consider slice a backhand. Slice backhand, slice forehand. You're able to do it on both wings, just like topspin backhand, topspin forehand.

Regularly though, if you say backhand, it's referred to as topspin, and you'd have to say backhand slice to mean slicing. I guess backhand slice isn't referred to as a backhand in general, because for a lot of people, slices are used in place of backhands because they can't hit them. Topspin backhand is used more then slice past a certain level. It's more common to see, as slice is used for changing up the game sometimes.

 

[WildVolley]

What a confused post. You say that backhand slices are called "backhand slices," meaning they aren't called backhands. Were you fully awake when you wrote that?

If anything, the term slice when referring to a ground stroke usually refers to a backhand because the forehand slice is a much rarer shot these days - usually used defensively or as a drop shot, unless your name is Santoro.

 

[Zachol82]

Backhand slices are considered as a backhand, that's all the clarification you need.

 

[Geezer Guy]

A (groundstroke) slice is a ball with underspin. You can hit it with either a backhand or a forehand.

Similarly, a topspin can be hit with either a forehand or backhand.

 

[Blake0]

What a confused post. You say that backhand slices are called "backhand slices," meaning they aren't called backhands. Were you fully awake when you wrote that?

If anything, the term slice when referring to a ground stroke usually refers to a backhand because the forehand slice is a much rarer shot these days - usually used defensively or as a drop shot, unless your name is Santoro.

Hehe sorry, was still awake after watchin AO final.

Let me try again..backhand slices is a backhand shot. Most people don't use forehand slices, like wildvolley mentioned.

Some people don't hit backhands (topspin), because they're unable to and cover it up by slicing all the time. So generally nowadays, people who always hit slice backhands are considered to not have real (topspin) backhands.

 

[WildVolley]

Hehe sorry, was still awake after watchin AO final.

Let me try again..backhand slices is a backhand shot. Most people don't use forehand slices, like wildvolley mentioned.

Some people don't hit backhands (topspin), because they're unable to and cover it up by slicing all the time. So generally nowadays, people who always hit slice backhands are considered to not have real (topspin) backhands.

No problem. I wasn't taking a shot at you. I was just confused by the whole post prior to yours. I now understand it is a complaint by someone who can't hit topspin off the bh-side and doesn't like being criticized.

Of course, a backhand slice is a legitimate backhand, but I still believe it is a problem if that is all you can do. I get discouraged when I play doubles and my partner can't hit a topspin backhand. Our opponents' strategy becomes hit the ball to my partner's backhand and then pound volleys at me at net. Not fun!

I find that people who can't hit topspin or even flat on the bh usually play with 1-hand, do not change grip to the eastern backhand grip (knuckle on bevel 1), and do not turn their shoulders far enough in preparation. If you have the physical capability, it really is worthwhile to learn how to hit topspin from the backhand wing, or at least learn to hit the 2hbh.

 

[rice&tennis]

No problem. I wasn't taking a shot at you. I was just confused by the whole post prior to yours. I now understand it is a complaint by someone who can't hit topspin off the bh-side and doesn't like being criticized.

Of course, a backhand slice is a legitimate backhand, but I still believe it is a problem if that is all you can do. I get discouraged when I play doubles and my partner can't hit a topspin backhand. Our opponents' strategy becomes hit the ball to my partner's backhand and then pound volleys at me at net. Not fun!

I find that people who can't hit topspin or even flat on the bh usually play with 1-hand, do not change grip to the eastern backhand grip (knuckle on bevel 1), and do not turn their shoulders far enough in preparation. If you have the physical capability, it really is worthwhile to learn how to hit topspin from the backhand wing, or at least learn to hit the 2hbh.

any pointers on topspin 1hbh? because i'm one of those people with a bh slicer i "try" to hit it with a continental fh and its not the best, but my friend told me to use a extreme western fh; i tried that but found out i need to lay back my wrist really back or it'll go into the net... so what is a good grip to use?

and one more thing, is a eastern bh grip the same as a fh western grip? and a bh western grip is the same as a semi western bh?

 

[Blake0]

any pointers on topspin 1hbh? because i'm one of those people with a bh slicer i "try" to hit it with a continental fh and its not the best, but my friend told me to use a extreme western fh; i tried that but found out i need to lay back my wrist really back or it'll go into the net... so what is a good grip to use?

and one more thing, is a eastern bh grip the same as a fh western grip? and a bh western grip is the same as a semi western bh?

Uhm..what? You were talking about pointers for 1hbh topspin. Then switch to forehand with continental grip which your friend told you to change to extreme western?

For 1hbh, i'd recommend eastern grip. For forehand i'd recommend a eastern or semiwestern grip.

http://www.tennis.com/articles/templates/instruction.aspx?articleid=1337&zoneid=16 - for all your grip needs.

 

[rice&tennis]

Uhm..what? You were talking about pointers for 1hbh topspin. Then switch to forehand with continental grip which your friend told you to change to extreme western?

For 1hbh, i'd recommend eastern grip. For forehand i'd recommend a eastern or semiwestern grip.

http://www.tennis.com/articles/templates/instruction.aspx?articleid=1337&zoneid=16 - for all your grip needs.

lols, nvm, ignore my last post,

thanks for the tennis grip site.