Damn my slice forehand is better than my regular forehand

[Golden Retriever]

which is not saying much but still. To make a long story short, I tried the slice forehand seriously for the first time a few days ago and I beat someone that I have never beaten before. My regular forehand has always been a major weakness of mine, way too inconsistent. On the other hand, my slice forehand, which I used seriously for the first time, is super consistent, I think I have made only 2 unforced errors in 1hour of match play. It has no power and it floats sometimes but the consistence along was enough to beat my nemesis.

What I want to ask is, is it a good idea to slice all my forehand from now on? I guess I have no talent for the regular forehand and kind of gifted on the slice forehand so why not? Sure, my regular forehand can produce some winners and my slice forehand cant but the UEs of my regular forehand are not worth it.

 

[highsierra]

I used to play someone like that, slice from both wings and very consistent. it only works effectively against lower level players because they are inconsistent. At 4.5+, they have consistency and pace, so a floating slice, particularly from forehand to forehand, would certainly be hit back with authority. I think it kinda hinders your own further development too.

 

[Golden Retriever]

I used to play someone like that, slice from both wings and very consistent. it only works effectively against lower level players because they are inconsistent. At 4.5+, they have consistency and pace, so a floating slice, particularly from forehand to forehand, would certainly be hit back with authority. I think it kinda hinders your own further development too.

Yes, my slice forehand floats sometimes but it will only get better with experience. Afterall I had no experience using it. Who knows, I mean Santoro slices practically all his forehand too, or is that his backhand? If I could keep it from floating, it would be hard to attack.

 

[goober]

You need topspin and flat FHs. The fact that you aren't good at regular FHs does not mean you should not practice them. There are a lot of people who can't hit a kick serve but that doesn't mean they should be content with hitting everything serve flat.

If all you can do is slice, you will be stuck at a certain low level of play. If you are happy at that level I suppose it would be ok. I know some guy who has been playing 3.5 leagues for like 20 years and has slice off both sides. He seems content but I wouldn't want to play like him.

 

[Golden Retriever]

You need topspin and flat FHs. The fact that you aren't good at regular FHs does not mean you should not practice them. There are a lot of people who can't hit a kick serve but that doesn't mean they should be content with hitting everything serve flat.

If all you can do is slice, you will be stuck at a certain low level of play. If you are happy at that level I suppose it would be ok. I know some guy who has been playing 3.5 leagues for like 20 years and has slice off both sides. He seems content but I wouldn't want to play like him.

I have been practicing my topspin and flat forehand for 5 yrs already with no substantial improvement. On the other hand, my serve and backhand have improved by leaps and bounce without much practices. I guess it is about talent not practices.

Funny thing is I can drive my backhand with power and consistency. In fact it is my best shot. So I will be slicing my forehand and driving my backhand. An odd combination but the element of surprise might work.

 

[ramseszerg]

It's probably not that you are gifted with the slice forehand. It may just be that timing doesnt have to be as good with the slice than with the topspin. Slicing on the forehand side is a good way to have fun, but you gotta have that topspin forehand down for a winning game. A combination of the two would be ideal.

 

[travlerajm]

This sounds like a good opportunity for you to learn a different topspin drive forehand. Maybe switch from eastern to SW? You've got nothing to lose, and while you're honing it in practice, you can rely on your slice in matches until your new weapon is ready for primetime.

 

[Pomeranian]

I love slice forehands. I like it as a recovery shot and to gain control of a rally again. However I do not practice it a lot so it's not as great as my topspin or flat.

I knew a player who could only slice at first but later worked hard to develop his topspins and flats. Worked out to his advantage because his ability to stay in rallys was excellent. His "defensive" slice was low and deep, not very attackable. His returns were also pretty good. But defending against net players wasn't so easy for him.