Forehand slice on men's tour?

[djsiva]

I know its nonexistent.

But does anyone think a player could break into top ten and stay there using only a slice forehand for his forehand.

I'm not talking about flat shots with a little topspin, I'm talking a true slice forehands that stay low. Not junk.

Sampras use to throw in some slice forehands to change pace even when he was not out of position. But they were usually attacked and he usually lost the point.

Theortically I think its possible because some guys live off a slice on their backhand. Or at least they hit a majority of their backhands this way and most are not really attacked. So if a slice is ok on backhand, why not forehand. I realize more power and pace with a lot more margin of error is possible with topspin, but a people slice off the backhand despite all these advantages.

I haven't seen a real effective forehand slice is a long time used by the pros. This is probably because no one has taken the time to develop one.

But if someone developed one, preferable one that stayed low and penetrated with accuracy and direction, one could really irritate and bother a lot of players. Esepically if one could move it around well and change the depth and rotation like Federer does on the backhand.

I think one could use this slice forehand to create an effective atacking game. Guys just need to train. And have confidence in it. Its all about confidence. That's why a lot of pros don't S/V because they don't have confidence. 20 years ago, almost nobody drop shotted. No its begining to become very common place in the pros. Its acceptable. Its no longer considered cheap or low percentage. Its because guys have really practiced the c r a p out of the dropshot.

Look at Santoro. No one would ever think he could ever get away with the stuff he does. But he beats a lot of players. Just think if he was a younger and little more athletic. He would be beating a lot more guys.

So what do you guys think?

Slice forehand? Is it a viable shot in the men's game?

 

[Alexandros]

If the theoretical player had a backhand as good as most other pro's forehand it's possible. If they just had a regular backhand it'd be impossible to hit winners or forcing shots - you can't win matches on the pro level just on your opponent's unforced errors alone.

 

[calvinchang]

ONLY forehand slice? No way, 50/50 forehand slice? MAYBE... I mean it's not impossible to forehand slice with aggression, if you put enough spin on the sucker it's only gonna bounce like 5 inches!

 

[Klatu Verata Necktie]

One theory as to why players don't develop slice forehands is that they don't want to take training time away from their bread and butter topspin forehands.

 

[Fedexeon]

Players still live on playing backhand slice because they have forehand to end the point for them.. If a player keeps using the slice forehand, what he can rely on to end point? Slice can't end points for you, its not a killing shot.

 

[Sliceboy2]

Its easier to hit winner on a topspin forehand and to end the point right away there.

 

[MichaelH]

Speaking a little technically, here...

A slice forehand from a right-handed player will have a strong tendency to "slide" to his right. Thus hitting it to a right-hander's backhand will be a little more "error prone" for the hitter, and present the opponent with the opportunity to hit a strong forehand winner. It might be an effective shot if the opponent is a lefty, but even then its not as effective as a topspin forehand, since the slice will have a tendency to keep the ball in the opponent's hitting zone longer.

Make any sense?

 

[s_andrean]

I've seen Benjamin Becker do it a few times when approaching the net - it seems to work well enough.

The trouble is, its not that much of a 'natural' movement to slice on the forehand side, so it can be akward when a call is coming at you with speed to slice it back effectively. Thats my thought anyway.

 

[rightytopspin79]

I just don't see how you could play end a point with a forehand slice? For the most part a forehand slice is a shot of last resort, and if you're using it your opponent will probably be coming in on that shot to end the point. I think the only way you could be successful with that type of shot would be using it as a set up shot, bring your opponent in and play a passing shot. Ala Federer with his dump slice.

 

[ananda]

^^^ i am a newbie. i often play with this guy who only slices on both hands. very often his forehand slice lands roughly on the service line, skids and dies out. by the time i reach it, its either bounced twice, or else I have to scrape the floor to lift it.

I would like to know how i could end the point there, as rightytopspin has suggested. also, when i have to scrape the floor to get it up, he can easily kill it.

i have thus begun to respect that forehand slice that can be very fast/hard, prolly called a squash shot or machete by some, esp when hit from sligtly higher than net level.

 

[djsiva]

These comments are excellent!!

A good point was made several times that its hard to put away a shot (or even impossible) with a forehand slice. So guys would have to rely on the the other guy hitting unforced errors. I think you're absolutely right.

But I was thinking about its utility in coming to the net to force the end of the point with a volley.

Just like how S/V used to use slice, kick, and its variations with placement to NOT end the point outright, but instead to put away the volley at the net.

Another difficulty with the forehand slice is the awkwardness of having to come across the left side of the body. With a backhand slice, the racket naturally follows through towards target unhindered. But this unnaturalness I think can be overcome with practice. Again I reference the awkwardness of Santoro.

Also if a guy hits a lot of slice forehands deep, it much easier to disguise a forehand drop shot. Obviously if the guy hits only slice shots, the opponent is not going to stand far behind the baseline either. So there are pluses and minuses to that dropshot.

Nevertheless I feel that the continued use of the forehand slice would eventually improve feel on the forehand side, which would translate to better feel and effectiveness at the net as well.

Still Edberg and Mcenroe even with their continental grips still hardly ever used slice forehands.

I wonder if this has to do with effectiveness or stigmatism.

The underhanded foul shot use to be deadly accurate if practiced. But no one would (especially pros) would be caught dead doing this. This could of helped Shaq. Its not the macho thing to do. I wonder if this is the case of the forehand slice.

100% slice forehands are probably out of the question. But what about say 90% slice, with 10% used for easy put aways, while the rest would be used to set up net positions?

 

[ubel]

People who are saying the slice forehand/backhand isn't an aggressive shot or you can't end points with it: are you speaking from experience or are you saying this because you've never seen it executed often enough to merit its possibility?

 

[araghava]

The slice forehand can be as effective as the slice backhand. i.e. it can be used for approach and for change of pace. However it's a much more awkward shot to hit. It just doesn't flow as naturally as the slice backhand and hence nobody practices it. It would be fun to see a player use all 4 shots consistently.

 

[djsiva]

The slice forehand can be as effective as the slice backhand. i.e. it can be used for approach and for change of pace. However it's a much more awkward shot to hit. It just doesn't flow as naturally as the slice backhand and hence nobody practices it. It would be fun to see a player use all 4 shots consistently.

I guess we have similiar observations.

Its still a big mystery for me why pros don't use it except for emergency ax shots when the ball gets behind them. Of course these aren't going to be that effective since they are out of position.

What I think both of us are talking about is a forehand slice pre-mediated, hit with good balance and preparation that clears the net by about four inches.


Most of the time if you hit them, guys think you're playing around and its time to quit or you're not taking them seriously. If you persist. They get irritated and angry. They start telling you to start playing for real. Surprisingly most of them can't hit them back that effectivelyif at all(I'm talking about good players, college players and teaching pros). Especially if you hit them heavy and low with some good weight on them. Again I'm not talking about junk slices. I'm talking about one's that are normally exceptable as backhand slices, like Federer's or Rosewall's.

I know you guys can hit them. Practice them, use them, and report back.

 

[Ambivalent]

Fabrice Santoro!

 

[AlpineCadet]

I know its nonexistent.

But does anyone think a player could break into top ten and stay there using only a slice forehand for his forehand.

I'm not talking about flat shots with a little topspin, I'm talking a true slice forehands that stay low. Not junk.

So this is a serious question?

I think hitting very low bouncing balls is going to give a lot of people trouble, especially when the ball skids after it touches the ground. Those drive-slices are a nice approach shot because it might force an error from your opponent to bring the ball up higher for net clearance. If that's exactly what you want from your opponent, and you have a game plan for this, then knock yourself out.

I just don't think it would even be possible for anyone on the tour to hit like that 100% of the time, because how are you going to slice a heavy topspin shot from your opponent and create those low skidding balls?

 

[Eviscerator]

Fabrice Santoro!

Exactly, as he is the only current player I can think of that slices most of his forehands.

Rafter use to use the forehand slice return as a chip and charge tactic, but he had a great net game to back it up.

 

[AlpineCadet]

So Santoro is a pretty good player up against the top 5-10, eh?

 

[cirish]

Carve it out

I feel that as a service return the slice forehand has numerous advantages. I have found it only to be an offensive weapon when I use sidespin to impart the side bounce. However, this is why I enjoy watching Santoro. To me, he is the ultimate hacker and an inspiration to every "non-classical, un-orthodox" player on the planet.

 

[tbini87]

the only time i really see it is on a low ball that is hard to reach on the run. it is really the only swing the you can use to get that ball back. i also like using it as a approach shot (usually dtl) and keep it low over the net.

 

[djsiva]

I feel that as a service return the slice forehand has numerous advantages. I have found it only to be an offensive weapon when I use sidespin to impart the side bounce. However, this is why I enjoy watching Santoro. To me, he is the ultimate hacker and an inspiration to every "non-classical, un-orthodox" player on the planet.

What santoro does is like you said Hackish. His shots seem like their is a lot of unnecessary movement with some really defective grips with two hands.

My point is this: If he can get away with this, others who practice a more efficient, unhindered shot could do MUCH better. This was the key to Mecir. It was different. But is was technically sound, without wasted movement. Santoro shots are awkward. I liken it to a magiacian moving one hand to distract the audience attention while using the other hand to do the trick.

It wasn't long ago when commentators and teaching pros were saying "no, no" to semiwestern and open stances. Now everyone uses it. Same thing with swing volleys. I mentioned earlier about dropshots.

So its not so far off to think that a mainstream skidding and penetrating forehand slice could reemerge and bring with it the now forgotten net game.


I think a slice forehand is easier to hit than a flat one too, especially under pressure situations.

With a flat shot the harder you hit the more likely its going to fly long. It takes a level head and a smooth swing to generate power and accuracy under pressure. How many times does a 3.5-4.0 player sail an easy short forehand long, just because its break point?

With topspin, if you're nervous, just swing harder and it will still fall in. I think to a lesser degree the same thing applies with the slice shot.

If you concentrate on cutting, this can effectively hide your nervousness and jitters. Your slice may land short or float up (like Roddick's) but at least it lands in.

Remember over topspin shots also land short and pop up. So topspin is not perfect either.

Thanks for the input guys.

 

[djsiva]

Do you think a forehand slice could be hit effectively enough, that guys wouldn't automatically pounce on it?

It seems like you either hit it and come in, or else your oppenent gets really aggresive with it and comes in.

This is definitely not the case with backhand slices, though. Guys will often trade slices for two to three minutes sometimes.

 

[rosenstar]

I guess we have similiar observations.

Its still a big mystery for me why pros don't use it except for emergency ax shots when the ball gets behind them. Of course these aren't going to be that effective since they are out of position.

What I think both of us are talking about is a forehand slice pre-mediated, hit with good balance and preparation that clears the net by about four inches.


Most of the time if you hit them, guys think you're playing around and its time to quit or you're not taking them seriously. If you persist. They get irritated and angry. They start telling you to start playing for real. Surprisingly most of them can't hit them back that effectivelyif at all(I'm talking about good players, college players and teaching pros). Especially if you hit them heavy and low with some good weight on them. Again I'm not talking about junk slices. I'm talking about one's that are normally exceptable as backhand slices, like Federer's or Rosewall's.

I know you guys can hit them. Practice them, use them, and report back.

occasionally, I'll chip and charge off the forehand, but that's it. I don't think it's effective to slice a forehand unless it's an approach, and thats only on fast courts. you really can't get away with it at a 4.0+ level

and, I've hit with plenty of college players, and I guarentee you that they will shove that ball down your throat if you try to hit. sure you might get lucky the first time, but that's where it will end.

 

[rosenstar]

Do you think a forehand slice could be hit effectively enough, that guys wouldn't automatically pounce on it?

It seems like you either hit it and come in, or else your oppenent gets really aggresive with it and comes in.

This is definitely not the case with backhand slices, though. Guys will often trade slices for two to three minutes sometimes.

when players exchange BH slices, they're trying to "tease" the other player. They're trying to get their opponent to either approach of a bad shot or go for too much. the only other reason for a backhand slice (other than an approach) is to get the ball out of your opponents striking zone. no one (at least no decent player) hits a slice expecting to hit a winner. even when approaching of a slice, it's not supposed to bring your opponent off the court, just force them to hit up to get a volley that you can hurt them with.

in summary, the whole point of a slice is to set up the point, not to hit a winner or really hurt your opponent.

 

[anchorsteamer]

What santoro does is like you said Hackish. His shots seem like their is a lot of unnecessary movement with some really defective grips with two hands.

My point is this: If he can get away with this, others who practice a more efficient, unhindered shot could do MUCH better. This was the key to Mecir. It was different. But is was technically sound, without wasted movement. Santoro shots are awkward. I liken it to a magiacian moving one hand to distract the audience attention while using the other hand to do the trick.

It wasn't long ago when commentators and teaching pros were saying "no, no" to semiwestern and open stances. Now everyone uses it. Same thing with swing volleys. I mentioned earlier about dropshots.

So its not so far off to think that a mainstream skidding and penetrating forehand slice could reemerge and bring with it the now forgotten net game.


I think a slice forehand is easier to hit than a flat one too, especially under pressure situations.

With a flat shot the harder you hit the more likely its going to fly long. It takes a level head and a smooth swing to generate power and accuracy under pressure. How many times does a 3.5-4.0 player sail an easy short forehand long, just because its break point?

With topspin, if you're nervous, just swing harder and it will still fall in. I think to a lesser degree the same thing applies with the slice shot.

If you concentrate on cutting, this can effectively hide your nervousness and jitters. Your slice may land short or float up (like Roddick's) but at least it lands in.

Remember over topspin shots also land short and pop up. So topspin is not perfect either.

Thanks for the input guys.

It can work at the 4.0-4.5 level...no higher...trust me...no chance...

 

[superman1]

Murray does it sometimes. I haven't seen anyone get thrown off by it though.

 

[SimpleSimon]

grip

These comments are excellent!!

A good point was made several times that its hard to put away a shot (or even impossible) with a forehand slice. So guys would have to rely on the the other guy hitting unforced errors. I think you're absolutely right.

But I was thinking about its utility in coming to the net to force the end of the point with a volley.

Just like how S/V used to use slice, kick, and its variations with placement to NOT end the point outright, but instead to put away the volley at the net.

Another difficulty with the forehand slice is the awkwardness of having to come across the left side of the body. With a backhand slice, the racket naturally follows through towards target unhindered. But this unnaturalness I think can be overcome with practice. Again I reference the awkwardness of Santoro.

Also if a guy hits a lot of slice forehands deep, it much easier to disguise a forehand drop shot. Obviously if the guy hits only slice shots, the opponent is not going to stand far behind the baseline either. So there are pluses and minuses to that dropshot.

Nevertheless I feel that the continued use of the forehand slice would eventually improve feel on the forehand side, which would translate to better feel and effectiveness at the net as well.

Still Edberg and Mcenroe even with their continental grips still hardly ever used slice forehands.

I wonder if this has to do with effectiveness or stigmatism.

The underhanded foul shot use to be deadly accurate if practiced. But no one would (especially pros) would be caught dead doing this. This could of helped Shaq. Its not the macho thing to do. I wonder if this is the case of the forehand slice.

100% slice forehands are probably out of the question. But what about say 90% slice, with 10% used for easy put aways, while the rest would be used to set up net positions?

Another factor is the grips currently in use, the semi western and western grips that are in used extensively now on the Tour make it more difficult to switch to a hammer grip to play a deep forehand slice.

 

[djsiva]

when players exchange BH slices, they're trying to "tease" the other player. They're trying to get their opponent to either approach of a bad shot or go for too much. the only other reason for a backhand slice (other than an approach) is to get the ball out of your opponents striking zone. no one (at least no decent player) hits a slice expecting to hit a winner. even when approaching of a slice, it's not supposed to bring your opponent off the court, just force them to hit up to get a volley that you can hurt them with.

in summary, the whole point of a slice is to set up the point, not to hit a winner or really hurt your opponent.

You're right. I'm not proposing that an outright winner could be hit. I'm just suggesting that it could be used to rally with until your oponent is off balance, so then you can slice down the line to a righty's backhand and finish at the net.

I think that a properly sliced forehand into someone's backhand corner, say like Roddick's backhand corner, could be very effective.

 

[anchorsteamer]

It could work effectively at the 3.5 level on clay, 4.0 level on hard and 4.5 level on carpet...No higher...these guys are a lot better then you think...

 

[rosenstar]

You're right. I'm not proposing that an outright winner could be hit. I'm just suggesting that it could be used to rally with until your oponent is off balance, so then you can slice down the line to a righty's backhand and finish at the net.

I think that a properly sliced forehand into someone's backhand corner, say like Roddick's backhand corner, could be very effective.

well, why slice it if you can hit a topspin ball that's much more effective. The striking zone of most players on the backhand is lower than on the forehand. a slice to the forehand takes the player out of his or her comfort zone. a slice to the backhand can sometimes make a passing shot easier.

 

[djsiva]

well, why slice it if you can hit a topspin ball that's much more effective. The striking zone of most players on the backhand is lower than on the forehand. a slice to the forehand takes the player out of his or her comfort zone. a slice to the backhand can sometimes make a passing shot easier.

Nice observation. Conversely though, if you hit a slice forehand, your opponent will recieve a shot that's not in his normal comfort zone. So if you practice hitting in the this zone and your opponent doesn't, then in the long run, you should win more points.

 

[anchorsteamer]

Nice observation. Conversely though, if you hit a slice forehand, your opponent will recieve a shot that's not in his normal comfort zone. So if you practice hitting in the this zone and your opponent doesn't, then in the long run, you should win more points.

yes...at the 3.5 level...

 

[Puma]

My thought on the forehand slice

I started playing with a lefty guy who was once a pro. His forehand slice is an awsome shot.

I had the privilidge to play with him this last weekend. Again his forehand slice is very difficult to read and get any leverage on. Why? Its low, it skids and he has great disguise. You don't know if he is going wide or hard up the middle.

So, here is what I think after having played someone who uses this shot often.

1. He is a player who returns to nuetral grip every time. That is he goes to continental before he changes grips for forehand or backhand.
2. I noticed this weekend he hardly ever slices something below his waist. He always topspins these if not on a stretch, at least from the baseline. His forehand slices are at waist to sternum height. This way, it seems to me, it looks like he is hitting down on it. Whether or not he is for sure I don't know. All I know for sure is, it is coming in low and very hot.
3. He has a very high back swing on his forehand. This is he picks up the racket tip up high behind him. From this position he can hit a loopy shot or drive the topspin or slice it. It is very difficult to tell whats coming at you

So, for those who think a forehand slice won't work for anything above a 3.5 or 4.0 I can tell you that you haven't played a skilled all court player who knows how to work a point.

For people who always hit topspin, or for that matter, for people who are used to retrieving topspin a low driving shot deep in the court can give you a ton of problems. Especially if the guy delivering that blow knows where to be to cover down. This is part of the artistry of the true all court player. It takes really good foot work, anticipation, patience and court coverage to handle a guy who has a full repretoire of shots and knows how to mix it up.

Its funny that over time I have seen the forehand slice denounced on these boards. There are those who will always say it isn't an offensive shot. And maybe it's not just by itself alone. But, it can be a very effective shot to have.

 

[desilvam]

It could work effectively at the 3.5 level on clay, 4.0 level on hard and 4.5 level on carpet...No higher...these guys are a lot better then you think...

I don't agree with that..

I have seen Federer throw in 2-3 backhand slice's in a row and take control of points using it. I think if he worked on his forehand slice, he could do the same thing with it.

of course , thats Fed

 

[anchorsteamer]

I started playing with a lefty guy who was once a pro. His forehand slice is an awsome shot.

I had the privilidge to play with him this last weekend. Again his forehand slice is very difficult to read and get any leverage on. Why? Its low, it skids and he has great disguise. You don't know if he is going wide or hard up the middle.

So, here is what I think after having played someone who uses this shot often.

1. He is a player who returns to nuetral grip every time. That is he goes to continental before he changes grips for forehand or backhand.
2. I noticed this weekend he hardly ever slices something below his waist. He always topspins these if not on a stretch, at least from the baseline. His forehand slices are at waist to sternum height. This way, it seems to me, it looks like he is hitting down on it. Whether or not he is for sure I don't know. All I know for sure is, it is coming in low and very hot.
3. He has a very high back swing on his forehand. This is he picks up the racket tip up high behind him. From this position he can hit a loopy shot or drive the topspin or slice it. It is very difficult to tell whats coming at you

So, for those who think a forehand slice won't work for anything above a 3.5 or 4.0 I can tell you that you haven't played a skilled all court player who knows how to work a point.

For people who always hit topspin, or for that matter, for people who are used to retrieving topspin a low driving shot deep in the court can give you a ton of problems. Especially if the guy delivering that blow knows where to be to cover down. This is part of the artistry of the true all court player. It takes really good foot work, anticipation, patience and court coverage to handle a guy who has a full repretoire of shots and knows how to mix it up.

Its funny that over time I have seen the forehand slice denounced on these boards. There are those who will always say it isn't an offensive shot. And maybe it's not just by itself alone. But, it can be a very effective shot to have.

There is a definitive reason that its not used at any level beyond 4.5 or the senior mens tour...it cant be hit as effectively as a topspin forehand. To think it can is greatly underestimating the level of talen on the ATP tour...

 

[RoddickAce]

Fabrice Santoro!

He did give a lot of trouble to Blake during the US Open this year.

 

[djsiva]

There is a definitive reason that its not used at any level beyond 4.5 or the senior mens tour...it cant be hit as effectively as a topspin forehand. To think it can is greatly underestimating the level of talen on the ATP tour...

You might be right.

But look at what santoro gets away with. He's also old and not that athletic. His build is not ideal. What if someone younger with better genes tried this? He would definitely be more successful.

I think the point is we won't see it much because guys are more likely to train the true and tried topspin shots than finesse or "sissy" slice forehand shots.

Again I bring up this point:

Federer can hit a driving topspin backhand better than most, but why does he chose to slice it even when he's not out of position or coming to the net?

Is Roger underestimating the talent of the men's tour?

 

[anchorsteamer]

You might be right.

But look at what santoro gets away with. He's also old and not that athletic. His build is not ideal. What if someone younger with better genes tried this? He would definitely be more successful.

I think the point is we won't see it much because guys are more likely to train the true and tried topspin shots than finesse or "sissy" slice forehand shots.

Again I bring up this point:

Federer can hit a driving topspin backhand better than most, but why does he chose to slice it even when he's not out of position or coming to the net?

Is Roger underestimating the talent of the men's tour?

Roger's slice is obviously amazing...but it works so well because he has the forehand to back it up. The only way the forehand slice would work on a consistent basis would be if the player had a backhand that can win points and take over the point like most guys can with their forehand.

 

[djsiva]

Roger's slice is obviously amazing...but it works so well because he has the forehand to back it up. The only way the forehand slice would work on a consistent basis would be if the player had a backhand that can win points and take over the point like most guys can with their forehand.

You're right. Edberg had a fairly weak forehand. I personally thought it was underrated though. But he had an amazing backhand like you were saying is necessary.

In fact, other than Federer, I think Edberg was really the only guy who could really mix up both slice and topspin seamlessly.

I really miss that guy.

 

[ananda]

i often play with this guy who ONLY slices, and he slices hard on the fh.
the ball comes on the service line and skids and dies before i can really get it.
but its hard to tell, it could come near the baseline too.
someone pointed out, and this i concur, when nervous one can bungle a flat or topspin. but the fh slice is easier to get right, and it does stay low after bounce.
since i am new here, i can't say for sure, but maybe the fh slice is no longer 'in' or 'hot'. but its still effective.

 

[anchorsteamer]

i often play with this guy who ONLY slices, and he slices hard on the fh.
the ball comes on the service line and skids and dies before i can really get it.
but its hard to tell, it could come near the baseline too.
someone pointed out, and this i concur, when nervous one can bungle a flat or topspin. but the fh slice is easier to get right, and it does stay low after bounce.
since i am new here, i can't say for sure, but maybe the fh slice is no longer 'in' or 'hot'. but its still effective.

I've seen the forehand slice give guys lots of trouble at the 4.0 level but if we are still talking about grand slam level ATP tennis, then I really don't see how it could work unless the backhand made up for it's deficiency in being a point ending shot...What level player are you?

 

[FedForGOAT]

the backhand slice is roughly the same movement as a topspin forehand backwards, which is why it is so natural. The topspin BH isn't as natural as a topspin fh which could account for why a slice fh isn't as natural as a slice bh.

 

[djsiva]

the backhand slice is roughly the same movement as a topspin forehand backwards, which is why it is so natural. The topspin BH isn't as natural as a topspin fh which could account for why a slice fh isn't as natural as a slice bh.

You're right. When you hit a forhande hand slice the left side of the body is "in the way". While on a backhand slice the action sweeps through the ball towards the target freely. Its not hindered by the right shoulder.

That being said, I saw Federer and Lopez both actually hit some forehand slices in the their recent matches. They did them on service returns. The shots, however, were hit because they weren't able to load back fast enough for a regular forehand. So the action was more of just a block. Blocking forehand slices are hit pretty frequently. The lack power and spin and are really picked on in the men's game.

Again I ask what if they prepared a little earlier and hit the forehand with a bit more spin instead of a block. I think if they practiced it more it could be effective. Maybe not their bread and butter on that forehand wing, but maybe incorporate it 20% of the time.

Also remember hitting a topspin forehand also runs into the trouble of going across the body. That's why guys hit with OPEN stances. A lot of practice has gone into perfecting the topspin forehand. So if guys practiced the forehand slice with the same discipline its awkwardness should be worked out.

Lots of ole timers back even as recently as 20 years ago were still saying only to hit eastern forehands with CLOSE stances because this was the only way to generate power. THEY WERE SO WRONG.

 

[araghava]

When you hit a forhande hand slice the left side of the body is "in the way". While on a backhand slice the action sweeps through the ball towards the target freely. Its not hindered by the right shoulder.

for most the forehand slice is an arm shot. i.e. you tend not to rotate the body. whereas a forehand topspin is usually hit by rotating the body (getting the left side out of the way) thereby freeing up the racquet to go thru the ball.