Groundstroke Consistency - Slice vs Topspin

[hacker_101]

Whenever I hit slice bh/fhs I feel I can never miss....

When I hit topspin (especially on the fh) I definitely exert a lot more physical and mental energy and I need about 15 minutes of warmup hitting to reach the same consistency as slice groundstrokes.

I was wondering if there is a technical reason for this? Maybe slice is easier on footwork, contact on slice is easier to see, racquet head speed is not as high, etc...

Thanks in advance,
hacker_101

 

[Dark_Angel85]

I can see what you're getting at, but the slice is supposed to be really low, only giving very little margin between the ball and the net... compared to a topspin shot which is always aimed higher than the net more than that of a slice...

though that differs to the reason of hitting each shot albeit defensive, trying to be offensive, setting up, hitting a winner... plus, the net is not the only issue cause the area which you want the ball to land at the opposite end also becomes an issue... did you hit the slice defensively? your topspin shot is more powerful thus hitting it with more power? trying to cream the lines?

 

[Blake0]

well slice does have a very simple motion to it. just firm up the wrist, take the racket back and swing through the ball with a open racket head face. Nothing much to worry about except timing and how open/closed your racket head face is. You also don't even have to swing fast for it to be effective.

Topspin on the other hand can be a little bit more complicated, depending if you use modern or classical technique. Classical technique is pretty simple too and i won't get into detail. Modern WW technique is a bit harder to be consistent with. First off the loose arm needed (so if you tighten up consistency goes down the drain), the pronation, loop (on takeback), faster swing, etc. Also don't forget the little extra quircks you have if you don't have good form.

 

[darthpwner]

topspin is more consistent than slice because you can get a greater net clearence plus the ball will dip at the last second and drop. slice takes less energy to hit since the racket face is open though

 

[ubermeyer]

My topspin backhand and flat backhand are very consistent, my backspin backhand is still struggling. My backspin forehand is very consistent, my topspin forehand is very consistent but sometimes very attackable, and my flat forehand is somewhat consistent.

 

[LeeD]

C'mon guys..
Slice is a high to low swing, takes little effort, is repeatable, the ball moves slower thru the air, and is almost ALWAYS more dependable in consistency for every good player.
Topspin moves the ball thru the air faster, bounces higher and deeper, can create more angles, but needs much more effort from the player both swing, prep, and recovery.
You know that.