How do you handle a short slice?

[Lawn Tennis]

My opponent today got a half dozen or so points from his short slice. From the baseline, I have a strong forehand and backhand, but have trouble generating anything from these really low short balls. My friend said I need to do a half stroke, which is to basically start your swing from its half-way through point.. I just don't know if I believe this. How do you handle a short slice?

 

[Sintherius]

My opponent today got a half dozen or so points from his short slice. From the baseline, I have a strong forehand and backhand, but have trouble generating anything from these really low short balls. My friend said I need to do a half stroke, which is to basically start your swing from its half-way through point.. I just don't know if I believe this. How do you handle a short slice?

honestly... start your swing REALLY REALLY low, and really come UP on the ball. You do NOT want to rush up to these, they usually skip. Run up to it, but not COMPLETELY otherwise it skips past you, then start VERY low and brush up. It's difficult to get used to, so good luck!

 

[Lawn Tennis]

honestly... start your swing REALLY REALLY low, and really come UP on the ball. You do NOT want to rush up to these, they usually skip. Run up to it, but not COMPLETELY otherwise it skips past you, then start VERY low and brush up. It's difficult to get used to, so good luck!

and that's primarily what my friend suggested - to have the racquet at the low point (or half-way through) and then come over the ball. So is your suggestion proper form?

 

[Sintherius]

and that's primarily what my friend suggested - to have the racquet at the low point (or half-way through) and then come over the ball. So is your suggestion proper form?

Basically. Sometimes for me it's easier to just slice it back since that type of spin is already being created instead of creating an opposite spin by imparting top spin on the ball.

 

[Lawn Tennis]

Basically. Sometimes for me it's easier to just slice it back since that type of spin is already being created instead of creating an opposite spin by imparting top spin on the ball.

I did slice back successfully a few times. However, the point was neutralized at this moment when earlier I had control, and his short slice was just a defensive shot that worked to his advantage. So I'll try your "start really low" idea. Thanks

 

[rkelley]

My opponent today got a half dozen or so points from his short slice. From the baseline, I have a strong forehand and backhand, but have trouble generating anything from these really low short balls. My friend said I need to do a half stroke, which is to basically start your swing from its half-way through point.. I just don't know if I believe this. How do you handle a short slice?

Those balls aren't problems, they're opportunities!

Seriously, I come in on those and hit an approach. Off my BH I slice it back and generally keep it deep and low, usually to their BH but I move it around depending on their position and strengths. To the FH, assuming it's really too low to get under, I hit a flat appoach. Again I'm trying to keep it deep and low. If it's really short I'll hit the FH with a continental grip and slice it, actually almost roll it off to the side, again deep and low.

I'm not trying to hit a winner on these shots. I'm trying to make their next shot difficult so I can volley it for a winner. You don't have to hit it hard. In fact you really can't, they too low. You just have to keep the ball low on their side so they're hitting from behind the baseline and up to you at the net.

You can also try a drop shot on those balls. I personally don't do that a lot, but once in a while it's a good play especially if they start retreating back and setting up to where you've been approaching. Gotta keep 'em honest.

 

[salsainglesa]

Bend your knees and keep them bent throughout the whole stroke, slice or top. The raquet head must get lower to the ball prior contact.

DO NOT, and i can't say it enough, do not hitthe ball in an upwards angle, just hit it so the maximux height is a feet over the net at most. You are near the net, it isn't such a big obstacle even if it seems huge, if you wann do something to this ball, keep it low.

low to low, on passing shots and approaches.

high to higher in defensive and neutral behind the baseline situations.

midcourt is a different animal than baseline.

 

[Lawn Tennis]

Those balls aren't problems, they're opportunities!

Seriously, I come in on those and hit an approach. Off my BH I slice it back and generally keep it deep and low, usually to their BH but I move it around depending on their position and strengths. To the FH, assuming it's really too low to get under, I hit a flat appoach. Again I'm trying to keep it deep and low. If it's really short I'll hit the FH with a continental grip and slice it, actually almost roll it off to the side, again deep and low.

I'm not trying to hit a winner on these shots. I'm trying to make their next shot difficult so I can volley it for a winner. You don't have to hit it hard. In fact you really can't, they too low. You just have to keep the ball low on their side so they're hitting from behind the baseline and up to you at the net.

You can also try a drop shot on those balls. I personally don't do that a lot, but once in a while it's a good play especially if they start retreating back and setting up to where you've been approaching. Gotta keep 'em honest.

I think you have a great point here. Basically you just play the ball like mini-tennis except that you can hit the ball the whole way to the baseline. Thanks.

Bend your knees and keep them bent throughout the whole stroke, slice or top. The raquet head must get lower to the ball prior contact.

DO NOT, and i can't say it enough, do not hitthe ball in an upwards angle, just hit it so the maximux height is a feet over the net at most. You are near the net, it isn't such a big obstacle even if it seems huge, if you wann do something to this ball, keep it low.

low to low, on passing shots and approaches.

high to higher in defensive and neutral behind the baseline situations.

midcourt is a different animal than baseline.

Why must the ball stay low? They may start coming in for an easy volley?

 

[Bender]

I just whack a reverse forehand...

 

[ProgressoR]

you could just chip it back and come to net?

 

[Austinthecity]

Any time you move forward to a ball, you need to stay sideways. The main problem I have with this is pulling out of them on forehands. I use an open or semi-open stance from the baseline, so I tend to want to do that on approaches, and you just can't.

Use a hopping step to stay sideways on a fh (step in with your left foot and land on your left foot) and just keep your right leg bent through the followthrough on backhands.

The other problem I have is making contact too far in front of me on low balls. On these low balls, make sure you approach them so that you're hitting them beside you - less in front.

 

[Tmano]

all good suggestion but the " easiest" is to slice back down the line with some side spin as approach so you could close the point at net or right on your opponent's feet. Only one thing try to slice pretty deep always following the ball at net.

 

[Nellie]

You need heavy topspin to whack a short ball over the net and still get it in the court - bend the knees to get below the ball, so you can swing up and through the ball. Your friend's advice is a little bit of a band-aid to get you to get under the ball, but I don't like to change the stroke mechanic between shots (leads to inconsistency - you want the same basic stroke at different positions provide by your feet).

For an advance technique, try choking up on the racquet handle to get better control of the short ball.

 

[salsainglesa]

Why must the ball stay low? They may start coming in for an easy volley?

if you hit he ball at a steep angle the probabilities of going long are much much higher. That is because you cant hit with the necesary top spin so the ball comes down. The floor is on the way. The most spin you can impart to the ball is sidespin... but topspin will not suffice.

That said, dont hit it without pace, put something on it, you will be surprised how a low ball takes a lot of time away of your opponent, so you don't have to be super precise.

IF you are being overly forced and you can't hit the ball with topspin since it is way in front of you, sidespin is the way to go, slice-sidespin. again, you take away time by not feeding him a high ball, and the low bounce will force him to try to lift the ball, wich is not easy as you already know.

if he closes the net, less pace is needed for you to pass him, then you need to hit a precise shot to where he is not, regardless of pace, or even effect. A volley kind of shot would be enough.

 

[rkelley]

One other way to play this ball if you're playing someone with really weak groundstrokes (i.e. a pusher) is to hit it high and deep. Not a lob, but arc it back to the baseline with as little on the ball as possible to get it deep. Set-up about a foot inside the service line and let Mr. Nostroke try to either pass you (which will be difficult for them since they have no strokes and you've given them no pace) or lob you (also difficult since you're set-up so far back). Owning an overhead is required to make this work.

This also works if only one side is weak, particularly to the BH. Force them to hit a head high backhand three feet behind the baseline. They won't like that at all if their BH is weak. It's especially effective again weak one handers. Again, you need an overhead to make this work because you're probably going to get lobbed.

 

[LeeD]

Placement!
YOU place the ball within 2' of the baseline, 2' of his sideline.
Don't matter if you slice, hit super hard top/side, or whatever, you place it where he can't hit it well.

 

[Stewy30]

(I'm a righty) Don't know if this is suggestible, but I for some reason have a good handle on this shot. I run up to it, and starting low and from the side, hit that thing with tons of topsin/side spin and with some bite to it, reverse finish, cross court pretty short (behind service line) on the run. The ball goes over, and also bounces to the left too, especially if that short slice has some sidespin to it, which is normally the case.

On the backhand, I do a quick flick one handed backhand short cross court as well or a drop shot (I am two handed backhand).

However, it becomes more difficult if the person is at the net and is experienced enough to read that. (Still a difficult volley)

I make people pay for trying this shot on me, and usually people will end up doing it once or twice.

Takes a bunch of practice and trial and error.

 

[mightyrick]

1) Get my volley grip on.
2) Run like hell to get to it.
3) Get low. Bent knees.

The actual shot depends on where the opponent is standing:
4a) Opponent standing at their baseline in the middle, then slice the ball deep to the opponent's backhand side at the baseline.
4b) Opponent standing at their baseline but off to one side, then dropshot just over the net at the farthest crosscourt point from where the opponent is standing.
4c) Opponent is standing at the net, then slice lob or a careful topspin passing shot if they are at the net.

 

[Comet Buster]

It's all in the knee bend. Get underneath the ball. However if you're playing too aggressive and hitting errors off these short slices don't go for much; play a neutral shot/slice. Don't try generating your own pace off a slice. <ore often or not you're going to hit an error.

 

[Lawn Tennis]

I appreciate all the answers. Many replies suggest the slice back, a few favor heavy topspin, and others have some interesting ideas such as the lob-like approach and Lee's placement bit. I think I'll try the slice back first, and then if that fails maybe really try to get under the ball.

You need heavy topspin to whack a short ball over the net and still get it in the court - bend the knees to get below the ball, so you can swing up and through the ball. Your friend's advice is a little bit of a band-aid to get you to get under the ball, but I don't like to change the stroke mechanic between shots (leads to inconsistency - you want the same basic stroke at different positions provide by your feet).

For an advance technique, try choking up on the racquet handle to get better control of the short ball.

Yes! That's what I was telling him, that you don't want to change your stroke for a specific shot. What do the rest of you think?

 

[LeeD]

You can RIP top/side approach shots as hard as you can swing.
Only, you gotta get into position, LOOK at the ball, hit outside of it, and use tons of SPIN to slow the ball and allow the arc to curve downwards into the court. This takes you out of position to recover to volley position.
Slice allows you to recover quicker, get into position to volley earlier, and the stroke doesn't take you out of balance.

 

[SStrikerR]

I prefer hitting slices off of them. Depending on the location of my opponent i'll either rush the net or retreat to the baseline. Or occasionally drop shot them and end it there.

 

[Forbin]

I appreciate all the answers. Many replies suggest the slice back, a few favor heavy topspin, and others have some interesting ideas such as the lob-like approach and Lee's placement bit. I think I'll try the slice back first, and then if that fails maybe really try to get under the ball.

Yes! That's what I was telling him, that you don't want to change your stroke for a specific shot. What do the rest of you think?

Shortening your takeback is a relatively small change to your stroke, especially when you compare it to the difference among slice, drive, and reverse forehand.

I'm still aspiring to reach the 3.5 level, so take what I say with a grain of salt. But the advice my clinic coach has given me is:

When you're behind the baseline, longer take back (6 o'clock)

As you move into the court, shorter take back (maybe 4 o'clock when you're at the service line)

It seems to keep me from hitting long if I'm inside the court.

Also, I'll second what everyone has said. Again, this is advice from my coach, and also what I see from the pros on TV. Of couse, I can't execute very well, but I try.

Against a short slice below the net:
- Slice approach down the line, or
- topspin (reverse forehand) cross court angle, or
- the occasional drop shot
- None of these shots is necessarily a winner, but it might be. Take the net and prepare to volley in any case. (Split step!)
- Placement is more important than speed. Deep down the line for slice, or angled inside the service box for CC-topspin. Aiming for a two-foot margin gives someone of my lowly level an acceptable percentage. I would certainly love to get my accuracy to within two feet.

I hope that helps. I'm excited to have the chance to post, because I've only recently begun to grok and execute in my game.

 

[Fedace]

and that's primarily what my friend suggested - to have the racquet at the low point (or half-way through) and then come over the ball. So is your suggestion proper form?

only problem is if you do that, you can't generate any pace. and if you come in on that....you will get passed ALL day long.

 

[LeeD]

Whenever I hit an approach shot, I move forwards to cover the sideline, but ready to lunge across to get the CC pass attempt.
An approach shot is not meant for a winner.
A WINNER is meant for winning the point on that shot.
Placement above all else. Don't matter if you hit 80 mph approach shots if it's in the strikezone of the backcourter.
Better to place a 50 mph dink ball within ONE foot of the side and baseline....add some weirdo spin, and you own the net.

 

[Comet Buster]

Whenever I hit an approach shot, I move forwards to cover the sideline, but ready to lunge across to get the CC pass attempt.
An approach shot is not meant for a winner.
A WINNER is meant for winning the point on that shot.
Placement above all else. Don't matter if you hit 80 mph approach shots if it's in the strikezone of the backcourter.
Better to place a 50 mph dink ball within ONE foot of the side and baseline....add some weirdo spin, and you own the net.

Not just placement but you need to take into account the strengths and weaknesses of your opponent (better passing shots/what balls he/she likes to pass on). To be fair a low slice straight down the middle is effective especially against guys who move like slugs.

'50mph dink ball'. What level did you play at? (serious question BTW). I can't even reach 50mph on my hardest strokes lol.

 

[LeeD]

Back in the days when TracyAustin and ChrisEvert would moonball flat shots over and over again, they radared most moonballs around 35-45mph.
I'd hope my sliced approaches go faster.
Serious question? In 1978, I played into the 5th round of the TransAmerica Q tourney (SanFrancisco) for that pro tournament. The year before, I went 4 rounds in the same Q. Both times, the guys who beat me...er, actually spanked me, bagels and breadsticks, went beyond the semis in the main draw.

 

[Limpinhitter]

My opponent today got a half dozen or so points from his short slice. From the baseline, I have a strong forehand and backhand, but have trouble generating anything from these really low short balls. My friend said I need to do a half stroke, which is to basically start your swing from its half-way through point.. I just don't know if I believe this. How do you handle a short slice?

I assume the short slice your talking about is a low short slice. The high percentage response to a low short slice to your bh is a slice approach shot dtl. If it's on the fh side, and you have a fh slice, do the same. If not, you have to take a shorter swing and guide the ball for a dtl approach. If the short slice is in the middle then your highest percentage play is a slice approach dtm. On the other hand, if the short slice you are talking about is a sitter well above the net cord, then you can just pound it in to the open court.

 

[TheBoom]

I hit a drop shot and fall back to the baseline i hit great passingshots and it discourages them from doing that too much

 

[onehandbh]

If you have limited wheels, just yell out, "Nice shot!"

 

[KenC]

I hit these shots as well as just blocking back short balls against power baseliners. If I can't hang with them at the baseline I start taking them out of their comfort zone and bring them forward and make them play at net. There really is no good defense except for making an approach shot and setting up camp at the net.

If it is low with no pace you really should think about hitting slice sidespin back that is low and with little pace so that your opponent has to hit up on the ball giving you a nice high first volley. If it is a blocking type shot you have options and can also hit flat or with topspin and try to take time away from your opponent but risk a passing shot from those if they weren't good enough.

Remember, a good opponent is always probing for your weaknesses. If you are afraid to approach the net they will bring you in. This is why it is always a good idea to develop all-court capabilities even if you are a power baseliner.

 

[Delano]

I find short sliced much easier to hit on the backhand side. I normally hit a 2hbh, but if the ball is low I can just let go with my left hand and hit a 1h slice. The advantage here is that no grip change is needed, and I can get away with being a little late to the ball.

Forehands are much tougher, because I have a western grip that's great for topspin but very difficult to get under a short ball, especially if I'm late and reaching. I might try a last minute grip rotation and hit a forehand slice if i'm out of position, but really the best way to handle it is good anticipation and footwork. A low ball isn't a problem on the forehand if I. Get there in time to set up properly.

Short slice to the forehand is actually a good strategy vs western grip topspinners, as long as you set it up (I.e., move them around so they have trouble anticipating and setting up for the shot)

 

[bodman]

this is my kryptonite, especially when it comes to my forehand. I use a western grip so my natural tendency is to try and hit it hard with lots of topspin. Sometimes I will get there and load up as much as possible and jump up in the air as I hit to get added spin. This is really uncomfortable for me and I more often than not end up shanking this ball.

I hate short low slices

 

[LeeD]

Then use your normal groundie stroke speed, but brush up the backside of the ball more for more topspin.
If it goes long, aim lower.
If it goes short, aim higher.
consider....practice this shot.

 

[gregor.b]

As long as you get it deep and somewhere near a sideline it will be ok.The secret is don't try to be too agressive whether it's topspin or slice but use the geometry of the court to help you.If it's short you can go cross court and hit a little harder and still be in good net position.

 

[Fuji]

I just whack a reverse forehand...

Honestly, I do pretty much the same thing. Either a reverse or a lot of top spin just to get the point back to neutral.

-Fuji