Slice backhand ... against pace

[ej]

I injured my left hand and had to switch to a one-handed backhand. I was able to develope a pretty good slice, but have trouble against hard pace.

I was wondering if there were players who used the one handed backhand slice exclusively; if so, any tips for hitting against pace?

 

[Rickson]

Wow! Thread number 50 on this topic. The backhand slice is hit from high to low with pronation. The topspin backhand is hit from low to high with no pronation and for some pros like Guga, with some supination.If you want to develop a good backhand drive, don't hit high to low and don't pronate your forearm.

 

[dozu]

I injured my left hand and had to switch to a one-handed backhand. I was able to develope a pretty good slice, but have trouble against hard pace.

I was wondering if there were players who used the one handed backhand slice exclusively; if so, any tips for hitting against pace?

actually the incoming topspin and pace is a slicer's best friend, if your technique is sound, then it's a simple matter of making a compact stroke and the penetrating pace and spin is already offered by your opp's incoming ball.

I have played many types of players, some of them former college players who hit pretty hard, with heavy topspin. The number one key is actually the footwork, you have to make sure you are in position and ready to adjust as the topspin ball kicks up and you cannot let it get away from you, if it happens and you have to reach for it, then inevitably you will produce a weak flop and pretty much dead in the point. However if you move into position and get your weight behind the slice, then a compact stroke will fully utilize the incoming pace and spin and your slice will be quite penetrating.

 

[ej]

I injured my left hand and had to switch to a one-handed backhand. I was able to develope a pretty good slice, but have trouble against hard pace.

I was wondering if there were players who used the one handed backhand slice exclusively; if so, any tips for hitting against pace?

actually the incoming topspin and pace is a slicer's best friend, if your technique is sound, then it's a simple matter of making a compact stroke and the penetrating pace and spin is already offered by your opp's incoming ball.

I have played many types of players, some of them former college players who hit pretty hard, with heavy topspin. The number one key is actually the footwork, you have to make sure you are in position and ready to adjust as the topspin ball kicks up and you cannot let it get away from you, if it happens and you have to reach for it, then inevitably you will produce a weak flop and pretty much dead in the point. However if you move into position and get your weight behind the slice, then a compact stroke will fully utilize the incoming pace and spin and your slice will be quite penetrating.

thanks alot!

 

[JohnThomas1]

I always go for the shortened swing against genuine pace. Good fortwork (As good as possible under the circumstances) is a must too even if you have little time.

 

[Marius_Hancu]

I injured my left hand and had to switch to a one-handed backhand. I was able to develope a pretty good slice, but have trouble against hard pace.

You might need a little bit of lead tape at 9 and 3 o'clock. Try with 10g first. Heavier rackets are always helping with this shot.

 

[dozu]

I injured my left hand and had to switch to a one-handed backhand. I was able to develope a pretty good slice, but have trouble against hard pace.

You might need a little bit of lead tape at 9 and 3 o'clock. Try with 10g first. Heavier rackets are always helping with this shot.

weight is definitely essential in producing penetrating slice and neutralizing the incoming pace and spin.... I'd advise to add weight gradually, and counter weight under the handle or butt cap to maintain racket balance.... adding 10g at a time will significantly alter playing characteristics of the racket.... I'd add 5g at 3 and 9 oclock, counter with 10 g under the butt..... then I'd work my way up so that there is total 10g at 3 and 9 oclock, counter with 20 g under the butt... this adds about 1oz to your total racket weight and you'd see a big improvement in slice quality....


all the above, of course, assuming that you are using a "stock" player's type frame weighted around 11.5-12, as idealy I'd like mine to be around 12.5-13 oz.... the extra oz makes all the difference in the world to counter heavy incoming spin.

 

[Marius_Hancu]

weight is definitely essential in producing penetrating slice and neutralizing the incoming pace and spin.... I'd advise to add weight gradually, and counter weight under the handle or butt cap to maintain racket balance....

good advice re the handle - though not easy to accomplish, depending on the way the handle is manufactured
some caps are fixed with nails, easy to remove, others are more difficult to deal with

here's a good reference on the whole process:
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Features/Customizing/customize.html