the backhand slice

[trenzterra]

i notice that when i do a backhand slice on high balls, the ball often ends up as a slice lob instead.

how do i control the height of the sliced ball that i hit?

 

[fuzz nation]

If you can't hit the ball with a descending blow, you can't really slice it, right? For a typical slice, you don't want to go for contact too far out front or the racquet will slide under the ball, but you may need to go a bit more out front with that higher ball to get some high-to-low in your swing.

Sometimes I'll go after a ball that's up high on my backhand side and use a slice motion that actually puts sidespin on the ball because it's so elevated. I can't go too far out front for this shot or else the ball will probably go too much sideways and fly wide. A deliberate weight transfer into this shot is still essential.

Another option that I like for a ball that's up high on my backhand side (maybe a little above head height) is to turn good and sideways and use a two-handed "whup" over the top. It feels almost like I'm throwing the racquet over my shoulder as I hit the ball and after a little practice, it's become a very dependable shot for me.

 

[Wes_Loves_Dunlop]

When you start to develop your slice into a weapon like I did, you could start taking shots on the rise while slicing them. the timing is really hard, but if you get it down, it can really be effective

 

[35ft6]

I really snap my wrist through high slice backhands, something I don't do with lower ones, which I keep a locked wrist on. I kind of prepare like this:

 

[3lowdown]

backhand slice: most overused, useless shot in the game. :evil:

 

[chess9]

backhand slice: most overused, useless shot in the game. :evil:

Absolutely! Laver, Rosewall, Gonzales, McEnroe, Graff, Borg, Sampras, Federer, even Nadal uses it. It's really STUPIDLY USELESS!

-Robert

 

[BullDogTennis]

backhand slice: most overused, useless shot in the game. :evil:

its about as useless as your contribution to this thread...

 

[papa]

Most players have learned to consider the source. Players that cannot master a stroke often consider it useless.

 

[35ft6]

its about as useless as your contribution to this thread...

Inverse correlation between usefulness of slice backhand and that dude's post.

 

[coyfish]

A lot of lower level (3.0-3.5) players overuse the slice. Hit it to their backhand and 9/10 times it will be a slice because its an easier shot.

There is a time and a place for the slice. If your in position you should hit a normal groundstroke so you can maintain the offensive. Slices neutralize rallies giving both players time.

 

[masterxfob]

a lot of people haven't developed a good slice. those that have, know that it can be a great offensive weapon. i use it defensively to gain some time, but would love to develop it further into a weapon.

 

[BullDogTennis]

Inverse correlation between usefulness of slice backhand and that dude's post.

i know...but i couldnt think of anything that sounded that cool, and actually pertained, i was hoping people would read it fast and not analayse it, i guess not! ha

 

[Racer41c]

backhand slice: most overused, useless shot in the game. :evil:

I agree... if you have a bad one you shouldn't use it.

Now back to the OP, I think the 1st recommendation is to get your racquet on a correct swing path. There are a couple of good youtubes on this.

 

[10nistennis]

backhand slice: most overused, useless shot in the game. :evil:

Sounds like you've been a victim of a well placed slice backhand to your feet when you're approaching to the net to volley.

 

[3lowdown]

nope im never at the net.

I was over-exaggerating that its completely useless, but it still is for the most part a weak shot. :-?

 

[subaru3169]

a lot of people haven't developed a good slice. those that have, know that it can be a great offensive weapon. i use it defensively to gain some time, but would love to develop it further into a weapon.

ya that's pretty true.. i was hitting around with a very very awesome player yesterday and his slice was totally wicked.. one slice didn't even travel in a straight line after he hit it.. it dipped down, floated up slightly just to clear the net and gravity dropped it back down.. in my yrs of playing and i have trained with some really good players, i have never ever seen anything like that **** in my entire life.. but his slices are always offensive when hitting groundstrokes as he drives them.. wicked wicked slice AND he's a lefty AND a natural serve/volleyer

 

[Bud]

nope im never at the net.

I was over-exaggerating that its completely useless, but it still is for the most part a weak shot. :-?

It's a very effective shot when used properly and at the right time. You can also disguise a nice drop shot with the slice motion.

It sounds like you've never developed an effective slice or played anyone with an effective slice.

 

[VaBeachTennis]

Absolutely! Laver, Rosewall, Gonzales, McEnroe, Graff, Borg, Sampras, Federer, even Nadal uses it. It's really STUPIDLY USELESS!

-Robert

Too funny! I guess the person you quoted only uses "extreme" topspin for every shot.

 

[VaBeachTennis]

nope im never at the net.

I was over-exaggerating that its completely useless, but it still is for the most part a weak shot. :-?

Do you think that this slice backhand is a weak shot?

Slice Backhand

 

[coyfish]

Man you guys are crazy about the slice. Its a good tool in a players aresenal but its not a weapon. Any decent player over 3.5 level won't have any trouble with a decent slice. If you have trouble that means you need to work on getting low and hitting with more topspin.

Slice has 3 functions:

1) to change pace (notice CHANGE is a keyword) that doesn't mean every backhand should be a slice because your not changing anything.

2) defensive shot to give player time to recover

3) low approach shot forcing opponent to hit up.

Just like any shot you can hit it perfectly but what i have discussed is the slice in GENERAL terms.

 

[3lowdown]

^^no stupid the slice is the most powerful crazy shot on the face of the planet.