two-handed backhand slice??

[VictorS.]

I've read from a number of different sources that the two-handed backhand slice is virtually impossible to hit properly. In addition, I've seen a number of teaching pros discourage hitting the two-handed bh slice. I am wondering however, haven't there been a number of top pros that hit the two handed slice? Connors and Evert come to mind. In addition, Santoro hits a two handed slice if I'm not mistaken.

Any opinions regarding this shot? Can one have a two-hand bh slice that is as effective as a one-handed bh slice?

 

[Camilio Pascual]

I'm able to hit a decent one if it is not too high or low, around waist level works best. I usually use it as a well controlled d-t-l approach shot. I try for low and deep with decent spin and very little pace.

 

[RB]

Connors hit a great 2 handed slice ------besides hitting a regular flat shot --he would stroke a hard slice---slightly high to low---still hitting through the ball but with underspin----

 

[papa]

Very difficult shot for me to hit - agree with CP, if the ball is within my strike zone I can do just about anything with it. However, the high ones are impossible for me and I'm reverting to a one-hand "learing process".

 

[kevhen]

Hard to hit and I only do it if I want to confuse my opponent, but this is a shot I don't even practice. I do practice the one-handed slice which is much more useful when running down low balls that the two-hander would struggle to reach. Maybe it is a shot I should practice more, to see what my capabilities are with it, the two-handed slice.

 

[jayserinos99]

i have a two handed backhand and when i try to hit the two handed slice, i just can't get anything behind the shot. a little off topic, but another shot related to the slice is the drop shot, has anyone hit the two handed bh drop shot?

 

[kevhen]

Agree, my 2 hand backhand slices don't have much behind them so I usually avoid them. Last time I hit one was when playing doubles and I knew my opponent struggled with volleying slice so I threw one in since I was close to net playing a low ball and didn't want to hit a slow topspin shot that he could volley. He messed up volleying the slice.

I would love to have a 2HBH dropshot so after I drove my opponent deep and crosscourt with my hard topspin backhand rallies, I could throw in a dropshot up-the-line and make them scramble to cover it. Now I will step around and hit the forehand dropshot but they have more time to see that coming.

 

[jayserinos99]

the reason why i asked about the two handed bh drop shot (and it's b/c i'm not trying to thread jack) is because wouldn't it seem that having that two handed bh drop shot would give more disguise than a one hander?

 

[Bungalo Bill]

It is an issue of balance and the different elements of trying to manage linear and rotational movements.

The twohander is a natural rotational shot. The twohander is hit from the shoulders by bringing the back shoulder forward and into the contact zone and through.

The slice backhand is a linear shot, with counterbalancing happening with the non-dominant arm. It is hard to keep the linear balance, be delicate with the ball, and maintain your balance. Leaving the onehand off is much easier for your body to handle.

This is why you can hit a slice forehand better than a slice twohanded backhand. The non-dominant arm is paramount in maintaining balance through the shot.

 

[VictorS.]

I agree...the one-handed BH slice is definitely the more effective shot. However, I think most recreationaly players and even most pros (with 2hand BHs) struggle with the one-handed slice shot. Though perhaps not as effective, the two-handed slice seems much easier to hit.

I wonder if it's a "macho" thing with the two-handed bh slice. It looks like a wimpy shot perhaps. I dunno...it just seems like a lot of players are reluctant to hit it. Connors proved you can hit a wicked 2-hand bh slice.