Why do pros don't use the slice forehand except as a last resort?

[Golden Retriever]

You see pros including Federer using the slice backhand quite a lot and not only as a last resort. Andy Roddick used the slice backhand like 80% during Wimbledon.

However they all rarely use the slice forehand if at all. So whats wrong with the slice forehand? Why is the slice backhand cool but the slice forehand not?

 

[LttlElvis]

I think it may be because the mechanics of the one handed slice bh is more natural than the slice forehand. Also today's game features alot of groundstroke bangers so it's just not part of their game.

McEnroe would use a slice forehand aproach on grass now and then. Chris Evert would sometimes use a slice forehand with some side spin but not as an approach. But you are right, we don't see a whole lot of slice forehands.

 

[rommil]

It's easier and takes lesser time to swing your arm when you're swinging it on the side(open stance) as opposed to swinging it across in front of your body. It produces a less forceful and less contolled shot as well.

 

[The Gorilla]

it's a hard shot to disguise on te forehand side.

 

[Tchocky]

What would be the advantage of hitting a slice forehand? It's a lame shot and very ineffective. It only works when you're trying to hit a drop shot.

 

[raiden031]

What would be the advantage of hitting a slice forehand? It's a lame shot and very ineffective. It only works when you're trying to hit a drop shot.

I find the forehand slice to be far more effective when someone hits a short low ball that bounces about one foot off the ground. In fact most times if I hit these shots with a standard forehand it will hit the net.

 

[LowProfile]

Well most players can cream their forehands harder than their backhands. When presented with a forehand shot, why would a player elect to hit a more defensive shot when they could just rip the ball instead?

 

[GRANITECHIEF]

I like hitting the slice FH with TON of sidespin off a low ball short that i can't get under. It hilarious when the opponent doesn't read/react to the spin and it jumps away or into them for a clean winner or total mishit.

Slice FH can work as a service return or an approach shot. It can also be a good change up to someone that is zoning with pace.

 

[raiden031]

I have played against a few pushers who only have a forehand slice. They were simply unable to hit a dependable forehand when swinging low to high. They would crush me too.

 

[superman1]

The forehand is always easier to hit than the backhand, especially on the run. The backhand can be awkward when you're stretched out, so players go to the slice. There is no advantage to slicing the forehand in a rally just for the hell of it. Why be defensive when you can be offensive? The forehand slice is useful among amateurs, though. Pros will not be fooled for a second, they will just smack it to the corner without hesitation, but the guys at your club might be caught off guard, especially the counterpunchers who expect to feed off of your pace.

 

[Chadwixx]

If you have time to slice it, you have time to flatten it out, which is more effective.

Also the contact point on the backhand is late, so many choose it on that side for the timing. As well as it being more natural on that side.

Your not going to beat a good player using a slice forehand unless your name is santoro.

 

[Jonnyf]

I sometimes slice fh on return of serve, but in a match id almost never do it

 

[Gut Reaction]

Its difficult...but Jimmy Connors sort of used it regularly. He used more like sidespin...a cousin of the slice.

 

[Chadwixx]

I have a friend who used to be like 180 in the world, he is like 45 now but still one hell of a player. He always uses the chip forhand return. The problem with it is if they are serving and volleying and its up just a little bit its an easy volley (straight path, doesnt dip like the topspin). If its a little short and he stays back its an easy way to begin the point on the offensive for the opponent. Its either up and deep, or low and short, so its kinda risky.

Players today are just too strong, it doesnt hurt them. It may have worked better in the past due to the quick surfaces but who knows.

 

[SoBad]

I think slicing is more natural for a pulling motion like one-handed backhand, while coming over the ball is more natural for a pushing motion like forehand. Yeah it seems most people, especially pro's, only slice forehand for return of serve, when stretched ("squash shot" or defensive lob), and for dropshot.

However, I recall noticing Andy Murray using deep slice forehands in rallies on occasion against Federer in Cincinnati, to good effect. In particular, I believe Murray used that shot during match point, which he won (anyone got a clip they can post?). Did anyone else notice that about the Cincinnati match?

 

[goober]

I have played against a few pushers who only have a forehand slice. They were simply unable to hit a dependable forehand when swinging low to high. They would crush me too.

you see these types of players alot on the 3.0-3.5 level. When you can beat these players easily, you are ready to move up.

 

[alienhamster]

I think slicing is more natural for a pulling motion like one-handed backhand, while coming over the ball is more natural for a pushing motion like forehand. Yeah it seems most people, especially pro's, only slice forehand for return of serve, when stretched ("squash shot" or defensive lob), and for dropshot.

However, I recall noticing Andy Murray using deep slice forehands in rallies on occasion against Federer in Cincinnati, to good effect. In particular, I believe Murray used that shot during match point, which he won (anyone got a clip they can post?). Did anyone else notice that about the Cincinnati match?

Good post. I was just going to ask about the "squash shot," because it's technically a defensive slice, right? I'd argue that *more* top pros are using that shot these days, so it's not like it's necessarily been dying out. Because of the increasing pace and spin on groundies, pros need to have that shot in their arsenal to defend against a flat or heavy shot racing down the line.

And about Murray: I was thinking he hits a forehand slice on occasion, too. I know Fed was tired in that match, but I think Murray is going to give Fed (and a lot of others) more trouble in the future because he integrates off-pace stuff like this all the time. Other than on his serve, he hits with more variety than almost anyone else in the top 100 right now (except for maybe Federer).

So, yeah, I agree with SoBad: the f-h slice still used for variety and for defensive shots, but not so much for approaches.

 

[nickarnold2000]

It's always good to be versatile. Hitting the occasional slice FH is good for the change up factor as someone just posted about Murray beating Fed while using it. I'm a 5.O and I use it occasionally, besides for the usual desperation get, as well as for chipping and charging or giving a guy a very low slice to his FH. A lot of semi-western grip types(of which I am one) don't like this kind of low shot. For me, if it's a really low slice to my FH I have the option of slicing it right back.
Or when Fed hits a BH slice that lands intentionally short (but not a drop shot) drawing his opponent into the net, well I do this selectively on the forehand side also. But there's no question that at higher levels it will get eaten up if it's anticipated too early.

 

[araghava]

Tactically the slice forehand should be no different that the slice backhand. However no one seems to learn how to play it (except Santoro). Even the great S&V players like Edberg, Rafter and Mac never used the slice FH much. It's just not very comfortable to hit from high to low across your body.

 

[Fedace]

Because pros have such good forehands that they cannot possibly match it with any kind of slice shot. For most pros, the forehand is a putaway shot and they have so few chances to hurt their opponents during the rallie, everytime they have a chance to hit the forehand, they have to come up with something special and not waste it with slices.

 

[paulfreda]

Another factor is grips.
Those pros with Westerns will have a very difficult time getting such a closed face open enough to get under the ball. Actually I do not think I have ever seen a WFH sliced on tour.

For a SW, it can be done [I use it occasionally for change of pace] but it is not as natural as when holding a Continental or Eastern FH grip and it takes some practice to develop it into a reliable shot.

Not a lot of Easterns out there on tour any more and the Continental is pretty much an anachronism of the grass era.

 

[Eviscerator]

The last pro I remember using it effectively was Patrick Rafter when he was going to approach. He did not use it very often, but when he did it was effective, especially on grass.

 

[Thor]

If you have time to slice it, you have time to flatten it out, which is more effective.

QUOTE]

Not true,how many times have you seen players(fed a great example)at full strech barely making the shot with the slice forehand and returning it?
Theres no way they could have made a flat forehand,no way.

BTW,i think it could be interesting to see Roddick try it against Fed,especially when fed hits short slice and Roddick approaches on a laim approach.
Taking the pace off of Fed's backhand can help(U dont see him pull winners off low,unpowered balls on the backhand,),and that 'lefty spin" never hurts...

 

[OrangeOne]

Another factor is grips.
Those pros with Westerns will have a very difficult time getting such a closed face open enough to get under the ball. Actually I do not think I have ever seen a WFH sliced on tour.

For a SW, it can be done [I use it occasionally for change of pace] but it is not as natural as when holding a Continental or Eastern FH grip and it takes some practice to develop it into a reliable shot.

Not a lot of Easterns out there on tour any more and the Continental is pretty much an anachronism of the grass era.

Almost anyone using a slice FH at any time (for a return, for the stretched 'squash shot') will change their grip to hit it. I don't think the grips point is especially relevant in the way it's expressed above, as it's the same on the FH side as BH, when you want to hit a slice, you change grips.

I think maybe the grips point is relevant in that SW & W FHs are able to agressively whip up on a ball that, 20 years ago, may have been scraped up with slice. In this way, the slice FH just isn't needed as much.

Personally, I'll chip a return if forced, I'll hit the 'squash-shot' when stretched (hey - it's fun!), and, presented with little time against someone at the net, I've even been known to slice a DTL (attempted) winner sometimes. Oh - and for the record, I have a Full-Western forehand normally....