Why Federer's BH slice so effetcive?

[TENNIS_99]

I was watching Federer on ESPN last week. He certaintly was not 100%. If my memory was correct, he was using more BH slice last week than before.

I was amazed how effective his BH slice was, has anyone done analysis on his BH slice? His slice seemed landing short but with angle, the pace certaintly much slower than his strokes. I might be wrong but it does not seem to be qualified as "offensive BH slice" discussed in the forum before. How does he use it so effectively that his opponents can't take advantage of it?

 

[Clutch]

Federer first usually hits it deep as a change of pace after a long, hard-hit rally with a two-hander, he then usually hits it short around the service line, tighter, lower, and with a wicked angle which forces his opponent to come in and wide to hit a shot he's off balance on.

Enough said to answer why Federer's backhand slice is so effective?

 

[VolklVenom]

his slices never bounce higher than "net height" and are usually close to the net too. Very difficult to hit an aggressive shot when faced with that, forcing his opponent to hit "up" slightly, giving Federer the chance to continue the rally with forceful topspin drives on both sides.

 

[Bungalo Bill]

I think the best thing about Federer is he knows when to hit his slice. Because he places the slice very well based on the position the opponent is, it is very hard to attack it.

I have seen him hit various kinds of slices such as a floating slice that dies when it bounces, a biting slice with pace, and a medium paced slice that is difficult to run around due to his placement.

 

[Tim Tennis]

I think the best thing about Federer is he knows when to hit his slice. Because he places the slice very well based on the position the opponent is, it is very hard to attack it.

I have seen him hit various kinds of slices such as a floating slice that dies when it bounces, a biting slice with pace, and a medium paced slice that is difficult to run around due to his placement.

Could not agree more, he just has so much variety even within a certain stroke like the slice that BB just pointed out. Then he can turn around and flaten out his backhand or hit with heavy topspin. His opponents just never know what he is going to send their way.

You got to love that guy.