Tennis Backhand Slice

Quiet please...

The players are about to begin grunting.

Professional tennis players like Federer and Djokovic, as well as recreational players like you and I, we enjoy using the slice backhand to set up an approach shot, to slow down the ball while recovering from a defensive position, or to handle a low bounce.

The tennis backhand slice technique, has been used for many years, going back to when there were wooden racquets. Today, this stroke remains an effective technique, IF, it is executed perfectly and if it is hit away from the opponent’s comfortable hitting area.

In the past years of playing the sport I find this shot ending up as a defensive shot most of the time because of the short preparation and accuracy. As I have mentioned, Roger Federer does a perfect example of this shot and there are some pros that use a slice for their backhand.

 

Federer is very effective at this technique, because his opponents soon learn that they can’t just push the ball back in the court off the slice, or he will rebound on the next ball and nail the forehand.

On the professional circuit, it is already known that Novak Djokovic has one of the best backhand slices on the court. Djokovic has a solid slice backhand, where the ball comes off his racquet clean and extremely well executed.

Let's take a look at its application - most players use the backhand slice in a baseline rally when they want to distract their opponent’s rhythm. A well placed backhand slice, can force your opponent to return a short ball, to counteract low balls, to return the ball in a baseline rally or if you are in a defensive zone.

A slice backhand in tennis, is guaranteed to slow the ball down and allow each player to get back in the recovery position or as I say, “in the point.” When we hit a rally ball, its backspin slows the pace of the shot and keeps the ball low and out of your opponent's strike zone.

 

Also, when you're inside the court, you can be more aggressive with the slice by driving a deep, low, skidding shot, which you can take to net. It's also the spin that you need to be successful with volleys and drop shots.

See you on the court ….!