The slice backhand in tennis is a versatile and strategic shot that adds finesse to a player’s repertoire. Characterised by a slicing motion where the racket cuts underneath the ball, the slice backhand offers unique advantages, particularly on grass courts. However, its utility extends beyond specific court surfaces, making it a valuable tool in match play across various settings.
Despite its pronounced benefits on grass, the slice backhand remains a valuable asset on other court types. Its ability to keep the ball low and impart variations in pace and spin makes it a deceptive shot that can catch opponents off guard. In match play, incorporating the slice backhand can disrupt the rhythm of baseline rallies, providing an opportunity to dictate play and control the pace of the game.
Grip
When executing the slice backhand in tennis, the foundation lies in the choice of grip. Opt for either the Eastern or Continental grip, both of which offer distinctive advantages for crafting the desired slice effect.
Holding the racket with an Eastern or Continental grip provides a favourable blend of control and manoeuvrability, enabling you to deftly manipulate the racket face to produce the backspin needed for this particular shot. This intentional grip selection serves as the cornerstone for developing a reliable and effective slice backhand, allowing players to enhance their overall repertoire and strategic versatility on the tennis court.
The preparation phase
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Pro tip: As you become increasingly adept at the slice backhand, you gain the ability to finesse the shot’s backspin by manipulating the angle of your racket strings. The level of comfort with this technique allows you to experiment with the degree of openness in the racket face.
For a heightened backspin effect and increased ‘bite’ on the ball, consider opening the face of your racket more. This adjustment represents an advanced aspect of the slice backhand, offering you greater control over the trajectory and spin of the ball. As you fine tune the angle of your strings, you’ll discover new dimensions to your slice backhand, enhancing its effectiveness and adding a strategic edge to your game.
Follow through
During the follow-through of the slice backhand, maintaining the integrity of your wrist position is paramount. Referring back to our earlier discussion on the preparation phase, where your racket is positioned behind your head and your chin hovers above your shoulder, it’s crucial to note the creation of an ‘L shape’ formed by your wrist and forearm in this stance.
Image courtesy of Chris Eason https://www.flickr.com/photos/mister-e/3539727201/
This ‘L shape’ serves as a fundamental element throughout the entire stroke and must remain constant. Any deviation or breaking of this pivotal aspect of the shot compromises control on the slice. To ensure the control of your slice backhand, sustaining the wrist and forearm ‘L shape’ is essential, contributing significantly to the precision and effectiveness of this shot.
Take it up a notch
After achieving consistency in keeping your slice backhand low, explore variations in acceleration to impart more ‘bite’ on the ball. This advanced technique involves experimenting with the degree of swing path acceleration. It’s crucial to note that as you intensify your swing acceleration, you may encounter challenges in maintaining shot control.
This approach to the slice backhand, marked by controlled acceleration, allows for heightened ball manipulation on the court. As you delve into this advanced aspect of your game, striking a balance between increased swing speed and shot precision becomes pivotal, contributing to a more versatile and effective tennis strategy.
Pro tip: Elevate your slice game by incorporating side spin, particularly effective when aiming down the line to make the ball curve away from your opponent. To achieve this dynamic effect, subtly adjust your approach by coming slightly inside the ball.
Imagine the ball as a clock, and aim to make contact at approximately 5 o’clock. This strategic positioning not only imparts the desired backspin for control but also introduces a subtle sidespin element. Mastering this technique adds an extra layer of complexity to your slice backhand, making it a potent tool to keep opponents on their toes and elevate your overall shot repertoire.
..and another notch
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As you approach mastery of your slice backhand, let’s elevate it to the caliber of Roger Federer. Introduce a more advanced technique known as “bending the slice,” often deployed down the line. This involves a strategic combination of backspin and sidespin to not only keep the ball low but also deviate its trajectory away from your opponent, presenting a more formidable challenge.
To accomplish this, implement a slight carving motion inside the ball during contact, generating the sought-after “banana effect” on the ball’s path. Integrating this advanced technique into your repertoire enhances the versatility of your slice backhand, making it a potent and unpredictable asset in your tennis arsenal.
When to use the slice
Determining the opportune moments to deploy the slice backhand is crucial in strategic tennis play. This shot finds heightened effectiveness, especially on grass court surfaces where the ball maintains a lower trajectory, posing a considerable challenge.
Capitalise on the slice when facing taller opponents who may encounter difficulties reaching down to the low-bouncing ball. Additionally, the slice proves invaluable for altering the pace of a rally, a tactical move that can induce errors from your opposition by disrupting their established rhythm. Leveraging the slice strategically in these scenarios enhances your overall game, introducing a level of unpredictability and control that can tip the balance in your favour during a match.
Learn from the best…
Roger Federer: Federer is often celebrated for his elegant and versatile game, including a remarkable slice backhand. His ability to execute the shot with precision and control has been a key element of his success on various surfaces.
Novak Djokovic: Djokovic is known for his exceptional defensive skills, and his slice backhand is a valuable tool in disrupting opponents’ rhythm. He can use it defensively to keep the ball low and create challenging angles.
Stan Wawrinka: Wawrinka possesses a powerful and effective one-handed backhand, which includes a well-executed slice. His versatility on the court allows him to use the slice strategically.
Richard Gasquet: Gasquet is recognized for his beautiful one-handed backhand, which includes a proficient slice. His ability to mix up his shots, including the slice, makes him a challenging opponent.
Roberto Bautista Agut: Bautista Agut is known for his solid baseline game and a reliable one-handed backhand slice. He uses it effectively to change the pace and control rallies.
Benoît Paire: Paire’s unorthodox playing style includes a notable one-handed backhand slice. He often uses this shot to disrupt opponents and create opportunities during matches.
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