Tennis Backhand Slice - How To Slice In Tennis

Tennis Backhand Slice - How To Slice In Tennis
The tennis backhand slice is a great shot to have in your tennis arsenal.
The slice backhand is a very versatile shot. We can defend with it, attack with it and mix up play.
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The Foundation of the Tennis Backhand Slice - The Grip
Using the ideal grip will allow you to have stability at the point of contact. This will make it much easier to control the racket head and direct your slice backhand. Many players start out using an eastern forehand grip on their slice backhands when they first learn the shot. This can work up to a certain level, but they'll face issues with this grip as they progress.
The ideal grip to hit a backhand slice with is the continental grip. This is the same grip that we serve with and hit our volleys with. With this grip, you'll be able to have the wrist in a neutral position and impart some underspin on the shot.

Early Preparation - As soon as you have decided to hit a slice backhand, the first step to focus on is having a good shoulder turn. This will create time on the shot. For the right-handers out there, this means turning your right shoulder towards the net. Also, focus on creating an L shape in the forearm and racket. This L shape will help you create leverage. Leverage basically translates into force over the ball. When you're in this side on position, it will be much easier for you to run to the ball using normal running steps.

Reaching A Good Power Position - Just like on your forehand or backhand drives, the next step is reaching a good power position. A good power position on the backhand slice should include a few key things. The first thing is to have the racket above your non-hitting shoulder. This is the left shoulder, for right-handers. By waiting in this position, you'll have space to accelerate the racket and be able to use the various swing paths.
Your chin should be resting above the left shoulder, and the back facing the net. You can also create additional tension in the wrist by pulling down on the racket head using the non-hitting hand. This will create a slingshot effect when you release the racket head.

The Ideal Swingpath - There are different ways to hit a slice backhand in tennis. The path you use will be determined by the height of the contact point and your intentions with the slice. When you're dealing with a lower contact zone, you'll have to lift the ball to clear the net. This requires a higher finishing point. The swing path may be high to high, medium to high or low to high. You can use a more aggressive swing path when the ball is higher, around waist height or above.
This is normally the high to low or high to medium swing. This is where you can be more aggressive with the racket head speed and really cut down on the ball.

The Contact Point - Ideally, you'll want to make contact out in front of your body. Most players find that they can hit their best slice backhands at around waist level. When making contact, try to maintain that L shape in the arm and racket. By having the L shape, you'll create a very stable position for the racket and hand.

The Finish - The follow-through and finish is the final stage of hitting a solid slice backhand in tennis. There are two main things you'll want to focus on. Firstly, make sure the non-hitting hand is working to counterbalance what's happening with the hitting arm. Secondly, focus on finishing with the racket face slightly open towards the sky, avoiding the racket face flicking over.

Video Timeline:
00:00 Intro
01:05 - The Ideal Grip
02:30 - Early Preparation
04:48 - Power Position
09:15 - Racket Lag
10:18 - Balance
14:10 - Footwork

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