Since we have been talking about the slice backhand the last 2 weeks, let’s explore one of the ways you can use it. One, often overlooked, offensive weapon in tennis is the slice approach shot. A slice approach stays low, giving your opponent a hard passing shot to hit. Plus, after hitting rallies of topspin balls, an opponent will, many times, overrun an approaching slice, causing an error. Lets examine the execution.
An approach shot is one used as you come forward towards the net. Normally you would chose this shot when you are moving forward to get a “short ball”(one roughly in the middle of the court), but you could hit an approach shot when returning a serve or in the middle of a ground stroke rally. One mistake or misconception that some people have is the need to come to a stop when you hit an approach shot. By definition, you are approaching the net….moving forward. You don’t want to take away that court position advantage by stopping the forward momentum to hit the approach shot. So how do you hit an effective approach without stopping and without running through it? The answer depends on whether it is a backhand or a forehand approach.
- Backhand slice approach-“dance to the net”..use a karaoke step to hit the approach while continuing your forward momentum. This step allows you to continue forward momentum while putting your body in the correct, closed position (body perpendicular to the net) for hitting a slice backhand. See the video below for a great demonstration of the karaoke step versus the “inside step” on a backhand.
- Forehand slice approach-“power volley” the approach…the stroke is basically a forehand volley with extra punch. The key is to studder step as you come forward so that as you hit it, you are stepping into the shot with your opposite leg (left leg for right-handers, etc)