Tag: backhand slice

Posted on

Dueling Backhands

The last few weeks we discussed the backhand slice and the backhand drive. Now assuming you have practiced them both until they are reliable strokes, we can look at when to use each one.

When to use a Slice Backhand

In general, use the slice backhand if the ball is out of the “strike zone”, that is, if the ball is higher than your chest or lower than your knee. Examples:

  • high balls..ie kick serves to your backhand
  • when approaching the net (remember the Slice Approach?)
  • when returning a ball that is short and/or low (this helps you get the ball up over the net)

When to use a Drive/Topspin Backhand

It is best to hit the backhand drive when the ball is in the strike zone (between your knee and your chest). Examples of situations to use the drive:

  • as a rally shot to keep your opponent deep
  • as a passing shot (topspin helps make the ball dip after crossing the net, making your opponent volley up)
  • to keep the ball deep in the court during a ground stroke rally (once again, the topspin helps bring the ball down making offense difficult for your opponent)
  • to hit an offensive topspin lob (this one takes lots of practice)

Remember the key is to practice so that these shots are reliable. A shot is only a weapon if you can hit it consistently.

Posted on

Slice Approach shot

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.

  1. 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.
  2.  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)

 

Posted on

Slice It Up! Part 2

Last week we introduced some aspects of the slice backhand. I think it deserves a little more explanation since it may not be a natural stroke for many people, and it is an excellent stroke for defense and offense. Let’s examine the technique a little closer.

  • First the grip. Hold the racket with a continental grip…like holding a hammer.
  • Bring the racket back about shoulder level.
  • Point your shoulder at the point where you should make contact with the ball (about a foot in front of your “racket leg”).
  • Imagine that you are about to sweep everything off a table top with your racket.
  • The swing pattern should be as level as possible, but a slight U shape is normal.
  • The bottom edge of your racket should be slightly in front of the top edge.
  • Make sure you are in a “closed” stance.
  • Try to raise or lower your body with your legs to adjust to various ball heights.

Remember practice, practice, practice any new stroke to master it….and have fun!