TennisOne Lessons

Maximize Your Backhand Slice

by Doug King

Introduction

The complete player commands topspin and underspin on both forehand and backhand sides. Using the grid as shown in the following photos, we can examine the swing path to the ball, and this grid will allow you to visualize how to spin the ball. With practice, you too can control the inside out topspin drive, or the outside in driving slice.

Note some key points. My shoulders are well turned prior to contact, the backswing positions show a relaxed arm, posture is excellent, knees are well bent, and I am totally concentrated on the ball.

Similar to Forehand Slice

Identical to the forehand slice, swinging from above and outside meet the ball in the upper left quadrant. The elbow is bent and locked and the shoulder turn is pronounced. The racquet face is slightly open throughout. A quick tip to ensure a good shoulder turn - point your elbow to the ball.

Contact

Contact is just in front of my right shoulder and my weight is transferred onto my front foot. My head is down and focusing on the ball, not the target.

Follow-through

And the shoulders continue to drive the racquet on the follow-through.

Conclusion

Again, this shot is effective on the return, the approach or to keep the ball low. Interestingly, Sampras now uses this slice effectively against Agassi, just as Edberg did many years ago against Courier.