Golden Oldies: 
The Slice Backhand

by Ed Atkinson

Any knowledgeable observer of professional tennis will notice that the vast majority of players are lacking an extremely valuable weapon in their arsenal of strokes—the slice backhand. The slice backhand was a basic element in the games of the greatest champions in tennis history: Bill Tilden, Don Budge, Jack Kramer, and Pancho Gonzales, to name a few.

The lack of an effective slice is one of the main reasons for the death of serve and volley and attacking tennis. It is my belief that the great champions of the past with their aggressive, net rushing style would easily dominate the one-dimensional players in the modern pro game. 

Without an effective slice this attacking style of play is literally impossible, and as we shall see, there are fundamental reasons why it is so uncommon in the modern game.  

Why the Slice Backhand is So Valuable

Why is the slice so valuable? First, it is by far the best shot to use from a defensive position, particularly when a player is pulled wide off the court. In this situation the sole objective is to hit a shot that gives you time to return to the center of the court. The slice backhand is indispensable due to the fact that it travels slower than a topspin drive. 

This gives the player time to get back in position, without resorting to something as defensive as a lob. It allows the player to get back into the point instead of going for a high risk winner from poor position and making an unforced error—something we see continually in the modern game.

Second, and more importantly, the slice backhand is the most effective shot to use when approaching the net—the foundation of the “chip and charge” or attacking strategy, both from the backcourt and on the return.

The Spinning Advantage 

The slice approach is usually made on short balls, typically those hit with topspin, and on second serves, usually also hit with heavy spin.

When a player slices a topspin shot, the direction of the spin on the ball is maintained rather than reversed.  To understand this, imagine that as the player prepares to slice a topspin shot, the top of the ball is spinning toward him as the ball approaches.  As he slices under the ball, the ball continues to spin in the same direction.  That is, as the ball leaves his racquet and travels back toward the opponent, the top of the ball is still spinning towards him.  

By changing topspin into underspin, the player actually adds to the existing spin on the ball. This causes the ball to skid and remain low in the opponent’s court. The player is forced to hit up as you assume your position at the net. 

The slice approach is particularly effective on grass and other fast surfaces, which cause the bounce to remain even lower than on slower surfaces.

It is no accident that modern Wimbledon champions such as McEnroe, Edberg, and Sampras, all utilized the slice backhand with great effect. It is also no accident that these players all had one-handed backhands.

The slice backhand is virtually impossible to hit correctly with two-hands. Even two-handers who try to add the one handed variation are never as natural and sure.

The Kings of the Court historical video, produced by TennisONE contributing editor, Ed Atkinson, is the ultimate legacy for the tennis enthusiast, and a must for anyone who wants to understand the history of the game.  Kings of the court presents amazing, rare, and often, never before seen footage of the greatest champions in the history, from Little Bill Johnson and Big Bill Tilden to Don Budge, Jack Kramer, Lew Hoad, Pancho Gonzales, and Rod Laver. Narrated by John Forsythe with a highly evocative original musical score, it can be purchased in the TennisONE ProShop Click here to purchase!

For more articles in Ed Atkinson's Golden Oldies series, visit the TennisONE lesson library.

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