Slice Backhand

The slice backhand in tennis is a versatile shot that can be used defensively to neutralize opponents' shots or offensively to set up for approach shots or winners. Here's how to execute a slice backhand effectively:

1. Grip: Start with a continental grip or an Eastern backhand grip. The continental grip is ideal for generating slice, as it allows you to easily open the racket face to create underspin.
2. Stance and Setup: Stand sideways to the net with your non-dominant shoulder facing the net. Bend your knees slightly and get into a comfortable, balanced stance. Hold the racket with your non-dominant hand at the throat and your dominant hand on the racket handle.
3. Backswing: Take the racket back early and keep it relatively low, around waist height. The backswing should be compact and controlled, with your non-dominant arm helping to guide the racket back.
4. Contact Point: As the ball approaches, step forward with your front foot and shift your weight onto your front foot. The contact point for a slice backhand is slightly in front of your body, and you want to make contact with the ball out in front of your front foot.
5. Swing Path: Keep the swing path relatively straight through the ball. Unlike topspin backhands, where you brush up on the back of the ball, for a slice backhand, you want to make contact with the ball flat or slightly below the center. This will create underspin, causing the ball to stay low and skid off the court.
6. Follow Through: After making contact with the ball, extend your arm forward and slightly across your body. The follow-through should be shorter than on a topspin backhand, with the racket finishing around shoulder height or slightly lower.
7. Body Rotation: Rotate your torso and shoulders through the shot, but keep your hips relatively square to the net. This helps generate power and control on the slice backhand.
8. Recovery: After hitting the shot, recover quickly to a neutral position in the center of the court, ready to anticipate your opponent's next shot.
9. Practice: Like any tennis shot, mastering the slice backhand takes practice. Start by hitting slow-paced slices and gradually increase the speed and depth as you become more comfortable with the technique.

Remember to stay relaxed and focus on timing and control rather than trying to overhit the ball. With practice and repetition, you'll develop a reliable slice backhand that can be a valuable weapon in your tennis game.