TENNIS TIP: The Slice Backhand

Mariel Tinnirello

The backhand slice is one of my favorite shots because of the different ways it can be used in a point and how it can disrupt your opponent’s game. If you are very evenly matched stroke by stroke with an opponent, having  a solid backhand slice can set you apart and help you win more matches. Having a successful slice backhand takes practice and requires some good feel for the ball.

I feel that as adult tennis players, we do not practice specialty shots like the slice enough. Everyone playing at some kind of competitive level could benefit from practicing this shot once in a while. There are different types of backhand slices and different ways in which to use them within a match. 

Execution and Technique - Key points to execute a successful slice backhand:

• Use a continental grip

• Turn your body sideways and bend your knees -  this will give you the power and stability needed to generate the spin and control the shot

• Take your racquet back

• As you swing forward, make sure to brush up the back of the ball, this will create the spin on the ball and cause it to dip. The wrist should stay firm and in a neutral position during the follow-through

• Have good feel for the ball - prioritize feel over power 

 Why having a good slice backhand can help your game:

• It is a great defensive shot

• It is very useful when playing against a hard-hitting opponent because the slice causes the ball to slow down and dip and can disrupt your opponent’s rhythm

• It can be used to control the point, change up the pace of the point, and potentially force  your opponent to give you a short ball

• It can set up shots for yourself to then attack with topspin or come to the net

different kinds of backhand slices that you can use and execute during a point:

• Short ball defensive slice backhand

• Hitting a slice back while on the run, trying to stay in the point

• Using it to change the rhythm of a point by mixing the pace and spin

• Hitting a short angle to move your opponent off the court

• Using the slice to hit drop shots  

So get a hitting partner, go out there to try a few different slice backhands, practice it a few minutes every time you go out to play, and see if it makes a difference in your next league match or tournament.

NWTO member Mariel Tinnirello is a former D1 collegiate player at the University of Idaho and is currently Director of Athletics at the John Newcombe Tennis Ranch in New Braunfels, TX. Mariel represented Team USA this year on the 30s Cup team that competed in Turkey.

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