Backhand Slice Technique Comparison

April 27, 2010 by: Ian Westermann

The backhand slice can be an extremely useful shot to your tennis game. Not only can it be used in a defensive situation such as when you’re pulled off the court to the side or pushed back behind the baseline, but it can be used as an approach shot to get up to the net effectively and also as a change of pace during long baseline rallies.

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Filed under: Backhand Technique

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6 Responses to “Backhand Slice Technique Comparison”
  1. Alan H says:

    I’ve just started to learn the backhand slice, am left handed, and extremely glad I saw this when I did. Having never attempted any slice shots before, this video, in combination with some FYB assistance, is really helpful confirmation that I’m starting this out as correctly as I can. I can now understand the tendency when first attempting this shot to “chop / hack down”, and am glad I have so much confirmation of the correct forward progress and follow-through, so I can avoid any bad habits early on. Thanks a million for all your work, truly.

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  2. jleveille says:

    Excellent advice on slice. I am going yo start implementing advice esp having racquet tip end towards opponent.

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  3. Jim says:

    Hi Ian,
    Nice job with the slice video. The biggest differences I see are 1. the stances. You are more at right angles to the baseline and John is very closed. He can’t step forward into the ball at all and tries to uses his body to rotate and create power. 2. He opens his shoulder to create the power to hit the ball. You point your shoulder at the ball and go forward creating your power and do not open up your shoulder to the extent that John does. I look at this shot as almost a volley that you hit after a bounce (similar to chip and charge when returning).
    Keep up the great work.
    Jim

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  4. jole says:

    thx for the video Ian. i never thought of hitting the slice like this (not too aggressively/low over the net and not too high over the net either). it’s nice to be able to vary the height over the net. sometimes just put em back in the court as you say.
    by the way your site is really good / useful.

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  5. Santhosh Ram says:

    Hello Ian,

    Only recently I noticed the video tips in the essentialtennis website. Its really useful. I am going to try out your suggestions on backhand slice next time I hit the court. I think I am hitting with too open a racket face and also a much aggressive swing like what John is doing.

    Thanks and keep up the good work.

    -Santhosh.

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