How to master the backhand slice

Is today’s modern day game progressing to an ultra power contest where no sense of finesse is required? Are there specific shots that are no longer relevant? Is the slice backhand obsolete?

These are questions which can rouse hours of debate but today’s aim is to provide reasoning as to why the slice backhand is still an integral member of any tennis players repertoire.

Michael Robertson, a Tennis Australia National Coach based in Perth, believes a strong case can be made to underline why the slice backhand is becoming more relevant rather than less so. “The slice is such a versatile shot that players can use it in a variety of situations, whether defending, attacking or transitioning,” he said. “When the backhand slice is mastered you can create all sorts of problems for your opponents at any level of tennis.”

Neutralising the power of your opponent
At any level of the game you will come up against a stronger and more powerful opponent. Naturally, this can lead a player to feel defeated prior to the match even commencing. But if your arsenal includes a solid slice backhand then all is far from lost.

By taking speed from your opponent’s shot with slice, you are forcing them to generate power themselves which can be frustrating, fatiguing and a cause for error.

Building your backhand
So how do you master the slice backhand? The following tips will provide a solid starting point.

1. Grip
It is essential that the continental grip is used to employ the slice backhand. This is an unusual grip which is also used for the serve. A tip to help gain a better feel of the racquet in your hand is to hold the racquet at, or just below, the throat.

2. Remain sideways and don’t open up
Early preparation is a key and by turning side on to the ball early and remaining sideways you will avoid cutting across the shot and hitting wide across court.

3. Racquet back
Your racquet head should be taken back at a higher point than the incoming ball.

4. Footwork/balance
Short sharp steps prior to contacting the ball will enable you to prepare yourself early. Balance is critical in producing a clean slice backhand and remaining low to the ball and side on will assist this result.

5. Don’t chop down on the ball
Avoid chopping down on the ball by ensuring your swing through the ball is strong, your wrist is firm and you follow through at the same height as your backswing.

6. Role of non-dominant hand
After you make contact with the ball your left-hand (right-handed player) moves in the opposite direction to your right to help remain side on and balanced.

Adrian Franklin, a qualified coach, interviewed Tennis Australian National Coach Michael Robertson in researching the above content.

This article first appeared in Australian Tennis Magazine.