how to perfect your backhand slice

The slice backhand is a key part of any serious tennis player's arsenal. It can allow you to return a low-bouncing ball easily, facilitate an approach shot, return a ball more easily from a defensive position or prevent your opponent from getting into a rhythm by varying the pace of play.

While a good backhand slice has all the benefits above, a bad backhand slice can present an opponent with a slow ball in their strike zone that is easy to put away. For this reason, players should work hard on their slice backhand before using it regularly in matches. Since the slice backhand is almost always hit with the dominant hand, it can be particularly difficult to master for players who have a two-handed backhand. Here are some useful tips to help you create a dependable slice backhand.

• Grip. The majority of players use a continental grip, which is close to a volley grip or serve grip. But some players hit their backhand slice with an eastern backhand grip. This grip involves moving your knuckle one bevel counter-clockwise (or clockwise for left-handed players) from the continental grip position.
• ​Backswing. Since the backhand slice is a downward stroke, you need to take the racket up above the level of the ball. To ensure that you turn your shoulders properly, hold the racket with your non-dominant hand. Your racket face should be open.
• Footwork . Getting the footwork right is particularly important with the backhand slice because it is less forgiving than many other shots. Start by taking a series of small steps toward where you intend to hit the ball. Then take a final, larger step to give you momentum as you come in to the shot.
• Contact. Swing your racket from high to low through the ball. You need less force to hit a slice backhand than a topspin shot, since this shot is designed to take away some pace. Your contact point shouldn't be as far in front of you as it would be for a topspin shot. Follow through with the racket over your non-dominant shoulder, and continue to face sideways until the end of the shot.

Tennis coaches often like to say that repetition is the key to skill. This is rarely more true than with the backhand slice. However, the shot is an extremely important one in any good player's repertoire. If you keep practicing this shot, the results are worth it.

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