Tennis Slice Backhand

Tennis Slice Backhand

1. Grip
1. Choose Continental (2) grip
2. Initial Preparation (before incoming ball bounces)
1. When the opponent hits the ball, do a split step into a Closed Stance in the ball's direction. 
2. In Closed Stance, load up the back leg (70% back, 30% front), with the front foot pointing at 45 degrees and the right at 90 degrees. Make sure that the back foot is 3 inches behind the front foot!
3. Bring your left arm back and above the shoulder. The racket should be parallel to the ground with its face open.
4. You should visualize the height and direction of the returned ball
3. Backhand Slice Stroke
1. When the incoming ball bounces, breathe in and start the backhand stroke
2. Be sure to accelerate gradually (not suddenly) and build up maximum racket speed when about to hit the ball. You may need to initiate strokes earlier than you're used to. Making the noise of "vrrrooooom" will help you to achieve this new timing.
3. Kick off with the back leg.
4. The right arm drops down in a chopping forward motion, moving straight down.
5. The longer the swing from high to low, the greater the power
6. Breathe out and hit the ball with the right arm fully extended at waist level (ball should be 1-1.5 feet in front)
7. Your head should be as still as possible during the backhand stroke, with the eyes tracking the ball. Do not move the head to look where the ball is going!
4. Completion
1. Finish the stroke with the shoulders pointing forward
2. The left arm should be going backward (counter-balance)
3. Move your head to observe the ball
5. Refinements
1. Hitting the ball more in front of you (instead of to the left) adds more slice (curves the ball)
2. Finishing all the way to the side (with your right hand) adds more speed

Tips

1. When should I hit the slice (forehand or backhand)?
1. The general change of pace
2. More favorable to use on the backhand side (forehand topspin is a more powerful stroke)
3. Slice shots tend to stay lower, making the opponent bend.