When should i slice the ball in tennis.?

Question

I am a two handed back hander and i never really use one hand when the ball comes to my backhand side. But i see even the two handed professionals slice it and it works out really well for them, so when should i slice it.

Answer 1

slice back hand works in several different situations:

1. defensive - two handed backhand has a smaller reach than the one handed backhand.  when you were pull out of position, way out of your backhand side of the court, it is very difficult to attack from that position, a slice backhand can save the point and bring you back to play.

2. disrupt rhythm - when your opponent has strong ground strokes and like pace, slice backhand give your opponent a different look at the ball, he/she may feel uncomfortable and have to bend down lower to return your shots.  If you combine side spin with slice, it could serve a very powerful offensive shot.

3. lure your opponent to net - if you sense your opponent is not comfortable of net play or slow moving forward, or you want to create a passing situation, a short backhand slice is a great shot for it.

4. passing shot - although logical mind says you want to pass your net opponent with topspin with great speed, a slice could disrupt the concentration of the volleyer and causes a miss hit. a floater can be very tricky to handle at net.

Federer is the master using slice backhand to turn a bad situation into advantages. he also use it often to bring his opponent to the net for an easy passing shot.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

You should use the slice to return low balls, to defend since is hard to hit a topspin shot when you are sprinting to the ball, and to hit a drop shot.  Drop shots are used when you are somewhat close to the net and the opponent is deep.

Answer 3

whenever u feel like it. i slice the ball when i get a short ball on my backhand side that's too low to hit with my 2 hander. u can use it when stretched out wide. i usually just slice it cuz i'm too lazy to use 2 hands. u can also u it to return serves. on fast hard first serves just take a short swing at the ball. on second serves u can use it as an approach shot or drop shot. like i said in the begining use it whenever u feel like it.

Answer 4

You can slice with either hand, and one good reason for a slice is to keep the ball low so that your opponent will have to hit up on it, especially when you are making an approach  shot, and going to the net.    It is also useful when you are pulled wide on either side.

Answer 5

A one handed slice is an essential tool that is great to have in your arsenal.  It is great for later on in a long match because it requires much less energy to hit a slice backhand.  It is also great for getting a ball on the run because with one hand you have much more reach.  The shot is not easy though, I'll describe in small detail how to hit the shot, but you should look into more detail and ask a pro in person to assist you with your shot.  When hitting this shot, your footwork should be the same as when you are hitting any other backhand.  When going to hit the shot your racket should be brought up by your shoulder with one hand.  You should be holding it in the same grip that you should use during your serve.  The main difference that can make this shot difficult is that you want to hit the ball when it is lined up with the middle of your chest.  You want a full extension on your arm and when you finish the shot you should look like an umpire that just called the runner safe.  You do not want to rotate your shoulders like on the normal backhand.  I hope this helped.

Answer 6

I agree with dunaja.

Answer 7

You should slice it when the slice would cause the ball to move away from where your opponent is standing.