1. Learn the Continental Grip
Ensure that there is a gap between the index finger and the other fingers
Begin by learning the continental grip (similar to the serve and the volley) which is the choice grip for the backhand slice as it allows one to get the most spin out of the backhand slice. Ensure also that there is a gap between the index finger and the other fingers in your grip (as seen from the gif above).
2. Get in “Ready Position”
The “ready position” is the home base to your groundstrokes and thus also with the backhand slice. Always keep loose, place racket at center (with a comfortable distance from the body), legs spaced wide apart (slightly more than shoulder width), eyes facing front (and alert) and body weight leaning slightly forward.
3. Split Step-Turn Shoulder
Initiate a hop which is your split step from the “ready position” when the opposite player contacts the ball. The split step is the trigger to launch in whatever direction the situation calls for (in this case the backhand side) and to adjust your feet accordingly to your reading of the ball flight and type.
The shoulder turn has to come right after the split step with the side of the shoulder blade moving towards facing the net, enabling sufficient shoulder-hip rotation. Notice that the racket head is placed at head level (or above depending on the ball flight) so as to allow a high and steep diagonal swing downwards to the incoming ball to generate a good amount of “cut” on the slice.
4. Wrist Flex-Step In
Begin to flex your wrist as you turn your shoulders by using your non-dominant hand to give a gentle push back on your wrist (see gif above). This action flexes your wrist and creates tension providing additional snapback as you “cut” the ball at contact. Next, step in with your right foot (left foot for left handers) to get ready to initiate the swing.
5. Contact Ball-Arm Spread
Swing freely with your hitting arm in the following parts and order: I. shoulder II. elbow III. forearm and iv. wrist. You should hear a “sshh” sound and feel like you are cutting across the ball at contact with your arm almost straightened.
Upon and after contact, spread out both of your arms like “eagles’ wings” as a follow through motion to maintain balance and stability through the shot. Remember to stay loose while doing so to generate greater racket head speed increasing the power, spin, and (yes, even) control of your shot. Do not also be too eager to turn your upper torso to face the net nor avert your eyes away from the point of contact too quickly as these prolonged actions will enhance the quality of the slice resulting in more spin, control and power.
6. Turn-Recover
After contact, allow the momentum of the follow through to naturally guide your upper body to turn to face front. Quickly recover back to the “ready position” to prepare for the next shot.
Congratulations for reaching the end of the article! Here is the full backhand slice:
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