The Power of the Backhand Slice

There is no doubt the over the years tennis haschange the entire play of the game. It will go from fast
become a more fast paced sport. Powerful, drivingto slow, from high shots, to low skidding balls, from not
shots are serious attributes for any tennis pro. But isbending to getting down to the clay, from having a
power and speed really all tennis is about? Whatcomfortable racket grip to having to adjust
about slower shots like the backhand slice?uncomfortably to get under the low shots and more!
Lets consider two of the tennis worlds male greats ofStrategically you are at a huge advantage if you
the past few years: Pete Sampras and Rogerprepare for a match rich in backhand slices.
Federer. These guys literally mastered what is calledLets say your in the midst of a tough rally and your
the backhand slice from generations past. Both oflosing ground and control. A well placed backhand slice
these players worked this shot into their routine and iffloated deep can get you back in the game. Of course
you read on you will find out why this slower, but verythe real beauty of this shot is playing it short and then
strategic shot helped them improve their gamesending the ball over your opponents shoulders into the
drastically.empty open court behind them!
In tennis the purpose of the slice backhand is to allowTennis is a game of timing, and variation in play to
you the put away forehand. Those who have a greatkeep your opponent guessing. By employing a slow
slice will make many opponents frustrated to the pointbackhand slice at the right times you put both of these
they will start making errors early on in a match.factors to good use!
Think about it this way. A constant return of slices