TENNIS.com - Article Instruction - Strategy - How To: Make Your Slice Bite

Transform your soft, floating underspin backhand into a penetrating weapon.

By Elke Juul

1. Turn your shoulders and bring the racquet back with the face slightly open. Your off hand should remain on the throat of the racquet to steady your take-back. The head of your racquet should start slightly above the contact point (if it’s too high, you’ll chop down on the ball and either dump it in the net or hit a softly spinning pop-up). With your weight on your back foot, begin to push forward into the shot.

2. As you swing forward, your arm will extend and straighten. Hit slightly down and through the ball—“carve it” is the description most often used. Transfer your weight onto your front foot before impact. Your knees should have some bend as you move forward.

Katrina Adams shows you how to chip and charge with your slice backhand.

3. With the face of the racquet slightly open at contact, hit the lower part of the ball. Your elbow should remain straight. The ideal contact point is slightly above, and in front of, your lead knee
(the right knee for a righthanded player). Your off arm should mirror your hitting arm and move backward to help you keep your balance.

4. On your follow-through, your nondominant arm should travel as far back as your lead arm travels forward. This will keep you balanced and help you hit through the shot. Don’t swing across your body; it will decrease pace and add unwanted loft to your shot. Remember that your off arm is just as important as your hitting arm and you’ll hit a beautiful slice.