Hit A Perfect Slice Backhand Approach Shot (Tennis Technique Explained)

[@bloodsweatandtennis]

You are one of the few coaches that really emphasise the slight adjustment of the grip towards Eastern Backhand. My backhand slice is the cornerstone of my game, and that grip adjustment really gives me the confidence to get sideways on, lean in with my shoulder and rip into the ball as if I am striking a match.

[@uzenicukadakrenemja]

​ @2MinuteTennis I have now spent a few months intensivly watching various coaches and ex players explaining different techniques and methods to develop the game of beginners and intermediate, even advaced players on YT. Even though there are hunderds of channels on YT, there is only 2 channels I am subscribed to but your's, is the pinacle of tennis channels on YT. I most enjoy the "point play analysis", the detail you go into to explain the point "play by play" is intriguing (and the reasons for their shot selection). I found myself hooked to it, so much so, that I have started to keep a word document of all the advice you give in each of your videos, (and repeat over and over to get it stuck in our heads, like "return serve down the middle"). I really appreciate it and have found that I have fixed my game (not as much as I want to yet as I only have time to play once or twice a week, but with your help and my persistance, I will). Anyway, I wanted to say thank you for the channel, keep up the good work and greetings from Croatia.

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

Man you are preaching to the choir. I developed my game back in the mid 70’s early 80’s . I basically learned everything in your lesson way back in the day and I have been teaching that way for many years. With so many Two hand backhands so many players do not understand the grip for a one hand slice and the footwork like the Carioca step. The split step is absolutely essential but I think the lack of athletic experience in other sports like basketball leaves players with no experience in how to prepare to change direction or move to cut off a ball. Basketball and baseball ( shortstop) crossover to tennis helped footwork. Just my opinion as a old player and high school tennis coach.

[@davidwatkins7296]

Hi, perhaps the greatest exponent of this shot ever was Ken Rosewall, who I saw live at Wimbledon in the early 1970's. It really struck me then that perhaps slice isn't a good name for the shot at all? A better name for it is under spin? It was clear like you were saying that when Ken Rosewall hit a high backhand his racket face was basically vertical and then when he hit the ball he opened the racket and imparted undersign to the ball. He also used the same back foot movement you describe as well and seemed to just glide into the net for the volley. This is a great video and explanation thanks so much for posting it! Slice it seems brings more of a chop idea to mind where as the words under spin gives more the feel of what the shot actually feels like, when played well? Probably the most beautiful shot in tennis! And it certainly was a great privilege to watch Ken Rosewall hit it. Some magical moments indeed! Thanks for all these so well explained videos!

[@at1838]

Good tips and very well done.

[@alexsdg3441]

that was an excellent volley approach lesson. Thanks!!!

[@user-3030Forehand]

Hi. Thank you for your video. Could you tell me why should we change the grip? With continental or even closer-to-forehand grips, you can still do the same move by slightly delaying the contact point.

[@2MinuteTennis]

As explained in the video, changing the grip a little more than normal helps amateur players get their racket face vertical at contact. One of the most common mistakes on the slice backhand is hitting a weak and floating shot. Ans that’s bc players have a racket face there too open. It learning to position the grip slightly farther helps correct that. Thanks!!

[@user-3030Forehand]

Hi. Thank you for your kind response. Maybe my previous question was not clear enough. I understood your explanation on the grip by watching the video. Yet, as I mentioned in my first comment, with the continental grip we can still hit with near-vertical racket face by delaying the contact point, or by adjusting the angle of the wrist (the latter is not ideal situation, though). I have seen so many amateur players hitting backhand slice (and back volley) with near-backhand-eastern grip. In fact, I used to do it, too. However, when the contact point happen to be slightly off (too early or too late), ball tends to go near the center than intended. Considering these factors, I couldn't help myself wondering why you suggested the near-backhand-eastern grip.

[@ericmatthewson3909]

I can drive through my backhand slice with speed and depth. It’s not attackable. With a weak or open racquet face, the racquet travels on an arch. Either you are spot on and slam the slice in or it floats and just sits up.

[@giovannileone9365]

Are all this tips applicable also when executing the forehand slice approach shot?

[@2MinuteTennis]

Not entirely. I’ll make a slice forehand approach video soon. thanks!!!

[@amateurgardener9300]

Good job.

[@2MinuteTennis]

Hey thanks so much!!

[@WingedLionVE]

You got this!

[@2MinuteTennis]

Thanks so much Andre!!

[@markdavisrealtor]

Awesome video

[@2MinuteTennis]

Hey thanks so much Mark!! You got this!

[@nodeachunter]

All of your examples were cross court (so over the low part of the net). Should you come in on a slice down the line?

[@2MinuteTennis]

Yeah down the line is great too

[@2MinuteTennis]

It just happened the be the shot I chose to hit for the video. The 3 things I mentioned don’t require DTL or CC. THANKS!!

[@teemuahonen6453]

Im not sure for that step after hitting ball. Why dont you do it other way and get power for your swing and get better balance.. just thinking sorry.

[@2MinuteTennis]

Hey no problem. Stepping behind keeps you sideways. That way you racket tracks out toward your target. Bringing the leg around in front often opens players up to the net and they aren’t as accurate with their shot. Meaning, they miss more.

[@teemuahonen6453]

Okey boss, sounds legit. Have to give this a try 🤝

[@priteshmistry3842]

Backhand slice it the most easiest shot to play and easily controllable. The direction can be given easily in backhand slice.

[@vladimirvidov6202]

I think you have to add the valley after you split your legs after approach shot make one wallet show people why you come to the net the ball going here and follow you no good

[@matthewpark1632]

There is a better way to hit backhand approach than this & it's called hitting thru approach. Jeff Salzenstein (former top 100 ATP) teaches this and he says he only learned this from John McEnroe after he started competing at ATP level. Basically, you don't stop to swing but continuously move forward while you swing. "Hitting thru" is also the traditional American approach shot method. My son's European coach tried to coach my son to stop and swing like demonstrated here and I stopped him immediately because you almost lose a second (.8 to .5 sec) if you stop & swing. More importantly, your approach shot becomes inconsistent if you stop the forward momentum. I wasn't a very talented tennis player (only played D2 in college) but backhand slice approach was the easiest shot (best shot) to hit for me because I had the proper technique.