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Slice originally meant sidespin in reference to groundstrokes, but now it's more commonly taken to mean backspin. The sidespin slice backhand is similar to the backspin slice; in fact, the sidepspin slice is usually more than half backspin. It's almost impossible to hit a slice backhand with pure sidespin, although it is possible to hit a slice with pure backspin.
The main advantage of adding sidespin to your slice is that you'll make the ball curve to the left (from a right-handed hitter) both in the air and on the bounce. This leftward curve can make your opponent stretch farther for a ball, or it can be used to curve a ball into her body, which can cramp her swing and either cause an error or a weak shot. Some players find it easier to generate a sidespin slice than a pure backspin; others find the backspin easier. Sidespin is generally eaiser to hit on lower balls and ones for which you stretch forward. Backspin is generally easier on higher balls and ones on which your swing is a little late.
Most of the key points for the sidespin slice are the same as for the backspin slice, and to avoid repetition, only the sidespin's distinctive features are addressed here. Please see the backspin slice video and analysis for a discussion of grip, footwork, stance, and backswing.
Key points:
- Swing forward, downward, and left-to-right: To create sidespin, you must cut across the back and bottom of the ball from left to right. While the backspin slice swing is mostly linear -- almost entirely forward and downward -- the sidespin slice swing has more rotation. The swing still has a large forward component and roughly the same downward component as the backspin. The more sharply you cut from left to right, the more sidspin you'll create, but you'll always create plently of backspin, too. Backspin helps accentuate the sidespin when the ball bounces, because it slows the ball's forward motion, giving the sidespin a greater proportion in the ratio between forward and sideward forces that results in the angle of the ball's bounce.
- Point of contact: Meet the ball 1-2 feet forward of your front hip.
- Finish like a bird: The sidspin slice swing is a case of "What goes down must come up." The natural finish of the dipping arc swing will have your chest facing the net and your hitting arm high and somewhat behind you. Your other arm should mirror the hitting arm for balance, and this should happen either very naturally or with just a little practice.
Backspin Slice Basic One-Handed Topspin Backhand
Eastern Topspin Forehand with Run
Slice
