Photo Study of Roger Federer's Backhand

On a ball this high, Federer has a choice between hitting a slice or a relatively weak topspin or flat shot. The slice he has chosen will produce a lower bounce, especially on grass, that may help limit his opponent's ability to get under the ball enough to hit a strong topspin back. If his opponent doesn't get the next ball to kick up as high, Roger will probably have a much better chance to hit an aggressive reply. Note the contrast in Roger's legs as compared to the topspin backhand; instead of his right leg lifting him as part of an upward motion, Roger has his entire weight on his left leg, and his right will absorb his weight as his body moves downward and forward along with his racquet.