New Teaching Method: The Classic Slice

[johnyandell]

I say go with it!

[stotty]

Not sure if there any and Spanish speakers on the form but Rosewall goes through grips extensively in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awwYkj-Zmpw I don't speak or understand Spanish too well.

Rosewall's grip certainly looks on the strong side, which implies you can hit through the ball better with a stronger continental. I use a strong continental and if I try anything weaker the ball tends to float up a little. I guess it's more to do with what you get used to during your playing career. Micro adjusting your racket face slightly probably plays a role also.

I always look to the old timers for sliced backhands as they did it best.

[johnyandell]

Yes. If the forward extension and finish are good this range of grips all work.

[jeremy93]

I think if you look across the range of slice you'll see that grip is widespread. Stronger in my mind means more downward swing.

Thanks for response. I have no doubt that many or most pros use a 2.5 grip for the slice backhand. However, if you use a grip that opens the strings upwards more (as a 2.5 grip will most definitely do) then you would and probably should naturally swing more downwards (compared to a 2 grip) in order to compensate for the open racquet face. Having a 2 grip will open the strings upwards less then a 2.5 grip which means the player will likely swing downwards less since the strings are not open towards the sky as much. This is why I am surprised that you recommended a grip that encourages a bit more of a downward swing. The more your strings are open at contact, the more you’ll swing downwards to compensate. Can we agree on that?

[johnyandell]

I think if you look across the range of slice you'll see that grip is widespread. Stronger in my mind means more downward swing.

[jeremy93]

John Yandell- thank you for another great “checkpoints” article. I am a bit surprised to hear you talk about using a grip that’s between bevels 2 and 3 with the underbase index knuckle. I do use that grip myself (I’m a 5.0 and teach tennis full time for 10 years now) but I would have thought you’d recommend bevel 2 (true continental). I know you said in the video that bevel 2 is acceptable as well but I’m wondering why you seem to like weak continental more so then true continental for the slice backhand? I would have thought you’d prefer true continental for club players as it doesn’t open the racquet face as much which generally will encourage less of a high to low swing path. Random side note- I find it interesting how the black and white videos show the pros using less of their non-dominant arm in opposition. Thanks in advance!

[stroke]

I am not anxious to take this thread into a TW equipment discussion(in fact long gone poster Geoff Williams would be a way better source) but to me most players(all levels) would be way better off experimenting with the slice(either of these techniques) with an 80's/90's weighted racquet. The only one left on the market as far as I know(without a lot of lead tape) in the Wilson Federer 97.

[johnyandell]

Completely agreed. One good topspin backhand I did hit and lost 2 and 2...

[stotty]

Great walk-thru, and it answers my question about why pro's have their racket tips pointing at the ground on completion of the follow through versus players like me who don't. I would rather most of my adult club players hit exclusively with slice because it's a much easier shot to learn and master than hitting topspin (which so often end up in the back fence!). It is far easier to rally consistently using slice and, as Arthur Ashe pointed out, at the same time as learning slice you are also laying a sound foundation for a backhand volley. The problem is players - even limited club players - love the glamour of a topspin backhand and some are held bent on trying to learn it.

It's interesting that all the club players who buy into my backhand slice over topspin theory are the ones that win all the matches. Slice is just way better for club players, period.

Nice article...can't wait for the next one.

[doctorhl]

Thanks Klacr. Would love to visit. If you and John ever find yourself passing by Montgomery, Texas for some odd reason,(next to Lake Conroe about an hour north of Houston), you are more than welcome at my club. U.S. Mens Clay Courts at River Oaks in Houston in April is our nearest ATP action.

[klacr]

Beyond the excellent and comprehensive analysis of the different mechanics in the classic and extreme slice and their reasons for utility, your ability to compress a complex subject into such a visually and textually clear and understandable response in SIX MINUTES is without equal in the tennis website world in my estimation!

Do do you know how many lessons at $60/hour it would take somone in many cases to get this information? That’s why I wouldn’t probably wouldn’t hesitate to take lessons from any of your consistent forum readers and contributors.

Thanks for stating what so many of us dedicated subscribers have known.If ever in South Florida I would love to have you at my facility.

Kyle LaCroix USPTA, PTR
Delray Beach
SETS Consulting

[johnyandell]

OK! Let me know if you come.

[doctorhl]

Got a daughter in Marin County and would love to come out and chat one day. Looking forward to follow up slice article.

[johnyandell]

Wow. Thank you. You get what I was hoping to accomplish. Come on out to San Francisco and we will put you on high speed video...

[doctorhl]

Beyond the excellent and comprehensive analysis of the different mechanics in the classic and extreme slice and their reasons for utility, your ability to compress a complex subject into such a visually and textually clear and understandable response in SIX MINUTES is without equal in the tennis website world in my estimation!

Do do you know how many lessons at $60/hour it would take somone in many cases to get this information? That’s why I wouldn’t probably wouldn’t hesitate to take lessons from any of your consistent forum readers and contributors.