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Tennis: Backhand slice - change of pace

I have used many of the tennis drills and as a result my two High...

Linsent, Tennis coach

DESCRIPTION

Players start the drill by rallying cross-court from the backhand corners.

Player 1 can choose to slice a backhand down the line at any time and the point is then live. Player 1 can choose to hit the slice as an approach, or simply as a change of direction/pace in the rally.

Players can play first to 7 points before player 2 has a turn at being the slicing player.

If a mistake is made before the slice has been hit, it is not counted and the score remains the same.

Players can find the slice down the line a difficult shot to play, particularly if they are used to using 2 hands on their backhand. They should be reminded to turn their shoulders well and follow the line of the ball with their feet and body.

Players should make sure that they are in a good position to play the down the line shot, and be aware that in doing so they will be changing the pace, spin, direction, and flight path of the ball.

Take care on it!

COACHING POINTS

Players should make sure that they are in a good position to play the down the line shot, and be aware that in doing so they will be changing the pace, spin, direction, and flight path of the ball.

Take care on it!

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OFTEN USED WITH...

Backhand slice - Game on!:

Players are working cross-court from their backhand corners and have to hit a backhand slice off every single ball. They also have to slice the ball deeper than the service line and cannot dropshot or come to the net.

If a player has to hit a forehand or a topspin backhand they lose the point straight away.

Players must take it in turns to feed the ball in and the point is played out in this way in the half-court with the tramlines being out, first to 11 points.

Backhand Drills

Backhand:

Coach feeds live ball to Player who backhand returns

The coach then lays a cross court for the player who hits the ball at a target close to the baseline

Backhand Drills

Backhand Stage 3:

Coach, 2 players, and a basket of balls.

Coach feeds ball 1 from just inside the t junction of the service box to the corner of the singles court.

Player 1 starts off on the centre of the baseline, and moves to meet the feed and hit a deep backhand down the line, then recovers to the start position.

Coach feeds ball 2 mid court for player 1 to step into and hit a backhand down the line.

Coach then moves backwards along the line, feeds ball 3 just in front of the net for player 1 to move on to and hit a backhand down the court.

Player 1 moves to the back of the court, and player 2 steps in and the drill is repeated.

Backhand Drills

Backhand slice:

Although it's possible to hit a slice from two-hands players should be encouraged to play this shot with one hand as it is far easier and more versatile.

Use lots of small steps to prepare and position yourself for the shot - feet should run parallel with the tram lines.

Bring the racquet up in preparation for the shot, with your second hand gently holding the throat of the racquet (this hand will release before the shot is played).

Swing forward and downward towards the ball (the more downward momentum the more spin will be applied to the ball)

Backhand Drills

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