To hit an underspin shot in tennis, also known as a slice, you’ll want to follow these steps:
Grip Adjustment: Shift to your serve or volley grip, which will allow the strings to be angled up, rather than square, as on a drive.
Racket Angle: Ensure your racket face is slightly open before making contact with the ball.
Brushing Motion: Brush down and across the back of the ball with an angled, open-faced racket to create backspin.
Contact Point: Aim to contact the ball slightly below its center to enhance the underspin effect.
Follow-Through: Your follow-through should be shorter than that of a topspin shot, and you should finish with the racket pointing towards the target.
To hit a backhand slice in tennis effectively, follow these steps:
- Grip: Use the continental grip for better control and to naturally angle the racket face.
- Stance: Adopt a closed stance, stepping into the shot or slightly across your body.
- Backswing: Take the racket back with a high take back and an exaggerated shoulder turn.
- Swing: Execute a high-to-low swing, contacting the ball with a slightly open racket face.
- Follow-Through: Keep your swing to the side and follow through in the correct position to maintain control and placement.
Remember to hit the ball at shoulder level or lower, and move forward into the court to hit the ball on the rise for more pace1. This stroke is versatile and can be used to disrupt your opponent’s rhythm or as an approach shot2. Practice these steps to master your backhand slice like the pros3