Slice Backhand

Intermediategroundstrokes

Racket up above the shoulder, open face, shoulders turned.

A high-to-low swing with an open racket face that imparts backspin, keeping the ball low and skidding through the court.

Key points

•Racket starts high — above the shoulder
•Open racket face — strings facing the sky
•Carve high to low through the ball
•Finish low with the arm extended

Practice with Coach Elena

Camera setup tips

· Place the camera side-on to you, 2 to 3 metres away.
· Keep your whole body in frame, head to feet.
· Phone on a tripod or a laptop webcam both work.
· Perform the movement, pause, repeat. Your coach speaks every 15 seconds.

Theory & Technique

The slice backhand is an essential variety shot that changes the pace and trajectory of a rally. Unlike topspin shots that swing low to high, the slice uses a high-to-low swing path. Start with the racket above shoulder height and the face slightly open (tilted upward). Step into the ball with your front foot and carve downward through the back of the ball, as if you're slicing a loaf of bread. The backspin makes the ball float through the air, stay low after the bounce, and skid rather than kick up. It's both a defensive tool for neutralising pace and an offensive weapon for approaching the net.

Fun Fact

Steffi Graf's slice backhand was so effective that opponents called it 'the invisible wall' — the ball would skid so low after bouncing that it felt impossible to hit an aggressive return.

Watch the real thing

Learn from real coaches first. Your live scoring compares you to the reference figure above; these videos are for learning, and stay with their creators on YouTube.