I want to thank you for your "different" yet easy-to-follow instructions. Many taught students to slice the ball towards 12 o'clock, which is just difficult to follow. It requires more sophisticated and subtle racquet and body movement, which never come on the day one. For beginner, the slice direction should always be 2 o'clock. Then gradually one adjusts.
Jeff, you are right on again with the evolution of this stroke, etc. I’m a retired PTR pro and I respect teaching pros like you because you didn’t get stuck with old methodology and practices, I wish you keep up the great passion.
Awesome. Thanks for dispelling the need for the non-dominant hand to do the single backhanded thing. I was about to get into that habit from watching other vids even though I wasn't sure it felt right.
05:35 "I'm not here to tell you to do it this way. I'm telling you to go out and try it and then tell me if it works." ⭐ This is why Jeff is a brilliant coach. 🎾
Tennis Evolution - Online Tennis Lessons Get a free membership inside Tennis Evolution that you can access online or inside our Tennis Evolution App with no credit card details required. All you have to do is click on this link to register for the free course. bit.ly/3fnMFgz
Jeff, I use this shot a lot but not always. This shot is very effective going down the line as the side spin will slice away from opponent. When the ball is high or I’m a little late I will slice it forwards, the conventional way. The ball will skid low and forward. I think one needs both techniques depending on court position and how the ball is coming to you.
Totally agree with this technique. Doing the shot this way creates a lot of havoc for your opponents because they are not expecting the ball to bounce with side spin. Also, I think this translates well to the backhand volley. Thanks!
Thank you sir. God bless you. Your lessons are masterclass and helping my 9 years daughter immensely. High quality coaching. You never know, may be one day my daughter might talk about you on podium.
Great! First time someone refers the micro adjustment to the continental grip that I also found necessary. Another thing that I also found important is the point of contact - compared to regular one backhand, the point of contact it is slightly later, more in line with your body.
I have seen Stefan Edberg playing such longline and it is great. the ball was bouncing by the sidespin aside and going out of the court like in ping-pong. 👍 thanks Jeff.
Very interesting. I am also left handed and use the traditional method of hitting the sliced backhand, but often get some natural sidespin on the ball. So now you have me wondering if I actually sometimes use your suggested stroke pattern and finish on the sliced BH, especially when I get too close to the ball an have to pull off of the ball.
Hey Lynn, I have had some shots that I sliced beautifully too at times, with real sidespin. But I later realized that it was when I swung a little late and had to side swipe the ball. Didn't know what I had done or was I able to do it again. That changed once I started to let the ball get closer to me, swing across my body and did the little grip change that Jeff suggested. This definitely works, so much easier to slice but with real penetration and spin. It does translate well into the backhand volley too.
If you turn the racquet toward the eastern forehand, doesn’t that open up the racquet face to much which causes the ball to float??? You are correct, no video I’ve seen suggest using a grip between the continental and eastern forehand. I’ve seen some suggesting between the continental and eastern backhand which makes more since.
Whenever you shift the grip, the racquet face and contact point will always change. If you shift from Continental towards forehand, the racquet face will be more open. It is true. So you must take care to also shift the contact point later so racquet face is not too open.
Dude I so wish you'd start a national certification for coaches. My friend just paid 60 bucks to be taught the wrong way. I tried to tell him but he believed the hype
Thank you, I appreciate your nice comment. I've got a comprehensive course for every single stroke in tennis, plus fitness, nutrition, singles and doubles strategy, and mindset. If you want to learn more details, click on this link tennisevolution.com/online-courses/
best tips so far to fix my floaters... What if I want to slice down the line, then I should position my body differently? I see pros having just under spin but not side spin, so is it a different shot? "twice on Sunday" lol
@@TennisEvolution yeah the reason is your strings are behind the ball longer as the ball spins left to right toward u. And the downward swing creates lift. Such an awesome shot. One of my favorite strokes.
A slight forehand grip is key. For the perfect slice backhand watch Federer. His swing path is similar and often finishes deep and slightly lateral of the body keeping a firm wrist. So 100% agreement with your approach, Jeff 👍👍👍 PS: You have proven to be a successful ATP Pro but (and that is not warranted just by being a pro) you are very good teacher as well.
interesting point about the a slightly turned grip to the forehand. I'll try it! i definitely agree about slicing across the body vs toward. How would you classify Steffi graf slice backhand?
@@TennisEvolution First off... great video!!! Second, I'd like to know how to make the forehand slice a weapon... if that's realistic. I'd like to know how to knife it and keep it low. I've found myself using it in doubles to come into the net if the other cross court player is back, but I don't think I hit it aggressively enough. Thanks!
thank you for the instructions, slicing across the body and not out front is the only way to hit a good slice, at least in my experience. but i have a question: what about the angle between the arm and the racket? usually what you see is kind of 90-degree angle from start to finish, what if you make it smaller at the beginning, say 7ß or even 60, and bigger at the end? you would have to loosen your grip, that's for sure, but you would have more leverage and more racket acceleration. and certainly more sidespin. i don't see it often, but i tried it and it works really nicely. what are your thoughts?
You mention that the backhand slice grip can be shifted slightly from the continental to the forehand side. My problem with that is that for me if I use the continental grip, the racquet face is too open at contact and the ball tends to float unless the contact point is farther back. Why then would you shift toward the forehand side which would open the racquet face more? I have seen other pros recommend that for recreational players, the continental grip should be shifted slightly toward the backhand grip which would close the racquet face more at contact thereby promoting a more penetrating slice. Can you comment?
If you choose to shift Continental grip slightly towards forehand side,the contact point will be closer to you. If you choose to shift Continental grip slightly towards backhand side,the contact point will be farther in front of you.
Hey can I ask you a question? I can see that the style that you are teaching is different than club coaches that teach the more pushy slice. This one that your teaching is this similar to how federer slices? Does he slice with slight side spin a lot?
I will give this a try and see what difference it makes... I do teach the slice towards the net, dip shoulder into shot and start motion with shoulder. I watch your videos to see different ways of teaching, the one tip I think was great was slow down your swing... I personally state to my players the slice should almost feel effortless, do you agree? Please continue to make the videos, I find them always to be a good learning experience. We can never stop learning. ..
Please try it!. Wait for the ball, come inside it in a smooth way without swinging too fast and see what happens. Feel free to send a video if you want me to take a look.
It’s always taught differently because this is a more advanced slice most coaches just want to teach the simpler push slice. But I have a question. Should I use the more push slice that my local coaches teach on a defensive shot. On an approach shot I love doing it the way you’re teaching it now. But when it comes really fast at me should I do the pushy slice? It seems more solid while the way you’re teaching is more aggressive
Hi Jeff, THANKS! I went on the court and practiced “your” slice. I feel that I’m squeezing the racquet grip too much. If I don’t then the racquet points to the side fence instead of the net. Why?
The techniques work for both styles but if you want to look like the pros todat Jeff is the way to go. And Jeff is right most players exaggerate when they slice. They swing too fast, they throw there hand too far back, and they open to early. If you go to the side the way Jeff is showing. You will get good side spin and underspin. If you go under and forward you just get pure underspin. Also if you go under and forward while having bad technique the ball floats up more. It is easier to return a pure underspin ball, but its harder to return the ball with side spin. The reason why is because you have to move around to hit the ball on the strings of your racket. Im just putting that out there. The old pros use to play with the forward underspin but the game of tennis has changed a lot since those days. Also just be open minded Jeff has worked really hard in his life time as a Pro and he is giving us some great tips like always.
yes, i have a similar question, too: what about the low backhands for that you have to reach out? but thanks anyway for the video, one of the "wrong slicers" 😂
Damn. Ran across this video in my feeds.. Met you years ago. We hit at Peachtree Battle in Atlanta. My young student and I played king of the court with you. You were out there serving. So, we asked you if you wanted to join us. (You looked bored)Of course, as player who loves the sport, you did. Good times around. Looks like you are doing well and healthy! Best part. My student returned your serve(he was 12), was super excited!!! Hahaha. He talked about that for a long time. Take care!
I’m not sure Federer separates his hands on purpose. The momentum of his body just pushes it back and if your body doesn’t work that way it won’t go all the way back like wawrinka. I think forcing it back is not a good thing and increases randomness
If you watch Federer this is the swing path he has...and he has a nasty slice. Its just so important to stay sideways with the body in my opinion as well as making sure to get onto the front foot.
Here is a court level video someone posted of Fed's slice. Its a recent video, so you may not have seen it yet. Its proof that you are right and the old-school coaches are wrong about the path and finish. Notice the amount of banana side spin he gets each time. Maybe in match play he lets his left hand fly, but here he keeps it firmly by his pocket. My big take away from this video is how still Fed keeps his head and upper body from start to finish. ua-cam.com/video/b5nN1AvS57k/v-deo.html
Thanks for sharing your feedback. Feel free to record a video of yourself doing it and send it to support@tennisevolution.com. We'll be happy to have a look at it.
All Tennis starters won’t get that side spin right. Out of my perspective as trainer and active player. I see your point but for 80% of all tennis player the butterfly movement of the arms is better.
Thank you for watching Moritz. Appreciate your comment. I definitely Believe 80.% of those players should not do the butterfly move. I believe it completely messes them up Jeff.
Tennis Evolution - Online Tennis Lessons First I wanna say I love how we can have a discussion about tennis via this media. I tried it today on court. It didn’t work for me but two of my students got good results when I told them to do it like u supposed. Nice video. Keep up the great work.
Thank you for video. But one note, at least 75% tennis players are righthanded. Whom do you make video, only for the rest 25% lefthanded? Otherwise I can't understand your explanation. You hold a racket in the left hand and explain the grip. And what the listener should do when listening to you - turn it a little to the right side, because you couch it, to the left side because tries to mirror it. Or, after failing to understand, try to find a new more clearly couched video?
So great experience to understand modern slice backhand slices
Thanks
You’re welcome! Glad to help.
I want to thank you for your "different" yet easy-to-follow instructions. Many taught students to slice the ball towards 12 o'clock, which is just difficult to follow. It requires more sophisticated and subtle racquet and body movement, which never come on the day one. For beginner, the slice direction should always be 2 o'clock. Then gradually one adjusts.
Hello jeff, I tried YOUR slice backhand and it works very well , THANKs a lot for YOUR video .
That's awesome Dominique!
Thank you for watching.
Jeff, you are right on again with the evolution of this stroke, etc. I’m a retired PTR pro and I respect teaching pros like you because you didn’t get stuck with old methodology and practices, I wish you keep up the great passion.
Thank you Jes! I appreciate your kind words.
Jeff.
Awesome. Thanks for dispelling the need for the non-dominant hand to do the single backhanded thing. I was about to get into that habit from watching other vids even though I wasn't sure it felt right.
You're welcome! Thank you for watching.
As a french tennis teacher i was looking for a good way to teach slice to my student; Your video is really interesting, thanks for your insight !
This is how I slice my BH. Your technique works wonders.
Dr. E. R. Blomgren that’s awesome 👏🏻
05:35
"I'm not here to tell you to do it this way. I'm telling you to
go out and try it and then tell me if it works."
⭐
This is why Jeff is a brilliant coach. 🎾
Wow great tip. Killing it with my backhand slice. Zero errors with this technique. Thanks a bunch. Subscribed!
Awesome! Welcome on board ;)
Tennis Evolution - Online Tennis Lessons
Get a free membership inside Tennis Evolution that you can access online or inside our Tennis Evolution App with no credit card details required. All you have to do is click on this link to register for the free course. bit.ly/3fnMFgz
I got shocked... but it is true!!! Jeff, you gave me confidence for my back hand slice. :)
Jeff, I use this shot a lot but not always. This shot is very effective going down the line as the side spin will slice away from opponent. When the ball is high or I’m a little late I will slice it forwards, the conventional way. The ball will skid low and forward. I think one needs both techniques depending on court position and how the ball is coming to you.
Wally Friend I hear you! Situational
Totally agree with this technique. Doing the shot this way creates a lot of havoc for your opponents because they are not expecting the ball to bounce with side spin. Also, I think this translates well to the backhand volley. Thanks!
You're welcome Glen!
This is a great tip! I never thought I could play table tennis on this big court.
Thanks Phu!
Thank you sir. God bless you. Your lessons are masterclass and helping my 9 years daughter immensely. High quality coaching. You never know, may be one day my daughter might talk about you on podium.
Wow, thank you
Jeff, I have played this style , which greatly improved my slice to a weapon . Excellent! Thanks coach!
You're welcome!
Good job coach! A flat driving sidespin slice of varying depth and stick/slide is a tiring chore to calculate and ladle up. Both wings.
Great! First time someone refers the micro adjustment to the continental grip that I also found necessary.
Another thing that I also found important is the point of contact - compared to regular one backhand, the point of contact it is slightly later, more in line with your body.
Great point Carlos! Thanks for watching.
Very good video on the slice backhand. I am in full agreement with the coaching technique.
Thank you Joseph!
I wish you continued success in the field of tennis and youtube thank you very much
I have seen Stefan Edberg playing such longline and it is great. the ball was bouncing by the sidespin aside and going out of the court like in ping-pong.
👍 thanks Jeff.
That's awesome. You're welcome Martin!
Thank you excellent class❤
This works really well
This is correct. I’ve tried both ways and the most effective slice is the side spin one as you say!
Michael Fitz as long as the fundamentals are correct you can add a little side spin :)
@@TennisEvolution Yes i tired it today, it worked the way you said Jeff. For me any way. Well pleased with the result. Many thanks.
This is great video ! Jeff please make video on footwork rythm for other strokes like serve return and other baseline footwork pattern
Himanshu Bhardwaj thank you! you can access it all inside the mastery courses
Very interesting. I am also left handed and use the traditional method of hitting the sliced backhand, but often get some natural sidespin on the ball. So now you have me wondering if I actually sometimes use your suggested stroke pattern and finish on the sliced BH, especially when I get too close to the ball an have to pull off of the ball.
Thank you Lynn! Give it a go and let me know how it goes ;)
Hey Lynn, I have had some shots that I sliced beautifully too at times, with real sidespin. But I later realized that it was when I swung a little late and had to side swipe the ball. Didn't know what I had done or was I able to do it again. That changed once I started to let the ball get closer to me, swing across my body and did the little grip change that Jeff suggested. This definitely works, so much easier to slice but with real penetration and spin. It does translate well into the backhand volley too.
@@Wben113 Thansk for your sharing!
This is what we saw with the pros last weekend here in Atlanta at the All-American Team Cup, Steve Johnson in particular.
Tamedevil thats right!
If you turn the racquet toward the eastern forehand, doesn’t that open up the racquet face to much which causes the ball to float??? You are correct, no video I’ve seen suggest using a grip between the continental and eastern forehand. I’ve seen some suggesting between the continental and eastern backhand which makes more since.
Whenever you shift the grip, the racquet face and contact point will always change. If you shift from Continental towards forehand, the racquet face will be more open. It is true. So you must take care to also shift the contact point later so racquet face is not too open.
Dude I so wish you'd start a national certification for coaches. My friend just paid 60 bucks to be taught the wrong way. I tried to tell him but he believed the hype
Thank you, I appreciate your nice comment. I've got a comprehensive course for every single stroke in tennis, plus fitness, nutrition, singles and doubles strategy, and mindset. If you want to learn more details, click on this link tennisevolution.com/online-courses/
I think that Right, ...... thank you Sir
You're welcome!
goog lesson, thank!
Thank you !!
You're welcome Farida!
good stuff
Thanks for watching!
Great video- the pros slices look differently than what many coaches teach. Thanks for explaining how it works.
TennisTroll Channel Dont you want to play like the pros?:)
Tennis Evolution - Online Tennis Lessons always. Thanks for showing us how they hit it.
Thank you
Evan Kaku welcome 🙏🏻
Hi coach, it does workkkkk really :) manyy thanks
You're welcome!
best tips so far to fix my floaters... What if I want to slice down the line, then I should position my body differently? I see pros having just under spin but not side spin, so is it a different shot?
"twice on Sunday" lol
Thanks! All the same for down the line.
You have a better margin for error with the cross your body stroke especially when dealing with low skidders
well said.
@@TennisEvolution yeah the reason is your strings are behind the ball longer as the ball spins left to right toward u. And the downward swing creates lift. Such an awesome shot. One of my favorite strokes.
@@goggleboy2464 Fantastic!
eastern grip - secret of the pros!
well said! Thanks for watching.
A slight forehand grip is key. For the perfect slice backhand watch Federer. His swing path is similar and often finishes deep and slightly lateral of the body keeping a firm wrist. So 100% agreement with your approach, Jeff 👍👍👍 PS: You have proven to be a successful ATP Pro but (and that is not warranted just by being a pro) you are very good teacher as well.
Thank you , appreciate your comment. Federer does have one of the best backhand slices of all time, not doubt.
interesting point about the a slightly turned grip to the forehand. I'll try it! i definitely agree about slicing across the body vs toward. How would you classify Steffi graf slice backhand?
Steffi definitely comes inside the ball when it is lower. When the ball is higher, not as much. The height of the ball matters.
@@TennisEvolution thanks, you the man
Can you do a video on the forehand slice?
Second this.
Tell me what you want to know specifically.
@@TennisEvolution First off... great video!!! Second, I'd like to know how to make the forehand slice a weapon... if that's realistic. I'd like to know how to knife it and keep it low. I've found myself using it in doubles to come into the net if the other cross court player is back, but I don't think I hit it aggressively enough. Thanks!
@Tennis Evolution - Online Tennis Lessons and I know it's not a common shot, so I'm not expecting a video. Maybe just a few tips if anything. :-)
thank you for the instructions, slicing across the body and not out front is the only way to hit a good slice, at least in my experience. but i have a question: what about the angle between the arm and the racket? usually what you see is kind of 90-degree angle from start to finish, what if you make it smaller at the beginning, say 7ß or even 60, and bigger at the end? you would have to loosen your grip, that's for sure, but you would have more leverage and more racket acceleration. and certainly more sidespin. i don't see it often, but i tried it and it works really nicely. what are your thoughts?
You mention that the backhand slice grip can be shifted slightly from the continental to the forehand side. My problem with that is that for me if I use the continental grip, the racquet face is too open at contact and the ball tends to float unless the contact point is farther back. Why then would you shift toward the forehand side which would open the racquet face more? I have seen other pros recommend that for recreational players, the continental grip should be shifted slightly toward the backhand grip which would close the racquet face more at contact thereby promoting a more penetrating slice. Can you comment?
If you choose to shift Continental grip slightly towards forehand side,the contact point will be closer to you.
If you choose to shift Continental grip slightly towards backhand side,the contact point will be farther in front of you.
Hey can I ask you a question? I can see that the style that you are teaching is different than club coaches that teach the more pushy slice. This one that your teaching is this similar to how federer slices? Does he slice with slight side spin a lot?
Yes, he does.
I will give this a try and see what difference it makes... I do teach the slice towards the net, dip shoulder into shot and start motion with shoulder. I watch your videos to see different ways of teaching, the one tip I think was great was slow down your swing... I personally state to my players the slice should almost feel effortless, do you agree? Please continue to make the videos, I find them always to be a good learning experience. We can never stop learning. ..
Please try it!. Wait for the ball, come inside it in a smooth way without swinging too fast and see what happens. Feel free to send a video if you want me to take a look.
"I personally state to my players the slice should almost feel effortless, do you agree?"
*Every* shot in tennis should feel almost effortless.
It’s always taught differently because this is a more advanced slice most coaches just want to teach the simpler push slice. But I have a question. Should I use the more push slice that my local coaches teach on a defensive shot. On an approach shot I love doing it the way you’re teaching it now. But when it comes really fast at me should I do the pushy slice? It seems more solid while the way you’re teaching is more aggressive
Hi Jeff, THANKS! I went on the court and practiced “your” slice. I feel that I’m squeezing the racquet grip too much. If I don’t then the racquet points to the side fence instead of the net. Why?
The techniques work for both styles but if you want to look like the pros todat Jeff is the way to go. And Jeff is right most players exaggerate when they slice. They swing too fast, they throw there hand too far back, and they open to early. If you go to the side the way Jeff is showing. You will get good side spin and underspin. If you go under and forward you just get pure underspin. Also if you go under and forward while having bad technique the ball floats up more. It is easier to return a pure underspin ball, but its harder to return the ball with side spin. The reason why is because you have to move around to hit the ball on the strings of your racket. Im just putting that out there. The old pros use to play with the forward underspin but the game of tennis has changed a lot since those days. Also just be open minded Jeff has worked really hard in his life time as a Pro and he is giving us some great tips like always.
Thank you Dominick! I appreciate your comment.
It's just my impression or is the contact point a bit behind than usual for one handed backhand topspin?
Definitely you let the ball get closer to you, the contact is not as out in front.
Jeff where have you been until now? I can't wait to play my next match on tour tomorrow morning. 🙏
Awesome! Let me know how it goes ;)
Can this work on high slice backhand , kick serve return or high backhand slice shot ?
Have same question. Appreciate it very much if you could make a video on this. Thanks.
yes, i have a similar question, too: what about the low backhands for that you have to reach out? but thanks anyway for the video, one of the "wrong slicers" 😂
let me see what I can do!
let me see what I can come up with!
I don't know about everyone else, but "sliding your grip slightly to the forehand side" is a clear as mud.
The same concept can be applied to volleys, use 2.5 bevel instead of bevel No 2.
Yes!
Exactly
@@rokastverijonas8721 same as McEnroe's grip for all his shots
What if high balls?
It's a different swing
can you please provide link for that ..please
@@TennisEvolution
@@chandrasekhar-yh9vv You can check out our slice backhand secrets course slicebackhand.tennisevolution.com/sbs-of-147
Do u need to chock up grip on slice backhand?
ProfessorBoooty you can especially if you want to learn the feel but I don’t recommend it for normal slice backhands
Damn. Ran across this video in my feeds.. Met you years ago. We hit at Peachtree Battle in Atlanta. My young student and I played king of the court with you. You were out there serving. So, we asked you if you wanted to join us. (You looked bored)Of course, as player who loves the sport, you did. Good times around. Looks like you are doing well and healthy! Best part. My student returned your serve(he was 12), was super excited!!! Hahaha. He talked about that for a long time. Take care!
Hey Rob! Thank you for your comment. Hope you are doing well too ;)
I’m not sure Federer separates his hands on purpose. The momentum of his body just pushes it back and if your body doesn’t work that way it won’t go all the way back like wawrinka. I think forcing it back is not a good thing and increases randomness
Good call!
The important takeaway here is to *TRY IT OUT* and see how it works for you.
At the very least, you will have both shots in your toolbox!
If you watch Federer this is the swing path he has...and he has a nasty slice. Its just so important to stay sideways with the body in my opinion as well as making sure to get onto the front foot.
There is a balance and the right amount of sideways and it depends on the ball.
the grip, the australian grip,
Aka the sword grip.
Here is a court level video someone posted of Fed's slice. Its a recent video, so you may not have seen it yet. Its proof that you are right and the old-school coaches are wrong about the path and finish. Notice the amount of banana side spin he gets each time. Maybe in match play he lets his left hand fly, but here he keeps it firmly by his pocket. My big take away from this video is how still Fed keeps his head and upper body from start to finish. ua-cam.com/video/b5nN1AvS57k/v-deo.html
Thanks for sharing Jawad!
I tried this a bit and I’m a little worried that it’s harder to slice deep
Thanks for sharing your feedback. Feel free to record a video of yourself doing it and send it to support@tennisevolution.com. We'll be happy to have a look at it.
@@TennisEvolution I think I was hitting it wrong it seems to work well
@@colinbyer3018 Great, keep it rolling!
Would you say this style of slice with side spin only works on really low balls?@@TennisEvolution
@@colinbyer3018 In most cases, it does.
All Tennis starters won’t get that side spin right. Out of my perspective as trainer and active player. I see your point but for 80% of all tennis player the butterfly movement of the arms is better.
Thank you for watching Moritz. Appreciate your comment. I definitely Believe 80.% of those players should not do the butterfly move. I believe it completely messes them up
Jeff.
Tennis Evolution - Online Tennis Lessons First I wanna say I love how we can have a discussion about tennis via this media. I tried it today on court. It didn’t work for me but two of my students got good results when I told them to do it like u supposed. Nice video. Keep up the great work.
No contrived throwing back with the master of the driving flat sidespiner... Rosewall.
Thank you for video.
But one note, at least 75% tennis players are righthanded. Whom do you make video, only for the rest 25% lefthanded? Otherwise I can't understand your explanation. You hold a racket in the left hand and explain the grip. And what the listener should do when listening to you - turn it a little to the right side, because you couch it, to the left side because tries to mirror it. Or, after failing to understand, try to find a new more clearly couched video?
Thank you