In the past, the slice backhand used to be a shot that nearly every player had in their arsenal. Steffi Graf used to slice 99% of her backhands. However, nowadays, there are very few players who the use slice unless they are at full stretch trying to retrieve a ball. This article will explain the slice and try to figure out why the slice is going the way of the Dodo in the women's game.
So what is a slice? A slice is a downward cutting motion that creates backspin on the ball. Backspin helps to keep the ball low. With enough back spin, the ball will have less horizontal motion after the bounce which can throw off the person returning the slice. The slice is a generally defensive shot; slices are slower than top spin shots and flat shots. However, the slice is harder to attack because it stays so low.
The slice can also be used as an effective approach shot. Just ask Amelie Mauresmo, a player who had a beautiful slice approach shot. However, I'll avoid that topic since it will only get me upset at the lack of netplay in the women's game...
It seems like, nowadays, only players with one handed backhands use slices with even a hit on regularity. (Schiavone comes to mind as a player with a great slice.) However, more players, especially those who don't have exceptional power could definitely benefit from using slices more often. Tsvetana Pironkova is a player who also uses a forehand slice. It works wonders for her when she's on grass, and she's been showing that it works on other surfaces as well. And, although she isn't a top ranked player, she was able to defeat Venus Williams three times by using her variety to throw the powerful American off of her game.
In the future, I hope to see more top tier players using slices. Slices work well on all surfaces, not just clay. Although the women's game is becoming more and more about who can hit the ball the hardest, there is still room for players who have variety. Hopefully, the absence of the slice is just a natural tennis cycle.
Stosur seems like the only player, IMO, that consistently uses her BH slice. It effective for her game, and she doesn't really have a proper BH. I would like to see more slice and deft touch mixed with the power game.
ReplyDeleteStosur uses her backhand slice well, but I think that Schiavone uses it better since Stosur is doing it because she doesn't know how to hit a non-slice backhand whereas Schiavone mixes up topspin and slice. Part of the reason why I like the slice is because it adds variety to the women's game. But I think that the non-slice backhand is just as important.
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