Slice Backhands - Old School or Modern

 Why the Traditional Slice Backhand is messing you up - JeffSalzensteinTennis

He gives a good argument for variations of the slice backhand and the video is descriptive so I've included it. As a comment related to the video, here is my take on whether this is new or just used more often.  I think also that the changing equipment has added to this option in style.

 I learned the old-school slice backhand with a wood frame by watching Rosewall. I often used the "modern" style, as Jeff describes it for handling lower balls or choosing to add sidespin. Done to an extreme, I remember it as "peeling the orange, " and we'd use that on "body volleys" or an approach. I believe I've seen Rafa use that fairly often, while Fed used it for the same purpose among his many variations.

 

Here is a good demo that I found on Youtube if you want an example of a very smooth and effective looking slice backhand.

15 Points of Tennis

Training Methods for strokes - Net Height and Spin

I have students target midway between the service line and baseline with moderate spin. The net clearance height becomes a function of the desired depth. I set guidelines of 3-6 feet above the net depending on the speed and spin. My only firm rule is to avoid net skimmers.

Why learn a slice backhand?

 There are many good reasons to learn a one-handed slice for a backhand.  Most involve the simple physical benefit of extra reach.

I learned it just to solve the problem of reaching balls that were seemingly out of reach on the backhand. It is also very energy efficient when you're losing steam. Rafa does it now to save the running, extend his reach, and save an unnecessary deep knee bend on a short or wide low ball versus using a two-hander.

Learn slice early and you'll find the flexibility of having it available will make you a much more challenging opponent.  Additionally, the more spin control you develop the more likely you'll manage it better on your serve, volleys, lobs, and drop shots.

Changing Ball Direction - What it takes

 #1 Universal Rule of Tennis - The ball goes where the racket face is pointed at contact. The player is responsible for working out the details like getting there, positioning, and creating enough force to redirect the energy of the incoming ball. The proper form makes this easier to accomplish. The safe answer for returning a ball when under pressure is to send it back to the same place it originated. Changing the ball direction intentionally and accurately requires multiple skills.

One or Two Handed Backhands

 If I were asked the question, what do I do if my child's coach wants to switch them from a one to a two-handed backhand.

If your son has already developed a reasonably functional one-hand backhand then I would question why the change. It's probably easier for this coach which may be the reason.

As for one being totally superior over the other, I would point to the success of one-handed players even now in a game dominated by two-handers. Of course, there are now many top players with a two-handed backhand such as Rafa and Novak but the GOAT herd includes Federer and Laver, both one-handers. 

 You could also make an argument for changing him from being a right-handed player to a left-handed one since Tony did it with Rafa and the lefties have advantages on the court. But most of us would see that as going too far. 

 As for limiting his future on the court, I might argue that the mere odds and commitment requirements of becoming a world-class or even a 5.0+ player limit anyone more than any method they use. 

 If he plays competitive tennis and becomes a social player later in life a one-handed backhand will let him last longer into senior citizen play since slice combined with extra reach will carry the day.

Don Budge and his Signature Racket

Here is an old Don Budge Signature racket.  These date back to the 1940's since Budge had his big run of Grand Slam events in the 1930's.  He was the first player to win all four slams in a calendar year and thus set a standard for judging players as the G.O,A.T.  (greatest of all time.)  Up until Laver completed two of these Calendar year Grand Slam wins of all four events he could have arguably been called the GOAT.  Now of course they call whichever player has the most total wins the GOAT. That is currently Federer but Nadal seems to be chasing that record depending on when both retire and who wins a few more in the meantime.  Novak is also chasing the numbers as well so we'll see how things end up.

Don Budge remains a top name in the history of tennis and his one handed backhand was legendary for  its effectiveness.

For more detailed information on Don Budge here is a link to his WIKI Page

You can see this racket was barely used.




With a Current Value around $10 plus shipping costs add $10 minimum.  To own one you'll have to part with at least $20 as of 11/2019 unless you find one at a yard sale for a a few dollars.  Most are not in great shape so if you find a very good condition one it should fetch more depending on how old it is.  This model comes from the 1940s.  Some later versions may have been produced into the 1950s.

News: Britney needs shoes, Novak vs Tyson, Nishikori, Murray, Novak Recovery, Svitolina, Ken Flach Passes Away

Britney Needs Tennis Shoe deal says Evert
She also needs a backhand so if you're a tennis player you should feel good about yourself watching her swat at it.

Novak Hits With Tyson's Daughter 

Nishikori Withdraws from Indian Wells - illness

Murray Possible Return Date

Is Novak Recovered - loses to qualifier at Indian Wells

Svitolina Top Ten at 23

Bouchard Troubles

Rain Wreacks Federer Match at Indian Wells

Verdasco Upsets Dimitrov

Ken Flach Passes Away

Two Handed Backhands

Standard Two Handed Backhand Grip

Grips used for each of these can vary, but here are examples. The most common one is the continental grip combined with an eastern forehand grip. The dominant side generally holds a continental while the opposite side uses an actual forehand grip, usually eastern. This method allows flexibility in the finish, offering greater wrist mobility and the option of moving to a one handed backhand for a hard to reach ball. The continental also sets up the possibility of a slice backhand for high balls or very wide ones. (Continental=serve grip, grab the handle as if you would use the edge of the frame for the head of a hammer.)

There are a number of reasons to learn a two-handed backhand. Foremost for younger players is the lack of strength many have for holding the racket for a one handed backhand. Adults learn with this for similar reasons or to feel power that they cannot find with poor timing they might have initially with a one handed backhand.

Tennis elbow can force this for adult players and require them to learn a whole new approach to playing tennis that include a loss of reach and more rotation of the body. This rotation may bring about back or disc issues for older adults and should be a consideration when choosing the type of two-handed backhand to develop.

Picture Agassi or Connors with their very rigid rotation of their bodies when hitting the backhand. Both of them developed back problems over the years and it is likely that their backhands contributed to these problems.

Imagine Borg with his loose free flowing stroke, and limited rotation. This type of backhand is ideally suited to adults, especially those with existing back issues. Much of the racket velocity is accomplished by the forearms and upward lift versus the rotational velocity derived from the firmly held two handed backhand.

Double Forehand Grip

This method of gripping the racket changes a few things. One is reduced flexibility, though it can be a more powerful stroke, and it is often the one used by the rigid rotation backhands. The downside of this approach is the poor grip, very weak, for reaching volleys and wide balls that require a reversion to a one handed reach. Try hitting a backhand volley or ground stroke with one hand using an eastern forehand grip and you will be convinced of this problem.