ART-0667: The Volley Against the Backhand Slice — Handling Low, Skidding Shots
Executive Summary
The backhand slice is a low, skidding shot that stays close to the ground after the bounce. When you are at the net, the backhand slice is a challenging passing shot because the low bounce forces you to volley below net height. Handling the backhand slice requires deep knee bend, an open racket face, and a slice volley to handle the low ball.
The Backhand Slice
The backhand slice: (1) stays low after the bounce, (2) skids on hard courts, (3) has backspin that causes it to stay low, (4) is hit with a high-to-low swing path. At the net, the backhand slice forces contact below net height, requiring a low volley technique.
Volley Technique Against the Backhand Slice
Against the backhand slice: (1) bend your knees deeply to get low, (2) open the racket face to lift the ball over the net, (3) use the slice volley (high-to-low path), (4) absorb pace with a firm wrist, (5) aim for depth. The key is getting low enough to contact the ball above the ground.
Common Errors
Standing upright (cannot reach the low ball). Closing the racket face (ball goes into the net). Breaking the wrist (loss of control). Not using enough backspin (the ball pops up).
Summary
The backhand slice demands a low volley technique: deep knee bend, open racket face, slice volley path. Get low, stay low, and use backspin to control the ball.
Diagnostic & Training Matrix
| Observation | Failure | Result | Corrective Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volley into net | Standing upright, face closed | Net violation | Bend knees deeply, open face |
| Volley pops up | Face too open, no backspin | Attacking ball for opponent | Use slice volley, add backspin |
| Cannot reach low slice | Poor knee bend | Missed volley | Get lower, bend knees deeper |
| Wrist breaks on slice volley | Grip too soft | Erratic direction | Firm wrist, increase grip pressure |
Practical Application: "Get Low, Open Up, Slice Through"
Against the backhand slice: (1) get low with deep knee bend, (2) open the racket face, (3) slice through the ball with a high-to-low path. The lower you get, the better your slice volley.