Rick Newman's Tennis Lesson 5: Slice Backhand

Rick Newman's Tennis Lesson 5: Slice Backhand

Slice Backhand Notes:

1. Grip: Continental
• Knuckle-facing net for the slice
• Knuckle upward for a backhand drive
2. The Hitting zone is on the side (not in front like in a single-handed backhand)
3. Hit the back of the ball (not the bottom of the ball)
4. Start the stroke with the racquet, and open and close the racquet when hitting the ball.
5. Try to read the lettering on the ball
6. Use "bounce" and "hit" for timing
7. Play from the shoulder
8. The racket head should be high
9. The wrist and elbow do not move

See the following video with Greg Leseur: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gf5ShlFyI_g.

Serving Lesson Notes:

1. Focus on up and up-and-out swing path of the tennis racquet
2. If the ball lands outside the service box, the racquet is opening up too early
3. Before contact, the right hand should have 15 degrees of elbow bent. The elbow should not be locked before ball contact.
4. Try to keep the racquet closed until ball contact. The wrist needs to snap forward for more power.
5. Use more of the shoulders to get power
6. Don't lean the body; bend your knees to get more power

Forehand Drive vs Forehand Shape

Drive
When you hit the ball when it ascends (after a bounce), it's a drive.
On a drive, you are more aggressive and are trying to hit the ball at its apex, swinging across the body.
You typically execute a drive if you have the time (on a slower ball). It's an offensive shot. You are trying to take time away from your opponent.

Shape
When you hit the ball when it's descending (after a bounce), it's a shape.
On a shape, you are less aggressive and are trying to swing upwards to give more topspin to the ball.
You typically execute a shape if you don't have time (on a faster ball). It's a defensive shot.