1-2 Rhythm: The
Backhand Slice
Nick Wheatley
What are the keys in developing 1-2 Rhythm
on the slice?
Like all the groundstrokes, a well struck slice backhand slice has 1-2
Rhythm. However, there are real differences in the feeling of executing 1-2
Rhythm on the slice compared to the drive groundstrokes.
These differences are especially important to understand for players who hit
the one-handed backhand drive. (Click
Here for 1-2 Rhythm on the forehand. Click Here for the
two-hander. And Click
Here for the one handed backhand drive.)
The differences
in 1-2 Rhythm on the slice have to do in part with the shape of the swing. But
the most important
differences are in the relative role of the body and legs.
There is some body rotation on the slice, but it is minimal compared to the
forehand or the two hander, and also appreciably less than the one-handed
drive. The same is true of the uncoiling of the legs. There is noticeably less
knee bend on most slices compared to the other groundstrokes.
For these reasons, establishing 1-2 Rhythm on the slice means focusing on
the hand, arm and racket--specifically the movement of the arm in the shoulder
in the forward swing. This is especially critical to understand for one handers
who go back and forth from the drive to the slice.
Note the differences between the slice and the drive in
the knee bend and forward body rotation.
Despite technical differences the same two distinct rhythm phases are
essential in the slice. As with the other strokes, Phase 1 is smooth and
deliberate, and Phase 2 has explosive energy.
So let's look at the physical positions of the body and the racket in the
two phases of the slice. Then let's see how to activate 1-2 Rhythm. To do this,
we'll analyze the greatest slice backhand in the modern game--the slice
backhand of Roger Federer.
Like all high-level groundstrokes, the slice begins with a body turn. When
the shoulders have turned about 45 degrees to the net, the racket hand is still
positioned in line with the center of the torso.
The racket position for Federer is at this point virtually identical with
the drive, which facilitates disguise. But look what happens next.
Watch the continued path of the racket in the preparation and then the path
of the forward swing.
Phase1: slow and deliberate with the racket wrapped
behind the head.
As the racket continues to go back it actually wraps behind the head. The face
of the racket is slightly open and the tip points behind Roger to the opposite
sideline. The left hand is positioned on the racket's throat.
It's important to note that the extent of this wrap can vary with the
player. It can also be less extreme when the player is returning serve. As we
will see, players at lower levels may also be more successful with this less
extreme preparation and also a flatter forward swing plane.
In any case, the execution of Phase 1 has the same feeling as Phase 1 on all
strokes. The technical position is different but the rhythm to get there is
smooth and deliberate.
Phase 2 in the
slice starts with the forward swing from the wrap position around the head. The
hitting arm and racket accelerate along a high to low swing path towards the
ball, with the hitting arm straightening out as it approaches contact.
The explosiveness in Phase 2 is primarily in the movement of the arm and
racket. This is different from the other strokes where Phase 2 includes
significant energy from the uncoiling of the legs and the rotation of torso.
The driving force here is the shoulder, specifically, using the shoulder
muscles to drive the arm and racket down and through.
Phase 2: Explosive acceleration forward and down.
Watch how the opposite hand releases and stays behind the body to help
maintain balance, and also the sideways orientation of the body.
It's important to emphasize the energy explosion from the shoulder because
for too many players the slice is viewed as a passive shot. Many players lose
potential quality of shot because they poke, jab, or push at the ball instead
of hitting it with the force it warrants.
Studies have shown that the spin levels on a slice backhand at the pro level
can surpass that of the topspin groundstrokes, reaching over 5000rpm. (Click
Here.) By thinking of the forward swing as very aggressive and full of
energy, players can get a lot more out of their slice backhand.
A signature
relationship in the pro slice is between the height of the hand and the racket
head. With this explosive downward swing path, the racket head can stay below
the hand for the entire course of the follow-through with the racket tip
actually pointing straight down at the court at some point in the swing.
The emphasis is on the shoulder driving the hand, racket
and arm.
But not all players--or even most--are dealing with pro level heavy incoming
balls much less replying with slices with 5000rpm of spin. This means there can
be a disconnect between the pro slice and the slice for lower-level players. (Click
Here.)
Players who blindly copy the extreme swing shapes of Federer's slice may
find they are leaving velocity on the table and hitting floating balls that are
not as effective or penetrating as they could be. In this case the swing shape
can be moderated.
The height and the wrap behind the head can be reduced. The downward swing
plane can be flatter and less sharp. One indication of a flatter slice is that
the racket head stays above the wrist in the follow-through.
Depending on the level, the positions associated with 1-2
Rhythm can be less extreme.
The bottom line is that every player needs to find the level of underspin
and the corresponding swing plane that works for his game and the incoming
balls he faces. But learning the 1-2 Rhythm pattern will maximize its
efficiency and effectiveness. What are the keys for 1-2 Rhythm on the slice? Again,
it is some combination of mental images and words.
It can be a count of "1" then "2" corresponding with the
speed of the phases. The "2" should be associated with the
acceleration of the arm from the shoulder.
Another combination would be "Smooth" or "Slow" followed
by "Extend!" The second word again correlating with the downward and
outward movement of the hitting arm. If you develop a feeling for how it works,
you will likely come up with individual words or pictures of your own.
So that's it for the concept of developing great rhythm on your
groundstroke--in all varieties. What about the serve? Does 1-2 Rhythm apply
there as well? Yes! Stay tuned.
 |
Nick Wheatley is an LTA Performance Coach and head coach at Hawker Tennis
in south west London. His junior teams, the Hawker Jets, have won 44
competitions since formation, and over the last 2 years alone, his junior
players have won 19 singles tournaments between them at county level. He has been ranked in the top 75 nationally in 35 and over singles and in
the top 5 in Surrey county. Nick has done video analysis for numerous players
at all levels, including former British Top 10 player Marcus Willis. His unique teaching video series, covering every aspect of the game, is available on his website www.nickwtennis.com |
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