1 2
3
4
# 1 The continental grip is the key to hitting a forehand and a backhand slice . The “ V ” made by your thumb and forefinger should be on top of the grip . Some people call this the “ shake hands grip .” Your palm is along the back side of the grip almost as if you are hitting the ball with an open hand .
# 2 Extending upward for the overhead with a continental grip allows you to slice the overhead . This adds control and imparts spin on your shot to help you angle the ball away from your opponent .
# 3 The backhand slice is hit with a downward motion , but it is important to push through the ball and extend your follow-through to hit the slice deep with authority . Keep your head down , eyes watching the ball , and your arm extended . Use your legs to generate power .
# 4 A slice is a handy shot to have when you must dig for a short ball . Keep your head down with your eyes on the ball as you drop the racket head and peel the ball forward and up over the net . The added spin slows the ball down and gives you time to get in good position . It also propels you forward toward the NVZ line where you can attain control of the point .
PHOTOS BY ALICE TYM . right to left . Keep the ball on your paddle as long as possible for control .
If you want to impart additional sidespin , get your feet in a good , closed stance and draw your paddle across the back of the ball in an outside / inside motion . This will spin the ball away from your opponent ’ s backhand . It makes both a handy serve to open up the middle of the court and a useful return to force your opponent to hit a backhand that is moving laterally away from him . Experiment with spins . Remember that control is the product of keeping the ball on your paddle longer and following through . Chopping , slapping , and whacking motions won ’ t produce the consistency you need in pickleball .
Players who struggle with a weak backhand should try to learn to slice properly . The key to the backhand is early preparation . If you get your paddle back early , you can hit into the ball instead of having the ball play you . If you want to develop a consistent backhand , a slice is an easier shot to hit . Not a chop . It is a carry , a peeling of the ball forward .
Why do you want to learn to slice ? It makes your opponent think . It gives you time . It adds to your control . It works to help you move forward as you hit the ball . It is a good disguise shot . A drop slice looks just like a drive slice . Think smooth . Think attack . Both you and the ball get low and stay on the same plane as you get to the NVZ line . No wonder those guys on TV make it look so easy . It really is easy . •
Alice Tym was ranked 13th in the world for tennis in the ‘ 60s . She ’ s been named USPTA Coach of the Year and is a USPTA Master Professional . As a 4.5 pickleball player , she won gold in Huntsman , NSGA Nationals , US Open , and USA Pickleball events around the country . Alice is an IPTPA member , SSIPA founding board member , Bainbridge Cup Originator and gold medalist in Spain , Italy , and Germany .
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2024 | MAGAZINE 47