Backhand Slice Grip
Also known as: slice backhand grip, continental backhand grip
The backhand slice grip is typically a continental or mild eastern-backhand grip that opens the racquet face naturally, supporting the high-to-low swing path used to produce underspin.
The slice backhand relies on a grip that keeps the racquet face slightly open through contact without any wrist manipulation — most players use a continental grip, the same one used for serves and volleys, or a grip very close to it. This grip naturally presents an open face when the arm swings on the high-to-low path that defines a slice, brushing under and across the back of the ball to create backspin rather than topspin. Using a topspin-oriented grip, such as a full eastern or semi-western backhand grip, for the slice forces the wrist to compensate to open the face, which is both less consistent and physically taxing to repeat.
Because the continental grip is shared with the volley and serve, players who already use it for those strokes often find the slice backhand grip transition seamless — a real advantage during fast net exchanges or transition points where there is no time for a grip change. The grip alone does not create a good slice; it must be paired with a high-to-low swing path and a stable wrist, but starting from the correct grip removes one major source of inconsistency before the swing path is even addressed.
Example
A player already holding a continental grip for a volley can slide directly into a backhand slice grip with no grip change, which is why the slice is often used on fast approach and transition shots.
Why it matters
Using a topspin-oriented grip for the slice forces unnecessary wrist manipulation. SwingVantage checks grip orientation on slice shots relative to the swing path to confirm the grip is supporting, not fighting, the stroke.
Common mistakes
- Using a full eastern or semi-western backhand grip for the slice, forcing the wrist to open the face manually
- Failing to recognize the continental grip overlap between volleys and slice, missing an easy grip-change shortcut
Frequently asked questions
What grip should I use for a backhand slice?
A continental grip, or one very close to it, naturally opens the racquet face for the high-to-low slice swing path, and is the same grip used for volleys and serves.
Related terms
- Continental GripThe continental grip positions the base knuckle of the index finger on bevel 2 of the handle, the universal grip for volleys, serves, overheads, slices, and drop shots.
- SliceIn tennis, a slice is a shot hit with backspin by swinging high-to-low through the ball, producing a low, skidding bounce. (This differs from a golf slice, which is a curving mishit.)
- Grip Pressure (Tennis)Grip pressure is how tightly a player holds the racquet handle, and it should generally stay relaxed through most of the swing, firming only briefly at the moment of contact.
- Grip Change Speed Between ShotsGrip change speed is how quickly and reliably a player rotates the racquet in their hand between strokes that require different grips, and a slow or incomplete change is a frequent hidden cause of mis-hits.
- One-Handed BackhandA one-handed backhand is struck with only the dominant hand on the grip, offering greater reach and disguise than a two-hander at the cost of stability against high-bouncing pace.
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