[HKz]

So who all goes for a forehand slice rather than a topspin forehand when they are pulled completely off the court?

I used to just play a high looping deep forehand almost always cross-court whenever I needed to get back into position. However, I played a match in a tournament a few years back where by sheer desperation of trying to reach a near winner, I played a forehand slice and it worked wonders the entire match. So since then, I play the forehand slice probably 80% of the time when I'm pulled off the court.

[Bernard Black]

Forehand slice is the shot of kings. I use it less these days than I used to but it's great for when you get pulled off court like you say.

I also sometimes use it as an approach shot when I'm faced with a short, low bouncing ball. Just chip it into the backhand corner and force them to have to hit up, more often than not get an easy volley to put away. It's more reliable than the topspin forehand approach off a low ball I think as, unless it's perfect, the opponent can get a real crack on that ball and you're a sitting duck at the net.

[HKz]

Yes, hitting a forehand slice as an approach is interesting to use, but in my opinion it is really situational. And even if it is at the right moment, it is tough to execute and win the point at the position.

[Bernard Black]

Originally Posted by HKz

Yes, hitting a forehand slice as an approach is interesting to use, but in my opinion it is really situational. And even if it is at the right moment, it is tough to execute and win the point at the position.

Yeah, it's good for me as my topspin forehand sits up at the best of time and I just can't get the penetration on some of those low balls as I'm lunging forward so the slice is useful.

I got into the habit of using the forehand slice as a junk shot mid-rally but haven't done that for a while now, it can be good as a rhythm-disruptor though and can drive the opponent mad if they make errors off it.

[HKz]

Originally Posted by Bernard Black

Yeah, it's good for me as my topspin forehand sits up at the best of time and I just can't get the penetration on some of those low balls as I'm lunging forward so the slice is useful.

I got into the habit of using the forehand slice as a junk shot mid-rally but haven't done that for a while now, it can be good as a rhythm-disruptor though and can drive the opponent mad if they make errors off it.

I have a tendency to easily overcook the forehand slice if I hit it in the middle of a rally when I'm not scrambling. Unlike the backhand slice, if I just try to slap the ball with a lot of backspin with my forehand, it generally flies long.

[BK 201]

I go for the FH slice if I know my opponent isn't going to come to net frequently. Try to create an angle against players who come in.

[Gung Ho Tennis]

The older (slower) I get the more often I use the forehand slice

[GlennMirnyi]

I find myself using the forehand slice a lot to approach the net in very low balls.

I also like the idea of pretending I'll hit a forehand but instead hitting a forehand slice when defending.

[Kolya]

If someone bothered to practice a slice forehand approach shot, it may be very effective especially on grass.

Probably the only player who have used it is the great Santoro.

[FMeier]

I would not recommend using the forehand slice too much. If you have a decent forehand then the topspin shot is simply too effective compared to a slice. Only in those rare cases where you can only reach the ball with a slice would I hit it. Those are also the only times that you see pro players hit slice forehands!

Good Luck!

----------------------
Florian Meier
www.onlinetennisinstruction.com

[robert_craig72]

Originally Posted by FMeier

I would not recommend using the forehand slice too much. If you have a decent forehand then the topspin shot is simply too effective compared to a slice. Only in those rare cases where you can only reach the ball with a slice would I hit it. Those are also the only times that you see pro players hit slice forehands!

Good Luck!

----------------------
Florian Meier
www.onlinetennisinstruction.com

I agree with you! Topspin is more effective compared to a slice if used correctly.

[pferg]

I will use the forehand slice if I am reaching. Otherwise I almost *always* use topspin!