Tennis Tips | Tip 27: Using the slice backhand when under pressure

Follow the weekly tennis tips by Totally Tennis Head Coach James McIntosh designed to improve your game.

Tip 27: Using the slice backhand when under pressure

When you are under pressure try using the slice backhand to slow the ball down to give yourself time to recover. Open your racket face to create more height over the net and keep the ball deep. This will give you a chance to get back into the point and keep the opponent behind the baseline.

Wrong: The racket head is flat

Correct: Has an open racket face

Read all the previous tips in the Tennis Tip tab – totallytennis.wordpress.com/tennis-tips/

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Player Profile: Peter Ash

PETER ASH

Squad: Mixed Morning & 50+

How old were you when you first started tennis?

Over fifty

How were you introduced to the sport?

Mark Warner Social Evening

Why did you choose Totally Tennis?

It was recommended by a tennis coach

Who is your favourite professional tennis player?

Tim Henman

What do you like most about the sport?

The social and physical element

What do you consider to be your best shot?

Backhand overhead smash

How often do you play?

Three times a week

Do you play any other sport?

Skiing, Water-Skiing, Dinghy Sailing, Surfing , Windsurfing and Climbing Trees 

What’s your greatest achievement in tennis so far?

Not upsetting everyone else

 

Player Profile: John Heather

JOHN HEATHER

Squad:  50+

How old were you when you first started tennis?

Eighteen

How were you introduced to the sport?

I can’t remember

What made you come to Totally Tennis?

The coaching

Who is your favourite professional tennis player?

Roger Federer

What do you like most about the sport?

Great social interaction and exercise

What do you consider to be your best shot?

Forehand

How often do you play?

2 – 3 times per week

Do you play any other sport?

Dancing

What’s your greatest achievement in tennis so far?

Reaching the mixed doubles final in St Marybourne

Player Profile: Trevor Cain

TREVOR CAIN

Squad:  50+

How old were you when you first started tennis?

Sixty

How were you introduced to the sport?

By my wife

What made you come to Totally Tennis?  

My wife

Who is your favourite professional tennis player?

Martina Hingis and Rodger Federer

What do you like most about the sport?

Good exercise and social experience

What do you consider to be your best shot?  

Volley

How often do you play?

Once per week

Do you play any other sport?

Skiing and cycling

What’s your greatest achievement in tennis so far?

Improvement in my ability due to the coaching at 50+ sessions

 

Player Profile: Tristian Thapa

TRISTIAN THAPA

Age: Eight

Squad: Giants

How old were you when you first started tennis?

8 years old

How were you introduced to the sport?

From school

What made you come to Totally Tennis?

Wanted to play tennis and it’s the local club

Who is your favourite professional tennis player?

Andy Murray

What do you like most about the sport?

Friendly matches

What do you consider to be your best shot?

Still learning so not sure yet

How often do you play?

Twice a week

Do you play any other sport?

Golf

What’s your greatest achievement in tennis so far?

Moving up a level from Dodgers to Giants squad

Player Profile: Napalai Cain

 

NAPALAI CAIN

Squad: 50+ and Mixed Morning

How old were you when you first started tennis?

Fifteen

How were you introduced to the sport?

As a child in Thailand I walked past the tennis court in my hometown every day and watched the people play. I then decided to start playing tennis myself and have enjoyed it throughout my life, initially in Thailand and now in the UK.

What made you come to Totally Tennis?

Totally Tennis has indoor courts, which are good for the weather in England. There are many people who are available to play during the daytime, which suits my lifestyle.

Who is your favourite professional tennis player?

Roger Federer

What do you like most about the sport?

Being able to hit accurately to the target and successfully finish the point.

What do you consider to be your best shot?

Forehand

How often do you play?

Twice a week regularly but 3 times a week if possible.

Do you play any other sport?

No

What’s your greatest achievement in tennis so far?

Good forehand, two handed backhand and to be able to have a good time.

Player Profile: Penny Bates

PENNY BATES

Age: Not disclosed

Squad: Over 55’s

How old were you when you first started tennis?

A child

How were you introduced to the sport?

Through my family

What made you come to Totally Tennis?

Friend’s recommendation

Who is your favourite professional tennis player?

Roger Federer

What do you like most about the sport?

Friendly competition

What do you consider to be your best shot?

Slice backhand

How often do you play?

Two or three times a week

Do you play any other sport?

Pilates and yoga

What’s your greatest achievement in tennis so far?

Centre Court Ladies Singles Champion