Without any question the slice backhand is still alive!, we do see, especially in men's tennis, more and more the use of this beautiful shot to watch, when executing well. Players like Roger Federer, Andy Murray, David Nalbandian, Rafa Nadal, among many others; have brought us this shot used in many different situations during their matches. In women's tennis, perhaps the "pure power game" of the girls, has brought less slice ,but still the defensive backhand slice (as well as forehand) is very effective and constantly utilized, Jelena Jankovic is the best example of my comment. Following I would like to share with you some of the most important elements, in order to posses a very solid slice backhand, I will break it down, in three components:

First: The grip: Of course; this issue has not been change !! Continental is the grip! to enhance a very solid and efficient slice backhand.

Second: The preparation: Initiated by a strong rotation of the shoulders, away from the ball; followed by a high take back of the racket around the back shoulder level (left for right handed players),also keeping the wrist cooked and firm as well and, a solid and strong position of the legs to load, prior to the initiation of the forward swing.

Third: The contact and follow through: The key is to make contact with the ball approximately slightly in font of the front leg (right for right handed players), not to far in front! ; so we can really hit through the ball with ease and a very smooth and relaxed way.
The follow through should be very long and high with the face of the racket parallel to the sky and a fully extended arm at the end, to ensure a very fluid shot, that will penetrate the court and will stay low to make difficult for the opponent to retrieve it.

I do personally have three key words that I constantly use when I teach the backhand slice in my lessons, my students love them and I can see a rapidly improvement! Let me share it with you!:
 

1. " Take a big shoulder turn" I say to my students"..."show me half of your back!"
2. " Smoothness when contacting the ball".....feel the ball on the strings.  Do not hit it!
3. " Long and high follow through"

In the next article, I will explore some of the numerous tactical application of this wonderful shot!