Today we are focusing on an aspect of the game that is too often overlooked: using the full depth of the court. Beginners and advanced players alike often think about moving an opponent from side to side but forget to move them forward and back. Yet controlling depth means disrupting an opponent without taking unnecessary risks. Among the shots that make this possible, the short, low backhand slice is a formidable weapon. When executed well, it draws the opponent forward without offering an attacking ball, setting up the opportunity to pass them on the next shot.

The objective of this drill is to master the short, low backhand slice and use it in matches to bring the opponent forward and exploit the full depth of the court.

On-Court Setup:

Place the ball machine on the opposite side, slightly behind the baseline, and program it to feed balls to the backhand at a height and speed suited to the backhand slice. The players line up behind the baseline on the backhand side. One player takes the hitting position while the others wait and carefully observe the trajectory and spin produced.

How to Run the Drill:

(Image created with the ETDM software – Download it here)

The machine feeds a ball to the backhand. The player hits a backhand slice, aiming for a short ball just behind the net with a very low trajectory. The ball should travel close to the net tape without rising too far above it and offering an attacking opportunity. After the bounce, the ball should skid and stay low, forcing the opponent to lift the next shot.

Emphasize the technique: contact underneath the ball with a relaxed hand, a slightly open racket face, and a forward follow-through to maintain control. Keep the eyes fixed on the contact point. After each shot, the player returns to the back of the line and the next player takes the hitting position.

This drill develops technical control of the backhand slice, refines touch, and improves the ability to vary shot depth. In a match, it builds the confidence to bring an opponent forward without taking unnecessary risks and to construct tactics around the full depth of the court. Once this backhand slice is mastered, the entire court becomes an ally.