This drill improves the backhand slice by emphasizing preparation and movement quality. Good upper-body rotation and quick recovery are the foundations of a reliable, penetrating backhand slice, even under pressure.

The objective is to automate backhand-slice preparation when moving out to a wide ball while practicing a dynamic recovery to the center in order to stay in control of the rally.

On-Court Setup:

Place the ball machine on the opposite side of the court and set it to feed balls slightly wider than normal at a deliberately slower rate so the quality of the stroke remains the priority. Place a cone beside the center of the court on the player’s side as a visual reference and starting point. The other players wait behind the baseline.

How to Run the Drill:

• The first player starts near the cone in the center. As soon as the ball leaves the machine, the player immediately rotates the upper body to prepare the backhand slice. Shoulder orientation and early racket preparation behind the body are important.
• The player then moves quickly into position behind the bounce, using crossover steps or running steps depending on the width of the feed, and hits the backhand slice while moving slightly forward through the ball. A relaxed hand and open racket face help control the underspin. After the shot, the player uses shuffle steps to recover to the cone, ready for the next ball.
• Each player completes a series of 8 repetitions, then gives up the spot to the next player. Complete 3 to 4 rotations so everyone can repeat the stroke and absorb the preparation-movement-recovery rhythm.

This drill strengthens coordination between reading the trajectory, preparing the upper body, and moving laterally. The backhand slice becomes more consistent and deeper while the player learns to recover quickly to the center after hitting on the run. In a match, recovering well after a defensive or attacking slice can make the difference between staying in the rally and regaining the initiative.