How Carlos Alcaraz was Taught the Backhand Slice as a Junior

Key Points

• 1. The Slice as a Tactical Equalizer

  • Alcaraz used the backhand slice effectively from a young age, especially when playing against bigger, stronger hitters.

  • It wasn’t just defensive — he used it to change pace, force errors, and approach the net.

  • The slice forced opponents to hit from low positions, bend their knees, and often mishit — especially effective on grass and against aggressive baseliners.

   

• 2. Strategic Versatility

  • The slice let Carlitos:

    • Slow down rallies when the pace was too high.

    • Change rhythm and height to break the opponent's flow.

    • Transition quickly to a forehand attack or net approach.

  • He often used it cross-court, but also trained to hit it low and fast down the line.

   

• 3. Common Mistakes Corrected

  • ❌ Placing weight on the back foot → results in short, weak slices.

    • ✅ Correction: Balance on dominant front leg, often reinforced with cone drills.

  • ❌ Passive non-dominant hand → lack of stability and control.

    • ✅ Left hand must stay extended and active for body balance.

  • ❌ Inconsistent racket direction.

    • ✅ Racket tip must guide the shot — like aiming an arrow or spear.

   

• 4. Drill: Frisbee Slice Extension

  • Players throw a frisbee to mimic full arm extension and correct body shape.

  • Encourages relaxed, open movement with a “statue-like” follow-through.

  • Turns technique training into a fun, game-like activity — perfect for young kids.

   

• 5. Drill: Platform Balance

  • Player stands on a small cone or platform to learn proper weight distribution onto the front leg during slice.

  • Used with hand-fed or racket-fed balls to create awareness of shifting weight forward.

   

• 6. Progressive Court Training

  • Start with short-court slices, focusing on feel, balance, and form.

  • Gradually move back to the baseline while maintaining correct shape and technique.

   

• 7. Mix Speeds and Heights

  • The slice shouldn’t always be slow.

    • Practice both floaty defensive slices and faster, cutting slices to keep opponents guessing.

    • This variation makes the slice a more dynamic and offensive tool.

   

• 9. Transition Game: Baseline to Net

  • Players rotate between baseline and net.

    • First ball is a volley, second must pass or pressure the net player.

    • Only net winners score — reinforces attack mindset and net transition from defense.

   

• 10. Carlitos' Match Mentality

  • As a smaller junior player, Alcaraz needed to find creative solutions.

  • The slice became a key resource — cutting low and wide to neutralize attacks.

  • He practiced it constantly, with precision, until it became a core part of his match strategy.

   

• 8. Situational Drill: Slice Under Pressure

  • One player hits with topspin and pace.

  • The other responds with 4–5 backhand slices, then attacks a short ball into the open court (where cones are placed).

  • Focus: using the slice to change tempo and transition to offense.