Game version
Rally game: a pair rallies backhands and tries to beat its own longest rally, then swaps feeders.
Backhand Slice
Add a low, skidding slice to change the pace of a rally.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Hold a continental grip.
Core: Medium. Beat your own longest rally.
- Ages
- 11 and up
- Time
- 12 min
- Players
- Just you
- Space
- Gym or court
- Bring
- Racket, balls, court or wall
- Level · skill
- Developing · Backhand
The steps
How it works
- Hold a continental grip.
- Swing high to low with an open racket face.
- Keep the ball low over the net.
- Hit 3 sets of 10.
Coaching point
Lead with the edge, stay sideways.
Safety: Use the ball and court for your age: red ball on a short court at 8 and under, orange at 9 to 10, green at 10 to 12.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (soft balls, close), Core (medium), More (cross-court targets). Beat your own longest rally.
Story
You are playing the last rally of a final.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own longest rally. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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