The slice is an underrated weapon. It stays low, changes the pace, and buys you time to recover. A good slice frustrates opponents and adds variety to your game. Here is how to hit a clean backspin slice.
Quick answer: A slice is a shot hit with backspin, made by swinging high to low with a slightly open racket face. It keeps the ball low after the bounce, which is great for approach shots, defense, and mixing up pace. Use a continental grip, stay down through the shot, and follow through forward, not down.
What a Slice Is
A slice puts backspin on the ball by brushing down and through it. The ball travels lower and skids or stays low after bouncing, making it hard for opponents to attack. It is most common on the backhand, but the forehand slice is useful too. First, get comfortable with the grips.
The Grip
Use the continental grip for the slice. It naturally opens the racket face slightly, which creates the backspin.
How to Hit a Backhand Slice, Step by Step
- Turn early: rotate your shoulders and take the racket up and back.
- Open the face: keep the racket face slightly open (tilted up).
- Swing high to low: move the racket from above the ball down and through it.
- Stay down: keep your knees bent and your body low through contact.
- Contact out front: meet the ball in front of your body.
- Follow through forward: finish out toward your target, not straight down, to control depth.
When to Use a Slice
- Approach shots: the low bounce sets up your move to the net.
- Defense: slice buys time when you are stretched or off balance.
- Changing pace: mix slices with topspin to disrupt your opponent’s rhythm.
- Low balls: slicing is often easier than topspin on very low shots.
Forehand Slice
The forehand slice uses the same high-to-low motion with an open face. It is handy for low balls, drop shots, and defensive gets, though most players use it less often than the backhand slice.
Common Slice Mistakes (and Fixes)
- Chopping straight down: swing forward through the ball so it does not float or sit up.
- Face too open: a huge open face makes the ball float; keep it slightly open.
- Standing tall: bend your knees and stay low through the shot.
- Contact too late: meet the ball out in front.
Drills to Practice the Slice
- Shadow swings: groove the high-to-low path with an open face.
- Feed and slice: have a partner feed to your backhand; aim to keep the ball low over the net.
- Target depth: slice to a deep zone to practice control, not just cutting the ball.
- Approach and volley: slice deep, then move in to volley.
Add the slice to your all-court game alongside the basic rules and how to play tennis for beginners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a slice in tennis?
A shot hit with backspin, made by swinging high to low with a slightly open racket face, so the ball stays low after the bounce.
What grip is used for a slice?
The continental grip, which naturally opens the face to create backspin.
Why does my slice float up?
Usually the face is too open or you are chopping down. Keep the face only slightly open and swing forward through the ball.
When should I use a slice?
For approach shots, defense, low balls, and to change pace against an opponent who likes rhythm.
Final Thoughts
The slice is a versatile, low-bouncing shot that adds control and variety. Use a continental grip, swing high to low with a slightly open face, stay low, and follow through forward. Drill it and it becomes a reliable weapon. Play your best in Olaben tennis apparel.
