The Backhand Slice: How to Hit It Low and Heavy
Quick answer
To hit a backhand slice, use a continental grip, prepare the racket above the ball, and swing forward first and only slightly down. Keep your wrist firm and stay sideways through contact. The most common mistake is chopping straight down, which makes the ball pop up and sit short. A good slice stays low, skids through the court, and forces your opponent to hit up.
Why the slice matters
The slice is your reset and your change of pace. It buys time when you are out of position, stays low to make your opponent hit up, and works as a low approach shot. Many players hit it with one hand even when they drive with two. If you have heavy topspin and a skidding slice, you become much harder to play.
The technique
- Grip: continental, the same knife-edge grip you use to serve and volley.
- Prepare with the racket above the contact point and your elbow bent.
- Swing forward, then slightly down. The forward drive is large, the downward angle is gentle.
- Keep your wrist firm and locked through contact so the ball does not balloon.
- Stay sideways through the whole follow through and do not peek early to see the result.
- Contact out in front, near the lead knee, and finish toward your target.
Common slice mistakes
- Chopping straight down, which pops the ball up and short. Fix: drive forward first.
- Opening the chest early, which makes it float long. Fix: stay sideways through the finish.
- A loose or flipping wrist. Fix: keep it firm and locked through the ball.
The test
A good slice skids and stays low after the bounce. If your slice pops up, you chopped down instead of driving forward.
Frequently asked
What grip should I use for a backhand slice?
The continental grip, the same one you use for serves and volleys. It gives you the open face and feel the slice needs.
Why does my slice float and sit up?
You are chopping down and opening your chest too early. Swing forward first with only a gentle downward angle, and stay sideways through the finish.
How do I keep my slice low?
Drive forward through the back of the ball with a firm wrist and a continental grip, and finish toward your target rather than cutting down.
Sources and further reading
Written by
Bolor Enkhbayar
Tennis coach and founder of CoachesNote
Bolor coaches serious juniors and adult competitors. She builds every weekly plan, reviews the video and match notes, and decides the next job, in person and remotely through CoachesNote.
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