How to Hit a Slice Backhand in Tennis: Step-by-Step Guide
How do you hit a slice backhand in tennis? The slice is one of the most useful shots in the game. It keeps the ball low, buys you time when you are stretched, changes the rhythm of a rally and sets up approaches to the net. Players with a one-handed or a two-handed backhand can both use it.
This guide explains when to use a slice, how to hit it step by step, the most common mistakes and drills to make it reliable.
What is a slice backhand?
A slice is hit with backspin: the racket moves from high to low under the ball, so the ball spins backwards. Backspin makes the ball travel lower over the net and stay low after the bounce, especially on hard courts.
Our article on why spin matters in tennis explains the physics behind it.
When to use the slice
On defence. When you are pulled wide or late, a slice is easier to hit than a full topspin backhand and gives you time to recover.
To change the pace. A slow, low slice breaks the rhythm of an opponent who likes fast, high balls.
Against high balls to the backhand. A slice can be easier than a topspin drive when the ball bounces above your shoulder.
As an approach shot. A low, deep slice forces your opponent to hit up, which gives you an easier volley.
On the return. A short slice backswing helps against fast serves.
How to hit a slice backhand, step by step
1. Use a continental grip
Hold the racket with a continental grip, the same grip used for the serve and the volley. It opens the racket face slightly, which makes backspin natural. Our guide to the proper tennis grip shows how to find it.
2. Turn your shoulders early
As soon as you see the ball coming to your backhand, turn your shoulders so your back is partly towards the net. Two-handed players can use their non-hitting hand to support the racket at the throat during the turn, then release it.
3. Take the racket back high
Prepare with the racket head above the height of the ball, around shoulder height, with the face slightly open. A high preparation is what lets you swing from high to low.
4. Step in and swing high to low
Step towards the ball with your front foot. Swing forward and slightly down, through the back of the ball, keeping the racket face slightly open. Think "forward through the ball" more than "down": a swing that chops straight down sends the ball into the net or pops it up.
5. Make contact in front, at your side
Meet the ball a little in front of your front foot, at the side of your body. Keep your wrist firm and your head still at contact.
6. Finish long and low
Let the racket continue towards your target, finishing at around chest height with the arm extended. Your non-hitting arm can move back slightly behind you, which helps keep your shoulders sideways and balanced.
Common slice backhand mistakes
Chopping down too steeply. The ball floats up or drops into the net. Swing forward through the ball.
Starting the swing too low. Without a high preparation, you cannot create backspin.
A loose wrist. The ball goes in unpredictable directions. Keep the wrist firm through contact.
Opening the shoulders too early. You lose control. Stay sideways until after contact.
Hitting it too short. A short slice sits up for your opponent. Aim deep.
Drills to practise your slice
Mini-tennis slice. Rally from the service line using only slices, focusing on a smooth high-to-low swing.
Depth targets. Place a towel or cones deep in the court and aim your slices past the service line.
Slice and approach. Your partner feeds a short ball to your backhand; slice it deep and move forward to volley.
Alternating backhands. If you have a two-handed backhand, alternate one topspin backhand and one slice to practise switching grips.
A ball machine is also useful for grooving the movement with repetition. See our guide to tennis ball machines in Singapore.
Slice and the rest of your backhand
The slice works best alongside a solid topspin backhand, so you can choose the right shot for each ball. Our guide to backhand basics covers the one-handed and two-handed backhand in more detail.
Frequently asked questions
Can I hit a slice with a two-handed backhand?
Yes. Most two-handed players hit the slice with one hand, releasing the non-hitting hand during the swing.
Why does my slice float?
Usually because the racket face is too open or the swing goes too steeply down. Swing more forward through the ball and keep the face only slightly open.
Is the slice a defensive shot?
It can be both. It is very useful on defence, but a low, deep slice is also an effective approach shot.
What grip should I use for a slice?
A continental grip, the same grip as for the serve and the volley.
Learn the slice with a coach
The slice is a feel shot, and it is much easier to learn with someone watching your racket face and swing path. Our certified coaches can teach you the slice in a private or small-group lesson, at your condominium or on a court near you. You can see our current rates on the lessons and fees page.
WhatsApp Vincent on +65 8615 7235 or send us a message through our contact form.
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