Slice and Backspin (Pickleball)
Also known as: pickleball slice, pickleball backspin, chip return pickleball, slice return pickleball, backspin dink, slice drop shot, underspin pickleball
A slice puts backspin on the ball by brushing high to low under it with a slightly open face. In pickleball it is used for chip returns, slice drops and backspin dinks. It keeps the ball low and skidding after the bounce, but avoid it on high balls you could attack.
Start with a short backswing and the paddle face slightly open. Move the paddle forward and a little downward through the back of the ball. Keep the wrist firm and finish toward the target, not straight down. Backspin holds the ball up a little in the air. After it lands, it stays low or skids. The motion is compact, closer to a block than a full tennis slice.
Three uses come up most. A chip return lets you take the serve early and move forward behind it. A slice drop can float softly into the kitchen and die after the bounce. A backspin dink stays low and makes the opponent lift the ball. Many players also slice on the backhand when they are stretched wide or rushed.
Slice has limits. Backspin is easy to read and floats if hit too hard or too high. A floating slice is a gift at the kitchen line. Topspin dips faster and suits attacking shots. Many coaches teach both and choose by height. Slice the low, awkward balls, and roll or drive the ones at or above net height.
Tips by skill level
Think "open face, short swing, finish forward." Aim the slice over the net with a small margin.
Use a slice return to reach the kitchen quickly. The low, skidding bounce gives the server less time and a harder third shot.
Example
A returner facing a deep, fast serve shortens the swing and chips a low slice to the server's backhand. The ball skids after bouncing. The server's third shot comes up high, and the returner's partner volleys it away.
Why it matters
Slice gives you a safe, low option on hard or awkward balls. Mixing it with topspin changes the bounce and keeps opponents guessing.
Common mistakes
- Chopping straight down on the ball and netting it
- Opening the face too far and floating the ball high
- Slicing a high ball that could be attacked
- Using a long, tennis-style slice swing
Frequently asked questions
Should I slice my return of serve in pickleball?
It can work well. A low, deep chip return lets you move forward quickly and keeps the bounce low for the server. Avoid slicing so high that the ball floats.
How do I hit a backspin dink in pickleball?
Open the face slightly and brush forward and a little under the ball with a short, firm stroke. The ball stays low and makes the opponent lift it.
When should I use slice instead of topspin in pickleball?
Slice suits low or awkward balls and returns. Topspin suits balls at or above net height that you can attack.
Related terms
- Return DepthReturn depth means hitting the serve return deep, near the opponent's baseline. That makes it harder for them to approach the kitchen line comfortably before the third shot.
- Third-Shot DropThe third-shot drop is a soft, arcing shot hit from the baseline that lands in the opponent's kitchen — forcing them to hit upward and giving the serving team time to advance safely to the kitchen line.
- DinkA dink is a soft, controlled shot hit from near the kitchen line. It arcs just over the net and lands in the opponent's kitchen, forcing them to hit upward and preventing an aggressive return.
- Topspin DinkA topspin dink adds forward spin to a kitchen-line dink so it dips quickly after crossing the net and kicks up on the bounce. This makes it harder to reset cleanly.
- Chip ReturnA chip return uses a short, compact slice motion to redirect a fast serve back low and controlled, prioritizing consistency over pace.
- Roll ShotA roll shot is a groundstroke or mid-court shot hit with heavy topspin. It dips sharply at an advancing opponent's feet, preventing a clean reset.
Related guides & benchmarks
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