Backhand Slice
Also known as: slice backhand, sliced backhand, backhand underspin, backhand chip, chip backhand, underspin backhand, how to hit a backhand slice
To hit a backhand slice that stays low, use a continental grip, take the racquet back above the ball and swing forward and slightly down. Keep the face a little open, meet the ball in front of the front foot and finish long toward the target. A steep chop makes the ball float.
The backhand slice is a one-handed shot hit with underspin. Even players with a two-handed backhand use it to defend, change pace, approach the net and handle low or wide balls. A good slice skids and stays low after the bounce. That forces the opponent to hit up. A poor slice floats high and sits up for an easy attack.
Use a continental grip. Turn the shoulders early and take the racquet back above the height of the ball, with the face slightly open and your other hand on the throat. Step forward with the foot on your racquet side. Swing forward and down through the ball in a long, shallow line, not a steep chop. Meet the ball in front of the front foot with the face a little open. As the hitting arm goes forward, the other arm moves back. This keeps the chest sideways. Finish long and out toward the target, with the face still slightly open.
A slice that floats usually comes from a face that is too open, a steep downward chop or late contact. Drive forward through the ball for more depth and less height. A low, skidding slice works well against two-handed backhands and on fast courts. A higher, slower slice buys time when you are stretched. When you need to pass or hit hard, topspin is usually the better choice. The slice is mainly a control and change-of-pace shot.
Tips by skill level
Stand at the service line and slice gently to a partner. Feel the racquet start above the ball and travel forward with a slightly open face. Then move back to the baseline.
Vary height and speed. A low, fast slice to a two-hander's backhand draws short replies. A high, slow one resets a point when you are stretched.
Example
Facing a hard-hitting baseliner, he mixes in a low backhand slice crosscourt. The ball skids and stays below knee height. His opponent's two-handed backhand lifts it short, and he steps in to attack the reply.
Why it matters
The backhand slice gives you a reliable way to defend, change rhythm and approach the net. A slice that stays low forces the opponent to hit up.
Common mistakes
- Chopping steeply down at the ball and making it float
- Opening the racquet face too much
- Letting the chest open to the net early instead of staying sideways
- Cutting the follow-through short instead of finishing toward the target
Frequently asked questions
How do I hit a backhand slice that stays low?
Take the racquet back above the ball and swing forward and slightly down with a continental grip. Keep the face only a little open, meet the ball in front and finish long toward the target. A steep chop or a very open face makes the ball float.
Why does my slice backhand float?
Usually the racquet face is too open, the swing chops down too steeply, or contact is late. Drive forward through the ball with a longer, flatter follow-through.
When should I use a backhand slice?
To defend wide or low balls, to change pace in a rally, to approach the net and to return big serves. Switch to topspin when you need to pass or hit hard.
Related terms
- SliceIn tennis, a slice is a backspin shot hit high-to-low through the ball, for a low, skidding bounce. A golf slice, by contrast, is a curving mishit.
- Backhand Slice GripThe backhand slice grip is usually a continental or mild eastern-backhand grip. It naturally opens the face for the high-to-low swing that makes underspin.
- Defensive SliceA defensive slice uses underspin to keep the ball low and floating with little effort. It helps an out-of-position player buy time and stay in the point.
- Chip ReturnA chip return uses a short, compact slice motion to redirect a fast serve back low and controlled, prioritizing consistency over pace.
- Approach ShotAn approach shot is struck off a short ball as the player moves toward the net, designed to put the opponent under pressure while allowing time to close into a volley position.
- One-Handed BackhandA one-handed backhand uses only the dominant hand. It gives more reach and disguise than a two-hander, but less stability against high-bouncing pace.
Related guides & benchmarks
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