Forehand Slice (Chip Forehand)
Also known as: forehand slice, slice forehand, chip forehand, sliced forehand, forehand chip, slicing my forehand
Slice your forehand when you are stretched wide, when the ball is very low, or when you want a low approach or a drop shot. Use a continental grip and swing high to low with an open face. Keep topspin as your main forehand and use the slice as a change-up.
A forehand slice, or chip forehand, is a forehand hit with backspin. The swing goes from high to low with a slightly open racquet face. The ball stays low and skids after the bounce. It is less common than the backhand slice, but it is a useful tool.
Use it in a few spots. On a wide ball where you cannot set up, it keeps you in the point. On a very low ball, it lets you stay down and control the shot. As an approach shot, a low slice makes the opponent hit up to you at the net. It also sets up a forehand drop shot, which uses the same swing.
Switch to a continental grip. Turn your shoulders and set the racquet above the ball. Swing down and through, and keep the face steady through contact. Finish out toward the target, not across your body. Keep the swing short. A big, chopping swing pops the ball up.
Tips by skill level
Rally from the service line using only forehand slices. Keep the ball low over the net and the swing short.
Mix a forehand slice into baseline rallies to break the opponent's rhythm. Follow a low slice approach to the net.
Example
Pulled wide on her forehand, she cannot set up for topspin. She chips a low forehand slice crosscourt. It skids, and the opponent has to lift the next ball.
Why it matters
A forehand slice gives you a way to defend and to change pace. It also makes your drop shot harder to read.
Common mistakes
- Chopping down steeply so the ball floats up
- Keeping a topspin grip, which closes the face
- Using slice when the ball sits up for an attack
- Taking a long backswing that ruins timing
Frequently asked questions
When should I slice my forehand?
When you are stretched wide, when the ball is very low, or when you want a low approach or a drop shot. Keep topspin as your main forehand.
What grip do I use for a forehand slice?
A continental grip. It opens the racquet face enough to cut under the ball and keep it low.
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 SliceTo 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Drop ShotA drop shot is a soft groundstroke or volley meant to die just over the net. It draws the opponent in from the baseline to win the point with touch.
Related guides & benchmarks
Put this into practice
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