Handling a Low Slice
Also known as: returning a low slice, return a low slice, playing against slice, playing against a slicer, low skidding slice, against someone who slices everything
Against a low slice, move in early, get low with your legs and shorten your backswing. The ball skids and stays low. Lift it with a steeper low-to-high swing and aim higher over the net, usually crosscourt. You can also slice it back. Do not try to rip it flat.
A good slice has backspin. On fast courts and grass it tends to skid after the bounce and stay low. On clay it may slow down and sit up more. It also takes pace out of the rally. You have to create your own pace from below the height of the net. Many players wait for it to sit up. It does not. Others try to hit it hard and flat into the net.
Read it early. A high-to-low swing from the opponent with an open face means slice. Move forward to meet the ball before it dies. Get down with your knees, keep the head level and use a compact backswing. Start the racquet below the ball and swing up more steeply to add topspin. Aim crosscourt over the lower middle of the net, with extra height. Hit firmly but not at full pace.
You have three good replies. Lift it deep with topspin, slice it back to neutralise, or use it as an approach and come to the net. A low slice to a two-handed backhand is a common pattern. Many two-handers find low, wide balls awkward. Moving the feet early and bending lower is the usual answer. Against a player who slices everything, expect long rallies and stay patient. High, heavy topspin to their backhand helps. A high ball is hard to slice well.
Tips by skill level
Ask a partner to slice to you. Move in, bend your knees and swing up through the ball, aiming deep crosscourt with plenty of net clearance.
Use the slice's lack of pace. Take a compact swing on a low, skidding ball and add spin, not speed. Then attack the next, higher ball.
Example
Her opponent keeps slicing low to her two-handed backhand, and she keeps netting it. She starts moving forward earlier, bending lower and swinging up more steeply crosscourt with extra net clearance. The rallies turn back in her favour.
Why it matters
A low slice forces you to hit up and create your own pace. Handling it well takes away a common club tactic.
Common mistakes
- Waiting for the slice to bounce up
- Trying to hit it hard and flat
- Bending at the waist instead of the knees
- Aiming low over the net
Frequently asked questions
How do I return a low slice in tennis?
Move forward early, bend your knees and shorten your backswing. Swing up more steeply to lift the ball and aim crosscourt with extra net clearance. Slicing it back is also a good option.
Why do I keep hitting slice into the net?
A slice stays low after the bounce. Players often wait for it to rise or swing too flat. Get lower with your legs, start the racquet below the ball and aim higher over the net.
How do you beat someone who slices everything?
Stay patient, move in early and keep bending low. Lift the low balls crosscourt with topspin, and send high, heavy balls to the slicer's backhand. A high ball is hard to slice well.
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.
- 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.
- Low Balls (Groundstrokes)To hit low balls, bend your knees and widen your stance to get down to the ball instead of bending at the waist. Swing more steeply from low to high with a vertical or slightly open racquet face, and aim higher over the net. Stay down through contact.
- Two-Handed BackhandA two-handed backhand places both hands on the grip, with the non-dominant hand providing additional stability, power, and disguise through contact.
- Chip ReturnA chip return uses a short, compact slice motion to redirect a fast serve back low and controlled, prioritizing consistency over pace.
- Anticipation and Reaction TimeAnticipation is reading cues in an opponent's preparation, body, and court position before contact. Moving early buys more time than reaction speed alone.
Related guides & benchmarks
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