Technique · Backhand
Slice backhand: technique, grip and when to use it
The slice backhand is hit from high to low with backspin, so the ball skids and stays low after the bounce. Even two-handed players need it: it is the shot for defence, for approaching the net and for changing the rhythm. Getting it right depends on three things: the continental grip, shoulders that stay side-on and a swing that travels forward as much as down.
Key takeaways
- Continental grip, racquet face slightly open.
- High take-back, racquet above the ball, free hand on the throat.
- Shoulders stay side-on through contact: no big rotation as on a topspin backhand.
- The swing goes forward and down: you travel through the ball instead of chopping it.
- Three uses: defending, approaching the net, breaking your opponent’s rhythm.
What is a slice backhand?
The slice backhand is hit with a slightly open racquet face on a high-to-low path. The ball spins backwards: it travels more slowly, floats a little, then stays low after the bounce. It is the opposite of topspin, which makes the ball kick up.
The slice is not only for one-handed backhand players. Two-handers let go with the non-dominant hand to play it, especially when defending on a wide ball. In his masterclass, Patrick Mouratoglou presents it as an essential shot in the modern game, provided it is properly built.
Slice backhand technique, step by step
1. The grip
Use the continental grip, as for the volley and the serve. A forehand grip or a topspin backhand grip closes the face too much and makes the slice impossible to control.
2. The preparation
Turn your shoulders early and take the racquet above the height of the ball, racquet head up, free hand on the throat. Your shoulders are perpendicular to the net, almost showing your back to the opponent.
3. Contact
The arm comes down to the ball on a forward line. Contact is made in front of the front foot, face slightly open. Keep the wrist firm: the shoulder drives the swing. The free arm goes back to balance you and keep the shoulders side-on.
4. The follow-through
The racquet keeps travelling towards the target, then rises slightly to shoulder height. Your weight moves onto the front leg. A swing that stops just after contact produces a short, floating slice that is easy to attack.
When should you use the slice backhand?
| Situation | Goal | Technical key |
|---|---|---|
| Defending a wide ball | Buy time and recover | High, deep trajectory through the middle |
| Approach shot | Low ball that forces the opponent to hit up | Long slice down the line |
| Change of pace | Break a hitter’s rhythm | Low, slow ball in the rally |
| Return of serve | Block a fast serve | Short swing, use the incoming pace |
| Drop shot | Surprise an opponent far back | Same preparation, softer touch |
The approach slice works especially well against players who like high balls: it bounces below their knees and forces them to lift the ball, which sets up your volley. The same swing is the basis of the drop shot, which makes the shot hard to read.
Common slice mistakes
- Chopping down too steeply: the ball floats, climbs and lands short.
- Opening the shoulders during contact: the ball drifts crosscourt without control.
- Late contact, level with the body: the face opens too much and the ball sails.
- Loose wrist: the strings move at impact and depth becomes random.
- Staying on the back foot: the shot lacks penetration.
Drills to improve your slice
- Mini-tennis slice: rally only with slices inside the service boxes to feel the racquet face.
- Depth lane: lay a rope or cones 1.5 m inside the baseline; every slice must land beyond it.
- Slice, approach, volley: short ball to the backhand, slice down the line, move in, volley.
- Defending on the run: the coach feeds wide to the backhand, you send back a high, deep slice through the middle and recover.
- Topspin / slice alternation: on one basket, alternate both backhands to learn to vary without losing consistency.
These routines fit into a broader plan to improve your technique, with one clear goal per session. Start each drill slowly, with a feed from the coach, then move to live rallies: the slice only becomes a real weapon once you can play it under pressure, on the run and against a ball with pace.
Work on your slice at camp on the French Riviera
Variety is one of the pillars of the Mouratoglou Method: being able to change height, speed and spin. At the Mouratoglou Academy in Biot, on the French Riviera, our coaches build the slice into real match situations: defence, approach, return. Adults work on it during the Performance Camp Adult, juniors during the Performance Camp Junior. See all our tennis camps and book online.
Ages 9–17Full daysBoarding optionPerformance Camp JuniorThe intensive camp for young players: technique, tactics, fitness and mindset, 4 players per coach.DISCOVER Frequently asked questions
Which grip should I use for a slice backhand?
The continental grip. It opens the racquet face slightly and lets you get under the ball while moving forward towards the target.
Can a two-handed player hit a slice?
Yes, and they should. Release the non-dominant hand during the take-back and hit the slice one-handed, especially in defence and on approach shots.
Why does my slice float?
The swing is too vertical or the face too open. Lengthen the swing forward, make contact in front of the front foot and keep the wrist firm.
Is the slice a defensive shot?
Not only. It is also used to approach the net and to change the pace. Deep and low, it puts real pressure on the opponent.
What is the difference between a slice and a chop?
A chop is a steeper slice with heavy backspin, used mostly close to the net or for drop shots. The baseline slice is longer and more penetrating.
