Many recreational and league players already know how to slice the ball, but only a small percentage know how to use it correctly. Rather, they just slice it whenever they feel like it, which probably does work sometimes. What those players don’t know, however, is that there are times when it is the optimal shot to use, and then there are times when it is the worst.
These are the most common singles and doubles situations in which you should slice:
When changing the pace
During fast and furious topspin rallies is a great time to throw in a deep, low slice at your opponent’s feet. The ball will be slower and have lots of spin and a low bounce, giving you a little time to snag some oxygen and get back into position. More often than not, a rec player (especially lower level) will also return with slice, giving you another second or two more to figure out your next plan of attack.
When transitioning from the baseline to the net
If you’ve got an opponent who camps out at the baseline because they hate coming in to the net, force them in with a low, mid-court slice or drop shot. Be sure and follow it in because they will be hustling to get it. Unless your opponent is Roger or Serena, the return will likely be a high ball with little or no pace… perfect pickings for your killer angled volley!
When blocking back a hard serve
Sometimes you get a rocket serve and have no time for a proper backswing for a topspin return, putting you in defensive mode right off the bat. That’s the perfect time to use the pace from the serve and, with a shorter backswing, block the ball back with a slice deep into the court. To keep it as low as possible, make sure you don’t open your racquet face too much.
Don’t stay where you are, and watch your ball to see if it’s going deep. Get back into position as quickly as possible while watching your opponent. If they stay back, you know the return will be a groundie. If they are moving forward with their racquet at or above their shoulder, your return is short, and they will attack it, and you will need to be ready to defend as best as you can. Blocking back with a deep (the key word is: DEEP) slice keeps you in the point and allows you to get into offensive mode.
When you notice your opponent has difficulty returning it
Many lower-level rec players don’t like the slice. Typically, they wait for every ball to come to them after it bounces, and the bounce from a slice is already low. By the time it does get to them, they can’t get under it to hit a topspin or even flat groundie, so they typically slice it back high and with little pace. Lower-level players rarely run around the ball, so they slice away at their backhand. More often than not, the return will be a floater or shallow lob, so be ready to move forward and be aggressive with either your overhead or swinging volley if it’s mid-court or angled volley if it’s closer to the net.
Tips for when you do slice:
- Be mindful of your grip changes. You do not want to change your grip to continental at the last minute, as that could lead to a bad shot and a possible winner return for your opponent.
- Bend your knees for optimal control.
- Keep your racquet face open and get it up so you can bring it down and brush under the ball as you push forward and through it.
- Remember the technical differences of each type of slice (deep, mid-court, and drop-shot), most importantly, the differences in backswing for each, and how much and how quickly you will need to open your racquet face.
- Practice all the different slices from different parts of the court with a ball machine and/or in your practice matches. This will not only help you perfect your shot execution, but it will also help you build muscle memory so you will be better prepared to use them well when it counts.
Of course, you can use the slice at almost any time. The type you choose just depends on what your strategy or goal is. Be that as it may, a slice can also set you up for failure.
When you should NOT slice:
- When you are away from the net and the ball is at or above your shoulder.
- When you are at or behind the baseline, NEVER attempt a drop shot – unless you are Roger Federer. Dropshots require time to prepare and finesse to execute well; if a bullet is coming at you, you have neither. If you must slice from back there, keep it low and aim deep – at least mid-court, but preferably near the baseline.
- When you are on your back foot and can’t transfer your weight forward
- When your opponent is at the net. This one is pretty obvious, but sometimes players think they can still get one past their opponent. Slices tend to float, so you must be very cautious here. The only slice you should use in this situation is the slice lob.
These are just some tips to consider when using the slice. Practice and try them out in a match, and then come back and tell us how they worked!
