At what age should I start teaching the slice backhand?

Players can begin learning the basic slice motion from around age 10-11, once they have a reliable continental grip from serving. Start with simple hand-fed drills before progressing to rally situations. The slice is actually easier to learn than a topspin backhand for many young players because the swing path is more natural and requires less wrist strength.

My player's slice keeps floating high - what is the quickest fix?

The most common cause of a floating slice is insufficient forward extension through the ball. Have the player imagine pushing the racket toward the far fence after contact rather than chopping down. A useful drill is to place a cone two metres in front of the player's contact point and ask them to swing through toward the cone. This promotes the forward element of the swing that produces penetration.

Should the slice backhand replace the topspin backhand?

Absolutely not. The slice is an addition to the player's toolkit, not a replacement. The goal is a player who can choose between topspin and slice based on the tactical situation. Players who rely exclusively on the slice become predictable and lose the ability to drive through the court when opportunities arise. Aim for both shots to be reliable and deployable under pressure.

How do I use the slice backhand in doubles?

The slice backhand is extremely valuable in doubles, particularly on the return of serve. A low, cross-court slice return dips below the net player's reach and forces the serving team to hit up on their next shot. It is also effective as an approach shot when moving to the net, keeping the ball low and giving the opposing team less time to set up a passing shot.

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Stay ahead of the game with the latest coaching insights, training methodologies, and expert analysis.

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Groundstrokes

The Slice Backhand: A Tactical Weapon for Every Level

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Tennis Coaching Trends

Tennis Coaching Trends

Tiebreak Tactics: Coaching Players to Win the Big Points

Serve Plus One: Winning the Point With Your Second Shot

The Attacking Return of Serve: Winning the Point Before It Starts

Grass Court Tactics: Adapting to Tennis's Fastest Surface

Clay Court Mastery: Sliding, Patience, and Constructing Points

The Slice Backhand: A Tactical Weapon for Every Level

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