Tennis Backhand Slice: 5-Step Complete Guide

The tennis backhand slice is one of the most versatile and underutilized shots in the game. When executed correctly, it skids low through the court, disrupts your opponent’s rhythm and buys critical recovery time. This guide breaks down the backhand slice in 5 clear steps — from the pivot and shoulder turn to the follow through — written by Randy Reynolds, certified tennis instructor and director of Tennis Nation at Reno Tennis Center.

The tennis backhand slice can be effectively utilized in numerous scenarios — yet it remains one of the most underused shots at the recreational level. Players use the slice to:

• Buy recovery time after being pulled wide off the court
• Keep the ball low and skidding to disrupt the opponent’s rhythm
• Change the pace during an extended rally
• Handle uncomfortable balls — especially those that are too high or too low for a topspin backhand

Step 1: Pivot and Shoulder Turn

As you turn your shoulders to prepare for the slice, transition to the continental grip. The continental is the standard for the backhand slice — it naturally allows the racquet face to open slightly at contact, creating backspin.

There is wiggle room on grip selection — several players use slight variations of the continental that feel more comfortable. But staying close to this grip will give you the most consistent results.

Step 2: The Backswing

When taking the racquet back, focus on these key checkpoints:

• L shape — dominant forearm and racquet form an L at the elbow
• Non-dominant hand holds the throat of the racquet, elbow raised up and away from the body
• Both shoulders and arms take the racquet all the way back — head behind and above shoulder height
• Racquet face slightly open on the takeback — use your hands to maintain this angle

Step 3: Step Into the Slice

With your weight loaded on your back foot and the racquet fully back, step into the ball just as you would on a one or two-handed backhand:

• Front foot angle: approximately 45 degrees — some wiggle room is fine
• Weight transfers forward into the shot as you step
• Stay turned — do not open up your shoulders prematurely

Step 4: Swing to Contact

With your weight moving forward, swing the racquet high to low to make contact. Key technical points at contact:

• Swing initiated by the shoulder — not the wrist or elbow
• Contact height: around waist high and out in front of the body (can vary)
• Swing path: very slight high to low — think hitting through the ball, not chopping down on it
• Racquet face: slightly open to neutral at contact — this imparts backspin

Pro Tip: Ball Flying Too High?

If the ball takes off high into the air after contact, the racquet face is likely too open. Try closing it slightly until the ball levels out.

Pro Tip: Ball Not Staying Low After the Bounce?

If the ball sits up after the bounce instead of skidding low, your swing path is too steep. Flatten out your angle and focus on striking through the ball at a very slight high-to-low plane.

Step 5: Follow Through

The follow through is what makes the slice smooth and consistent. After striking through the ball:

• Arms extend outward naturally as they rise — do not cut the swing short
• Stay turned — imagine you are in a freshly painted hallway and cannot touch the walls
• Non-dominant arm swings out in the opposite direction — this keeps your upper body closed
• Finish position: arms extended out in opposite directions, like holding a bucket of water in each hand

On the slice, not opening up at contact is a good thing. Staying turned through the follow through is what keeps the ball low and controlled.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Tennis Backhand Slice