Pickleball Technique Guide

How to Hit a Slice in Pickleball

A good slice is useful because it changes the ball’s spin, pace, and bounce. It is not automatically better than a drive, but it can give you more time, create a lower contact for the opponent, and change the rhythm of the rally.

Updated September 2026
Pickleball player practicing a slice shot
Useful on returnsA controlled slice can stay in the air long enough to help you move toward the kitchen while still landing deep.
Changes the bounceBackspin can keep the ball lower and alter the timing the opponent expects.
Changes the paceUseful against players who are comfortable with repeated hard shots.
Needs controlA short floating slice can be easier to attack than a simple deep return.

Why the Slice Return Can Work

The returning team wants to reach the kitchen line as efficiently as possible. A deep slice can help because it can travel with less forward speed than a hard drive while still pushing the serving team back.

The important word is deep. A slice that lands short can give the server an easy third-shot attack. Depth matters more than creating maximum spin.

Why a Lower Bounce Helps

A lower contact can make it harder for the opponent to attack down into the court. If they have to contact below net height, they usually need to lift more.

Backspin can also change the timing of the bounce. But the exact bounce depends on the ball, court surface, pace, and amount of spin, so do not expect every slice to “skid” the same way.

How to Hit the Slice

  • Prepare early enough to create space from your body.
  • Contact the ball in front when possible.
  • Keep the paddle face stable rather than snapping the wrist at the last second.
  • Move forward through the ball while creating the high-to-low component that produces backspin.
  • Finish balanced enough to recover for the next shot.
Avoid chopping straight down. You still need forward energy. Too much downward motion often creates a floating short ball or a ball in the net.

Forehand Slice vs. Backhand Slice

Many players find the backhand slice more natural because a Continental-style grip can place the paddle face in a comfortable position. The forehand slice may require a small grip adjustment depending on the player's normal forehand grip.

There is no need to force the exact same grip for everyone. The goal is a stable paddle face and repeatable contact.

Can You Hit a Slice Serve?

Yes, as long as the serve itself meets the current legal serve requirements. Spin can change the flight and bounce, but placement is still the priority.

Instead of chasing an ace, use the serve to make the return uncomfortable: wide, into the body, or toward a weaker contact point.

When the Slice Is a Good Choice

Return of serveWhen you can keep it deep and use the extra time to move forward.
Wide defensive ballWhen a controlled slice is easier than forcing a drive while stretched.
Change of paceWhen opponents are comfortable with predictable speed.
Approach / transitionWhen the slice stays low enough to improve your next position.

Common Slice Mistakes

  • Trying to create spin only with the wrist.
  • Chopping down with almost no forward movement.
  • Letting the ball get too close to the body.
  • Focusing on spin and forgetting depth.
  • Using the slice automatically even when a simple drive, drop, or neutral ball would be better.

Final Thoughts

The slice is valuable because it gives opponents a different ball to solve. Use it to create depth, lower contact, variation, and time—not just to create spin for the sake of spin.

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