Slice is one of the most versatile shots in tennis.
While modern tennis is dominated by topspin, every professional player relies on slice at different moments during a match. A well-executed slice can slow the pace of a rally, keep the ball low, force an opponent out of position or buy valuable recovery time.
Roger Federer, Ashleigh Barty and Stefanos Tsitsipas are just a few players who have used the slice to great effect throughout their careers.
Understanding slice helps explain why tennis isn’t simply about hitting the ball as hard as possible. Often, changing the spin is the smartest play.
Quick Answer
A slice is a shot that puts backspin on the tennis ball.
Instead of rotating forwards like a topspin shot, the ball spins backwards as it travels through the air. This causes it to float slightly, stay low after bouncing and often skid through the court.
Players most commonly use slice on the backhand, although forehand slices are also possible.
How Does Slice Work?
A slice is created by brushing underneath the ball with a slightly downward racquet path.
This produces backspin, meaning the ball rotates backwards as it travels towards the opponent.
Unlike topspin, which pulls the ball down quickly, slice causes the ball to travel on a flatter, slower trajectory before staying low after the bounce.
Because of this low bounce, opponents often have to hit the ball from below net height, making attacking much more difficult.
Why Do Players Use Slice?
Slice isn’t simply a defensive shot.
Professional players use it for a variety of tactical reasons.
Keep the Ball Low
The biggest advantage of slice is the low bounce.
Many players are more comfortable hitting waist-high balls than knee-high balls. A good slice forces opponents to hit upwards, making it harder to attack.
Change the Pace
Long rallies often settle into a rhythm.
Mixing in a slice changes both the speed and spin of the ball, forcing opponents to adjust their timing.
This variation is one reason slice remains an important weapon in modern tennis.
Defend Under Pressure
When stretched wide or pushed deep behind the baseline, players often use slice to stay in the point.
The extra control makes it easier to return difficult balls while giving themselves time to recover their court position.
Approach the Net
Slice is frequently used as an approach shot.
Its low bounce makes it harder for opponents to hit aggressive passing shots, giving the attacking player a better chance of winning the point at the net.
Slice vs Topspin
Although both shots use spin, they behave very differently.
| Slice | Topspin |
|---|---|
| Backspin | Forward spin |
| Lower bounce | Higher bounce |
| Slower through the air | Faster through the air |
| Excellent for variation | Ideal for rallying |
| Often defensive or tactical | Usually aggressive and consistent |
The best players know when to use each.
Forehand Slice vs Backhand Slice
Both strokes are legal and effective, but they are used differently.
Backhand Slice
The backhand slice is one of the most common shots in tennis.
Players use it to defend, approach the net, return serve and change the pace of rallies.
Forehand Slice
Forehand slices are much less common.
They are usually played when a player is stretched wide or doesn’t have enough time to hit a normal topspin forehand.
Although used less frequently, they remain an important part of many professionals’ games.
Which Players Have Great Slice Backhands?
Several players are renowned for their slice.
Some of the best include:
- Roger Federer
- Ashleigh Barty
- Steffi Graf
- Martina Navratilova
- Stefanos Tsitsipas
These players demonstrate that slice isn’t simply a defensive shot—it can be an attacking weapon when used at the right moment.
Common Myths
“Slice is only a defensive shot.”
False.
While slice is excellent in defence, it is equally effective as an approach shot or as a way of disrupting an opponent’s rhythm.
“Slice is only used on grass.”
No.
Slice is effective on every surface, although its lower bounce is often particularly dangerous on faster courts such as grass.
“Professional players don’t use slice anymore.”
Not true.
Every professional player uses slice, even if some rely on it more than others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is slice in tennis?
Slice is a shot that puts backspin on the ball, causing it to stay low after bouncing.
Why do players hit slice?
Players use slice to defend, change the pace of rallies, approach the net and force opponents to hit difficult low balls.
Is slice better than topspin?
Neither is better.
Topspin is used more often during rallies, while slice is a tactical shot that becomes valuable in specific situations.
Can you hit a forehand slice?
Yes.
Although much less common than the backhand slice, players sometimes use a forehand slice when stretched wide or trying to keep the ball low.
Final Thoughts
Slice remains one of the most valuable shots in tennis.
While it doesn’t receive as much attention as powerful topspin groundstrokes, it gives players another way to control rallies, defend difficult situations and disrupt an opponent’s rhythm.
The greatest players don’t rely on one type of spin. They know when to use topspin, when to flatten the ball out, and when a well-timed slice is the smartest shot available.
Continue Reading
- The Ultimate Tennis Glossary
- Tennis Grips Explained
- How to Hold a Tennis Racquet
- Forehand Grip: Which Grip Should You Use?
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