If you’ve played pickleball long enough, you’ve likely faced the dreaded slice shot—the one that skids low, spins unpredictably, and seems designed specifically to make you look foolish.
The slice shot is a tool many experienced players use to disrupt rhythm and force mistakes. The good news? You can learn to neutralize it—and even turn it to your advantage. Let’s break it down and get you confidently handling slices like a pro.
What Makes a Slice So Difficult to Return?
A slice shot occurs when a player cuts under the ball, producing backspin. This creates two key challenges for the receiver:
1. The Ball Tends to Stay Higher Off the Bounce
Unlike topspin shots, which drive the ball forward and cause it to dip after bouncing, a slice shot with backspin can make the ball sit up slightly after the bounce. If the slice is well-executed and hit low, it can still skid, but it generally doesn’t drive forward the way a topspin shot does.
2. The Ball Moves Laterally
A slice doesn’t just affect height—it also affects direction. Depending on whether the slice was hit with a forehand or backhand, the ball will have some side spin, which alters its trajectory:
- A forehand slice (from a right-handed player) often curves to your right.
- A backhand slice (from a right-handed player) often curves to your left.
If you misjudge the bounce or don’t account for the spin, you’ll either mistime your shot or find yourself out of position. So, how do you adjust?
Step 1: Recognizing the Slice Before It Bounces
Before the ball even reaches you, start reading the shot:
- Watch your opponent’s paddle – If they carve under the ball with a downward slicing motion, expect a slice.
- Check the flight path – A sliced ball often has a slightly floating trajectory compared to a flatter, faster shot.
- Prepare for the bounce – Unlike topspin, which dips forward, a slice may sit up slightly or move sideways, requiring quick adjustments.
Check out this quick video that breaks down how a slice ball bounces and the best way to adjust your positioning for a solid return:
Key Tip: Don’t commit too early! Many players move before seeing how the ball reacts off the bounce. Wait, adjust, then react.
Step 2: Adjust Your Footwork and Positioning
Returning a slice isn’t just about how you swing—it’s also about how you position yourself.
- Stay on your toes. If you’re flat-footed, a slice will catch you off guard. Keep a light, athletic stance so you can adjust quickly.
- Move to the ball, don’t wait for it. If you let a slice come to you, it will likely skid out of reach. Instead, take a step forward and intercept it before it moves away.
- Give yourself space. A slice can either “jump” toward you or away from you. If it’s jamming you, take a step back. If it’s skipping away, step into it early.
Key Tip: Think of cutting off the ball’s escape route—if you move toward the slice, you stop it before it has a chance to veer too far off course.
Step 3: Selecting the Right Return Shot
So you’ve read the spin, adjusted your position—now, what shot should you hit?
Beginner Approach: Keep It Simple
If you’re still getting used to handling slices, the goal is just to get the ball back effectively.
✅ Push the ball back. Don’t overcomplicate things—just guide the ball with a controlled, compact swing.
✅ Hit deep to the middle. Keeping your return in play buys you time to recover and prepare for the next shot.
✅ Stay low and steady. Since the slice stays low, bend your knees and match its height—otherwise, you’ll pop it up or send it into the net.
Intermediate Approach: Add Placement and Spin
Once you’re comfortable returning slices, you can start dictating the pace of the rally.
✅ Hit a controlled flat drive. Driving through the ball helps neutralize the backspin.
✅ Drop the ball softly. If you’re returning a deep slice, a controlled drop shot can take the pace off and bring your opponent forward.
✅ Adjust your paddle angle. If the slice is spinning sideways, angle your paddle slightly against the spin to keep your return straight.
Advanced Approach: Turn Defense into Offense
If you want to attack a slice, you need to use its spin to your advantage.
✅ Use topspin to counter backspin. A slice is already spinning backward, which means a topspin return will reverse the spin and create a nasty, dipping shot.
✅ Drive the ball aggressively. If the slice sits up slightly, attack with a forehand drive to put pressure on your opponent.
✅ Drop & attack. If the ball is deep, return a controlled drop shot, then be ready to pounce on a weak reply.
Pro Tip: If the slice is fast and deep, don’t try to overpower it—return it at 60-70% power to stay in control and avoid hitting out.
When to Return a Slice with a Slice
Sometimes, the best way to handle a slice is to slice it right back! This can be a smart move when:
✅ The ball is low and deep – Trying to drive or topspin a skidding slice can be risky. A slice return keeps it under control.
✅ You need time to reset – Slicing it back slows the game down and lets you recover.
✅ You want to keep the ball low – A well-placed slice makes it harder for your opponent to attack.
✅ You’re creating an angle – A crosscourt slice can pull your opponent out of position.
However, don’t slice a weak or floating shot—that’s your chance to attack with a drive or topspin return. Also, if you need to speed up the rally or put pressure on your opponent, a slice return may give them too much time to react. Choose wisely!
4 Very Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced players struggle with slices if they make these errors:
❌ Waiting too long to react. The more time you give the slice to move, the harder it is to return. Move toward the ball!
❌ Swinging too hard. A rushed, aggressive swing against a slice often results in mishits or pop-ups. Stay smooth and controlled.
❌ Standing too upright. If you don’t lower your stance, you’ll struggle to make clean contact with the ball.
❌ Ignoring the sideways movement. Always account for the lateral spin when positioning yourself for a return.
Take Control of the Slice!
Returning a slice shot in pickleball doesn’t have to be a nightmare. If you learn to read the spin, adjust your position, and select the right return, you’ll stop getting fooled by skidding shots and start playing with confidence.
Next time someone throws a slice at you, remember:
✅ Move forward, don’t wait!
✅ Stay low and balanced!
✅ Choose control over power!
So go out there, practice these techniques, and start slicing the slicers right back!
