Let’s talk about one of those pieces of advice you may have heard floating around the pickleball world: “If your opponent gives you a sliced ball, always drive it.” Sounds bold. Sounds aggressive. But is it actually good advice?
The short answer? Sometimes yes, but definitely not always. Let’s break it down and make this decision easier for your next match.
Why Some People Say You Should Always Drive a Slice
There’s actually a solid reason behind this advice. When your opponent hits a slice (backspin), the ball tends to stay low after the bounce. If you try to hit a soft drop shot, that backspin can make it dip too quickly or skid off the bounce, causing errors like popping it up or dumping it into the net.
By driving through the ball—especially with a flat or topspin drive—you essentially neutralize that spin. A firm drive can overpower the backspin, give your opponent less time to react, and potentially force a weaker return.
In short: Driving a slice can be a safe, confident way to take control of the point.
But Here’s the Problem With “Always”
As with most things in pickleball, saying you should always drive a slice is too simplistic.
Let’s say your opponent gives you a deep, heavy slice return that barely gets off the ground. Trying to drive that can backfire quickly. You’re swinging up at a low ball, and that puts the net and unforced errors squarely in your path.
Or maybe you’re in doubles and your opponents are both already at the kitchen. Driving into two prepared net players could just hand them an easy counter-attack. Sometimes a well-placed drop is exactly what you need to reset and move up.
Not every sliced ball is driveable. And not every situation calls for a drive.
So What Should You Do?
Here’s how we recommend approaching it:
1. Assess the Height and Depth
- Is the sliced ball shallow or floating a bit high? That’s a green light. Step in, stay low, and drive it hard.
- Is it low and deep, skidding at your feet? Think twice. A controlled drop might be the smarter play.
2. Consider Where Your Opponents Are
- Are they still moving or caught in transition? Drive that ball and follow it in.
- Are they camped out at the kitchen? A soft drop could force them to hit up or give you time to join them at the net.
3. Know Your Own Comfort Zone
- If you haven’t practiced drops off a spinning ball, yes, driving might be safer.
- But don’t avoid learning how to drop a slice. It’s a skill that pays off in the long run.
4. Mix It Up
If you always drive a sliced ball, smart opponents will catch on. Mix in drops, rolls, or even slice it back to keep them guessing.
Quick Comparison: Drive vs. Drop on a Sliced Ball
| Situation | Recommended Response | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Slice is shallow and sits up | Drive | High contact point allows pressure and pace |
| Slice is deep and skidding | Drop | Safer shot with more control and margin |
| Opponent in transition | Drive | Forces weaker reply, opens attack opportunity |
| Opponents set at the net | Drop | Soft shot resets the point and buys time |
| You’re out of position or late | Drop or soft reset | Helps recover without risking unforced error |
| You need to surprise or change tempo | Mix drive and drop | Keeps opponents guessing, disrupts rhythm |
Singles vs. Doubles: It Matters
In singles, driving a slice is often your best bet. You’re trying to keep pressure on your opponent, hit passing shots, and you don’t have two people at the net to worry about. The pace and positioning advantage usually make the drive the higher-percentage play.
But in doubles, especially after the return of serve, the game is often about resetting and getting to the kitchen. That might mean choosing a drop over a drive, especially if the slice is deep and nasty.
What This Means for Your Game
So, should you always drive a sliced ball?
Nope. But should you often drive it, especially if it’s sitting up? Absolutely.
Think of it like this: slicing is a tactic meant to make your life harder. Your job is to read the bounce, know your options, and pick the right shot. Sometimes that’s a ripper down the middle. Other times, it’s a smart little drop that resets the point.
Learn both. Use both. And don’t let anyone tell you there’s only one right answer.
