Serve Return: Slice or Topspin?

When it comes to returning serves in pickleball, you might find yourself wondering which is better: slice or topspin? The answer isn’t straightforward, as both have their merits, depending on your play level, preferences, and even the opponent’s skills.

Today, we’ll break it down, provide some pro tips, and help you figure out when to whip out that perfect topspin and when to carve a slice.

Topspin vs. Slice: What’s the Big Difference?

Let’s start with a basic understanding of each type of return:

• Topspin: This is a forward rotation applied to the ball that makes it dip down into your opponent’s side of the court. It can be aggressive, especially when you want to push your opponent back.
• Slice: A slice return involves hitting under the ball, imparting backspin. It floats a bit more, allowing you time to advance to the kitchen line.

The choice often boils down to the level of play, your comfort level with each spin, and how much time you want to give yourself to reach the kitchen.

When to Use Slice

1. More Time to Get to the Net: One major advantage of the slice return is that it buys you time to move up. Since the ball is moving slower and staying low, it gives you more opportunity to position yourself effectively at the NVZ.
2. Disrupting Opponent’s Rhythm: A well-executed slice return that stays low is harder for opponents to attack, especially at lower levels of play (3.5 and under). Since the ball skids and doesn’t bounce high, many players struggle to generate offensive power off a low slice.
3. Against Heavy Topspin Serves: When you’re faced with a heavy topspin serve, returning with slice can be a way to “use their spin against them.” It allows you to place the return deep while reducing the spin effect, which can help neutralize your opponent’s attacking potential.

❗Pro Tip: When slicing, stand a couple of feet behind the baseline. This allows you more time to adjust to deeper serves and maintain balance while moving forward into the shot.

When to Use Topspin

1. Higher Skill Levels: Once you reach higher levels of play (4.0 and above), slice returns can become riskier. Skilled players often take advantage of the spin on slice returns to unleash their powerful topspin drives. A firm topspin return neutralizes the serve and makes it harder for your opponent to gain an advantage.
2. Adding Pressure: Topspin is a powerful tool for applying pressure. A well-executed topspin return, especially to your opponent’s weaker side, forces them into a defensive position. Plus, topspin helps keep your returns deep and adds a layer of unpredictability that many opponents struggle with.
3. When the Serve Allows Space: Topspin can be particularly effective on serves that give you time and space—especially forehand returns. If you have enough time to position yourself, using topspin can help control the ball’s depth and ensure a clean, aggressive return.

❗Pro Tip: For a topspin return, make sure to drop the head of your paddle and bend your knees. Exaggerate your lift and follow through—it’s all about committing to that forward motion and keeping your body low through the shot.

A Few Arguments from the Pros

1. Deep Returns Matter More Than Spin

Across the board, the consensus seems to be that depth is the key to any good return, regardless of spin. A return that lands deep in the last 18 inches of the opponent’s court keeps them pinned back and struggling to execute a quality third shot.

Depth not only buys you time to get to the kitchen but also prevents your opponent from attacking the net with ease.

2. No Single Shot is King

Pickleball players, even at higher levels, often shift between topspin, flat, and slice returns based on what they’re facing.

For example, many pros, like Ben Johns, have moved away from always slicing their backhand returns, favoring flat or topspin returns instead to avoid giving their opponents an easy third shot setup. It’s all about adaptability.

Choosing the Right Return Based on Your Skill Level

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to whether slice or topspin is better for returning serves. Here’s a summarized approach:

• Beginner to Intermediate (3.0-3.5): Slice returns can be a lifesaver here, especially against strong servers. It gives you time to set up, makes it harder for the opponent to smash back, and can be more consistent.
• Advanced Play (4.0 and above): Topspin is generally more reliable for high-level matches. The slice, unless perfectly executed low, can set your opponent up for a dangerous attack. As the game speeds up, topspin returns keep you in control and help maintain depth and consistency.

3 Pro Tips for Practice

1. Drill Consistently: Practicing both slice and topspin returns is crucial. Drill with a partner who can feed you different types of serves, focusing on consistency and depth.
2. Commit to the Shot: Whichever spin you choose, commit fully to the motion. Trying to guide the ball over the net will often lead to errors. Instead, focus on pushing your body weight into the return and follow through confidently.
3. Adapt to Your Opponent: Pay attention to how your opponent reacts to different returns. If they struggle with low slice returns, use it to your advantage. If they’re driving through your slices effortlessly, switch it up with a deep topspin shot.

Developing a Return Strategy

At the end of the day, both topspin and slice are useful tools in your return arsenal. The key is to understand which return to use when—and more importantly, to always focus on depth to ensure you maintain control of the point.

Stay low, stay balanced, and don’t overthink it! If you’re comfortable with a particular return and it works for you, lean into it. Remember, a consistent return is better than a flashy one that misses half the time. 🏓