I want to hear from you right below the video in the Comments area of this post.
What’s your #1 most important question that you want me to answer about your forehand slice groundstroke???
I’m putting the final touches on a new updated mini course for this shot and I need to hear from you so that I make sure this course is answering everything about the slice forehand groundstroke.
Watch this short video first and then let me know in The Comments area.
Thanks in advance. Have a great day out there today 
OK, what’s your #1 most important question you’ve got for me about your slice forehand groundie?
Type it into the Comments area below …
Getting the slice deep in the court…I have used the slice as going short and wide and then rush the net with mixed results. Also I have used the slice in doubles for lack of confidence in putting away a “sitter” with a topspin winner
Morning Ian.
Thanks for your feedback.
Got it. Developing the deep placement is important for sure, but the overall success strategy of the forehand slice as an approach requires that you can mix in different depths.
Sounds like you’ve got the short and mid depth slices working OK at this point.
Brent
Brent,
Good reminder. My forehand slice works well but I don’t use it enough. I’d like to have a backhand slice like Roger F.
I use a slice forehand occsionally but seem to be too casual with my footwork when I do, resulting in more errors (from me), particularly since my net clearance (margin of error) is less with a slice.
I do agree with you that a slice forehand is a wonderful tool and fortunately I have one, be it not a superb one. I need to work on it, in order to create a faster, more deep and low staying slice shot. Normally I play, most of the shots, topspin or with some topspin, but I like to throw in some slice shots. However, I must say, that many of the elderly players are having not so much trouble on these slice shots, as most of them play slice shots all the time. So many of them can handle my slice (forehand) shots rather well. Unfortunately.
Thanks, Casey
HI Brent
I have been working on this shot as well as a slice backhand for the last 2 years , just to give my opponent a different look at the ball
I know that such a high percentage of errors are made on direction change, so if I am in a rally with an opponent I would rather vary spin and height than direction, waiting for my opponent to get impatient before me and make that unforced error.
The issue of course is the margin for error on slice is so much finer over the net than a top spin shot. You also need to dial back the power, which is in itself not a bad thing as it disrupts the other players timing as well. This is certainly a finesse shot. I sometimes like to deliberately hit it short to force those guys who want to play the horizontal game, and draw them into the net where they dont want to play, and where I think I can win most of the time.
When in a rally might be the suitable time / location to try this shot?
Hey Greg.
Good question about when to use this shot.
I use the slice initially if the incoming shot dictates that a slice is a higher percentage shot as opposed to a flat or topspin drive.
But after that, you’re totally right in mixing in different looks with spins and depths to create that uneasy “gotta go for it” response from your opponent.
I don’t have a specific with in the rally when I’ll go slice as opposed to something else.
One point it might be early and the next point might be later.
The key is to keep your opponent guessing as to what’s coming next …
Brent
Thanks Brent. Biggest issue for me on both slides with the slice is extending through the ball to keep it deep. Otherwise, short slice does not really accomplish the goal unless you are trying to draw the player in. Also might address use of the slice, both sides, in doubles.
Good feedback John. Thanks …
Seems like the issue of being able to control deep depth is a challenge for a lot of us.
OK, I’ll make sure I spend plenty of time on it.
Brent
I have a forehand slice, but need to know the mechanics for driving a forehand slice deep into the court. I’m often hitting the ball too shallow when I don’t mean to, and I don’t know how to fix that.
Hey Marty.
Wow, I’m not looking ahead in the comments, just going one at a time, and controlling the deep depth is question #1 so far.
Thanks.
Brent
No I do not have a sliced forehand shot. I have tried it a few times but usually hit it in the net. I can see the value of adding this shot to my repertoire.
Hi Skip.
Right. There is massive value in owning a controllable slice forehand.
Look for this new mini course in a few days.
Brent
I have a decent forehand slice, use it often as a short approach shot when opponent is deep. What I’d REALLY like to see is: #1 a segment on one handed backhand return of serve, primarily for doubles (but singles as well), #2 developing a good 2nd serve (I have a good 1st serve, but no confidence in my 2nd, usually serve up a “cream puff” which good opponents tee off on. Thanks Brent, I enjoy your tips.
Hey Patrick.
Outstanding feedback – thanks.
Those issues you bring up are for different mini courses.
Duly noted …
Thanks.
Brent
I tried to master the forehand slice with a contenintal grip, but could never really “get” the grip change from my eastern forehand grip (for topspin) to the contenintal grip for slice. SO, I practiced hitting slice with my eastern forehand grip and that actually works pretty well for me. Currently, I usually only hit the forehand slice as an approach shot, but I can see the advantage of mixing it in more often as a regular groundstroke. I couldn’t tell if you were changing grips between hitting topspin and slice or not. Didn’t look like it, but it was hard to tell for sure.
Hey Terry.
My staple “ready position” grip (don’t know what I’ll be getting next from my opponent) is a continental grip because that grip is used for so many other shots than just a standard eastern grip topspin forehand drive.
One if the big problems with all of the talk of “topspin” is players tend to use an eastern forehand grip or worse, a version of the western grip, as their “ready position” grip.
And once that happens, it makes very tough to go continental if you want to play a slice forehand or backhand slice, drop shot, approach shot, etc.
I’ll further address this issue in the mini course.
Brent
Brent – You’re the expert, but I’d like to disagree (at least for me). Even though I only use the semi-western forehand grip for flat/topspin forehands and use the continental for everything else (except for fudging slightly over for a topspin backhand), my ready position is the semi-western forehand grip on the theory that if I get a forehand serve or groundstroke I’ll have less time to switch to the forehand grip where if I get a backhand, I’ll have the use of my left (non-dominant) hand to take the racket back for a backhand while switching grips to a backhand grip.
I really appreciate this response to Terry. I can’t tell you how many times I have played my first volley, after charging up there, right into the tape, and then realized that I had forgotten to change my grip from EFH on the way!
Hi Brent,
It’s friggin cold down here in southern CA today too!
While I have a reliable slice backhand, I have problems with the ball floating on the forehand side – and the depth is erratic. How do I fix those issues?
Hey Keith – stay warm bro!
The mini course will show you how to “drive” the slice forehand so that it doesn’t float and sit up.
Brent
I hit the ball fairly flat and have always used the forehand slice mainly as an approach. Where I get into trouble is when I try a soft low forehand slice in doubles from the add side. It often gets poached. I am probably showing it too soon.
Is the grip the reason that this stroke as an approach has virtually disappeared in the pro. game?
Hey Bob.
Good feedback on how the slice forehand gets you into trouble from the ad court in doubles.
If it’s getting poached, I’d suggest you try to play it as a true approach slice rather than a slice groundie where you stay back.
Since the contact point is a hair later than a standard flat or toper drive, doubles opponents might have enough time to read it and move into the middle.’
Commit to a full on forehand slice approach with your feet moving through the shot and let’s see what happens.
Good topic for the mini course. Thanks …
Brent
I can hit a forehand slice, but it is far from good. My default stroke type is top spin.
I would like to improve my FH slice in general, but especially I would like to learn/improve a FH defensive stretch slice (squash like shot)
Hey Steven.
Right – that out wide forehand defensive slice is so valuable to have.
I’ll show you exactly how to play it inside the mini course.
Thanks for your feedback.
Brent
I have the forehand slice and I’m working hard on increasing the consistency of my slice drives. I’m using the forehand slice and drop shot effectively in doubles as a setup shot. However, it often results in either a winner or an unforced error from them, so sometimes my partner doesn’t get his setup (smile). Rec level players don’t anticipate these shot selections as most do not know what their role is so they can anticipate their opponent if their opponent knows his role (which most do not anyway IMHO).
Your full course has been very helpful on both the backhand and slice drives. I pay a lot of attention to the path of the ball after the bounce to match my shot selection and ball path. Of course, I do make some efforts to space for the ball path I would like so I can hit my preferred ball selection for that moment in time.
The first problem I had to overcome was being uncomfortable due to grip tension and nervousness. The problem I have worked on recently, fairly effectively, is matching my grip to my swing height so I get a good skid. I have also experimented with the eastern grips and varying my swing height based on how open my racquet face is on contact. I have concluded that the continental grip is my best choice, which also links to other benefits, for those slices.
I thought you made a very good suggestion on the backhand slice drive on the starting take back of the racquet for appropriate racquet height coming into the contact zone.
RS – good feedback.
Glad you’re enjoying those courses and getting so much detailed help.
Brent
I’ve been trying to implement a slice forehand, and the shot seems to fail when 1) I pop the ball up – which I believe comes from too steep of a swing path; and then 2) I swing too softly in attempt to not pop it up, and the ball just sits there for my opponent. I need help here mentally. It might help seeing you hit with both correct and poor form, showing the results.
Also, I’d love to develop a good slice return of serve. Does this stroke differ much from the ground stroke? Again, I pop it up and/or my grip is so tight that the ball comes back with no pace/depth.
Hi Tom.
Popping up the forehand slice to where it just floats and then just sits up over there is a major problem for just about everyone.
In fact, it may be the #1 reason players abandon it.
The stroke doesn’t differ from a topspin drive in that you can effectively disguise it with the same looking set up.
But after that, yes, there are a couple of differences that have to be deployed in order to impart the type of spin and control that you want.
I’ll cover this in the mini course.
Brent
Hi Brent, every now and then I remember to use it either when I’m strtched on my forehand and also to hit a ball deep down the line into the backhand of the oponent. When I manage to have the ball not bounce, I can always rush to net because most oponents my age (64) tend to spoon a deep ball on the abackhand.
Good thing you brought it up, I will start using it more often.
Un abrazo y Felices Fiestas
Ricardo
Hola Ricardo …
Good feedback in that the forehand slice can be used really well as an approach volley.
Slightly shorter swing path than a slice groundie, but the principles are all there.
Brent
Brent:
I purchased your previous Forehand Slice Ground Stroke course and it has given me the opportunity to vary my game. I like using it when I am hitting the ball early or on the rise, as an approach shot, or as a drop shot. I like playing on top of the baseline or sometimes inside of the baseline to take time away from my opponent. Top Spin is nice, but slice gives me the opportunity to not only stay in the point but dictate the point.
Thanks,
I’m a lefty with a lot of confidence in my backhand slice, but have never been able to develop the same level of control and consistency in the forehand slice. I use a forehand slice but usually only when put on the defensive by my opponent and I cannot get a good swing at a topspin or flat stroke. What do I need to do to develop control and consistency in the forehand slice so that it becomes a confident stroke?
I do have a slice on the FH side which I initially decided to develop for the sake of variety and because I thought it would be cool to play it. As a result I learned to play a drop shot on the FH side and to return serves on that side with minimal back swing. For me, keeping the ball on the green (now mostly blue) stuff off of short balls, especially above my waist, using my TS forehand motion was always a bit of a challenge. The slice allowed me to play low approach shots into the corners with confidence, with footwork moving forward. And I find that when playing very short balls that bounce in the service box in various situations the slice mechanics offer a very good opportunity to use deception and skid the ball out of reach. And on a couple of occasions when stretched out on the FH side I have been able to play a so-called squash shot aggressively because I am used to the grip and the mechanics.
Yes, I have a solid forehand slice. I use it mostly for approach shots, service returns in doubles, and for that wide shot that I can’t reach well enough to hit a flat or topspin return. Sometimes, like on approach shots or service returns (which are almost always an approach shot for me), I’ll sometimes not only slice, but if I have time, add some sidespin (right to left racket motion). Although I hit forehands with a semi-western grip for topspin and some flat, I switch to a continental for slice, defensive lobs (which are also typically sliced), and drop shots.
I typically employ the slice forehand on shots hit to me wide and deep, almost like a squash shot, as a means of gaining time and court position recovery.
When I hit slice forehands on deep sitters, i tend to hip it too short, as others have mentioned here. I could use help on that shot.
For short sitters, I have moved away from slice forehands as I tend to float them long or wide with insufficient pace…
At age 77, I find I’m using this short more and more, probably because my topspin forehand has slowed down and also because it requires less preparation time for setup and less effort to hit. It developed easily from a slice approach by simply hitting it from deeper and deeper positions. It’s also more adaptable for incoming balls above the waist. My problem with it is occasionally (okay, not so occasionally) getting too much slice, which slows the shot down and may take it into the net. I think this comes from starting with the racquet too high and not hitting through the ball. What do you think?
Great instruction Brent; I look forward to every one.
Hi Brent, i have a good slice forehand and backhand. I used them to change the tempo of the game, to make my opponent to hit the ball on my strike zone, and i can punish him with my forehand, and finish at the if i have to. I often use the slice vs players who has a extreme grip, they don’t like the low ball.
Tell me what i am doing is correct?
Thanks,
Dimitri
Brent
Using a continental grip, on low balls ,it is delightful to drive a low slice deep to the
backhand corner that hooks out of court after the bounce .
Only for drop shots. I will have to take some lessons on it.
I’d also get a kick out of learning more about the “squash shot”. Seems the one yer using in the video is more “sidespin”. With my wrist, slice is *all* I have now on the forehand, so I’ve developed a few versions, but have never gotten around to fiddling with the full-out squash shot. Have often wondered if it requires a move to a full eastern backhand grip (past continental).
Hi, Brent. I have a forehand slice that I use whenever my regular forehand goes off the rails (which unfortunately it often does, but that’s another story…) I’m pretty comfortable with the slice. My main problem is that I waste energy berating myself for using it – it’s not a shot I choose so much as default to.
The question I have is, how does my slice look to my opponent? I tend to get erratic shots back from them, but I don’t know why. If someone hits with extreme topspin, what will they tend to do with my shot, as opposed to someone who hits flat or has a slice themselves? Since I’m usually busy berating myself, I’d like to know what to pay attention to across the net and what to expect in response.
I learned to play on clay in the late ’50s, so slice was the thing. Now my opponents call me “tricky” since the slice forehand skitters away low, not what the topspinners are expecting. It’s a great shot when doing the “Rafa” is too tiring or you are off-balance and stretching.
Never having had lessons I do not know the different grips by name so actually seeing the grips up close would help me . I do not have a forehand slice shot but I do have a backhand slice my husband always complains about when I use it. I am really looking forward to your video on this shot.
Go, Bobbie!
Hi Brent,
As always, good advice on an important stroke! I notice that for this to work well for me I have to use patience and wait for the right amount of pace from my opponent before hitting the slice forehand so as to be able to keep the ball deep and low on my return. I prefer to hit it from about the baseline area
to alter the pace and tempo of a rally. It is even more effective late in a match when an opponent is a bit tired and you can see they don’t want to bend low to get to the skidding balls.
Happy Holidays to you and yours,
Daniel
Great for you Brent.
So many players and coaches don’t use or teach the forehand slice. It is such a neutralizing shot when you are deep or wide in the court and especially when approaching the net. The slice is awesome for keeping the ball low to make your opponent hit up to you. Actually the shorter and lower the slice approach shot – it now become a “chip” shot because of the shorter depth – the better.
On higher bouncing balls I still use an eastern forehand for the slice approach shots. LIke most shots, the grip is dictated by the height of the ball.
Happy Holidays
Ken
Sincerely,
The great Ken DeHart. Really pleased to see you in the group and really appreciate your post.
Kindest Regards, Rodger
I have a very nice deep backhand slice, but only use my forehand slice to go short and wide, down the line. I see you hit your forehand slice deep and cross-court. I’m not sure I know how to do this. Thank you Brent.
This is more of a general want. I’d like a simple drill that will develop the right mechanics and rhythm. One thing that I do to improve my topspin ground strokes is to spend plenty of time inside the service box just working on getting an easy swing, loose grip, accelerating at contact and finishing over the shoulder. Part of the problem with just practicing at the baseline is that I’m overly concerned about the outcome and forget the fundamentals.
I’d like to find something similar to do with slices that make it easy to focus on the fundamentals.
Brent…. Good stuff. I enjoy slicing my approaches, especially on the forehand. I like to hit a little inside out slice which keeps the ball moving away from my opponenet and often creates a pop-up from them.
Seasons’ Best!!!
My slice is mainly a junk ball kind of trick shot with no pace. The ball kicks to the right and might be hard for a lower level player to return. I’d like to straighten it out and put some pace on it because all my friends who are 4.0s have a reliable forehand slice that skid and are hard to return.
Hi there, I could not watch the video. However, I only and only use slice forehand when I am late and can not get behind the ball for a decent top spin f/h. Abbas
I have a forehand slice and will use when I “have to” That is
1) Bullet serves to my forehand if I have set up expecting a backhand. No time to change grip to Fhand topspin.
2) Drop shots against. If I am sprinting up to net I will probably slice and continue to approach.
3) Wide forehands. Especially if I have set up a BHand to Bhand rally and my opponent hits a good down the line slice to my forehand. I really struggle to get over there and hit a topspin.
What I would like to be able to do with the slice is
1) hit an effective drop shot with it. Especially on the drop shots against if the opponent stays back.
2) mix it in with the topspin. I never think to do this. If the ball comes over to my Fhand and it is straightforward then I automatically hit a topspin. I only hit a slice when stretched out
Hi Brent,
My forehand is a topspin shot and I am used to it.
I find it difficult to hit a flat shot, even more difficult to hit a slice.
Switching from the topspin technique to the slice feels awkward but this summer I started trying.
Watching your video I can see that I don’t have the right technique because I open the racket two much, the follow through is obviously not correct and the ball goes high over the net instead of sliding over the court.
Changing the habitual motion is the most difficult part as with any other incorrect technique one has developed in tennis.
So I think that your mini course is needed because the forehand slice is often underestimated, even considered “girlish”.
Thank you.
Best regards and merry Christmas to you, your family and special greetings to your wonderful daughter ( I read her blog, you are lucky to have her) !
I like the idea of developing a slice forehand and look forward to the mini-series. One thing that would help me in learning the technique is to have a slow motion part of your demo, so I can break it down one frame at a time.
Thanks
Hi Betty,
You can install the VLC player on your computer, it’s free. Then you can play the video as slowly as you wish. You can download the demo from YouTube.
If you want exactly frame by frame you should use another software.
Cheers.
Brent: Looks like you are gettinig a good workout answering all these replies. I do LOVE the forehand slice, but about half the time I don’t quite “stick” it, i.e., keep it low and firm. I pay attention to a somewhat firm wrist, use a slice grip which is just a bit (10% angle) forward at the bottom, and try to make contact in the center of the racquet strings, maybe even slightly below an inch or so. The last thing I am trying to do is, though using the fairly firm wrist, try to get a little “snap” into the contact, almost a kind of “whip” of the forearm (hope this doesn’t make me sound totally nuts in my approach). Anyway, if I make the hit in the right part of the racquet, it goes very nicely, in direction and speed. I wish, however, that I could make the hit the same way every time…as you seem to do. Thanks for any advice, in advance.
Brent, I have been trying to develop a forehand as well as a backhand slice. I have a very good forehand and backhand top spin, but when I try the slice, I have very little control and when I use it it, it doesn’t flow naturally. It seems very awkward.
How important is shoulder turn…or lack thereof?
Bret, Use the forehand slice to save short ball and wide balls I can’t get around. Never thought to use it as a groundie.
In the last year or so, my forehand slice has developed into a decent weapon for vertical and horizontal uses. My clubmates hate to see it coming at them because it has even more spin than my backhand slice and tends to stay even lower. With a textured stringset, a heavily sliced ball can literally rise over the net, then die as it skids in the deep court. Of course, I’ve also developed a significant topspin to mix it up.
What really helped me “get it” as far as developing an aggressive slice was using an heavy resistance exercise band locked high in a door jam. Then I’d do 25 repeats of an open stance forehand slice shot, watching an imaginary ball come to my imaginary racket. It’s important to keep the angle of your grip even thru the stroke. Then repeat with backhand slice. Then move the band to the bottom of the door jam and repeat for topspin for both forehand and backhand. Then do a flat set with the band in the middle of the door. If you have a two handed topspin and flat, do that. Slice pretty much requires one hand. The reps really help strengthen AND train muscle memory off the court for faster learning on the court.
I also find that a quick warm up on the Club’s exercise equipment doing a similar exercise to be very useful in quickly moving into game mode when stepping on to the court. 30 or 35 lbs in the cable weight machine set with a high then low pulley works fine for me. I started at less weight.
It also should be noted how proper opposite arm movement, tucking the opposite elbow around your side during the stroke allows one move up to higher and higher resistance bands and/or weight as it properly moves the shoulder during the stroke. This translates into more power for your strokes while leaving your racket arm to focus more on control.
Brent,
Looking forward to the mini course. I have a basic version of the shot that I have used primarily as a DTL approach shot. I would like to learn how to use the shot to return high kicking topspin serves to the FH side, how to hit the out wide to the FH side squash shot, and techniques to develop better depth and directional control.
Thanks,
Brent…. I THINK my initial comment was lost.
I too enjoy slicing forehands. I especially enjoy the inside-out fade so that the ball continues to slide away from my opponent when it hits the court. It also tends to stay a little lower causing my opponent to “hit up” to me as I close in to the net.
In the intro. Video it looks like there is a lot of wrist action at contact. I have always tried to keep the wrist firm and locked at contact- is this correct??
I don’t have a very good slice forehand. My backhand slice is much better than my forehand. I definitely need to develop the forehand slice to give my opponents a different look off of the forehand side. What is the best drill that I can use to develope this stroke?
For the double the best shot is a hit to the back hand of oponent and your partner will finish. It doesn’t meter what shot you use
Hi Bret,
I’ve taken your course on approach shots that has helped me develop a reasonably accurate slice approach. I find it a very valuable shot especially if the ball is high (and yes I know I should probably hustle to get the ball earlier…) I find it a much harder shot to execute once the ball is below the plane of the net however. Am I right that this is a shot that should not be done below hip level or is there a trick to giving the ball enough rise to get it over the net… My slice shots have a very flat trajectory.
Ted
I am left handed and so use the fore hand slice especially on returning a kick serve or when the serve is wide.. My weakness is adding power and so my opponent has time to consturct his next shot. I have played against a very few players who use the forehand slice all the time – they hit hard and the ball is low. Mine is not that good. So I want to know how to keep it low and deep and low a wide.
Hi Brent,
I’ve never been taught a forehand slice, so don’t know proper technique to use it. Decision of when to use it offensively would also allude me. I have however sliced the forehand as a desperation shot to stay in the point when pulled wide or scrambling to reach a short ball. Topspin is my go-to. Would like more variety to keep ‘em guessing. Wondering when the slice forehand would be of value for doubles.
Thanks,
Margie
Margie, I think the forehand slice is great for a return of serve or an approach shot in doubles because it keeps the ball low and forces the opponent to pop it up when they are able to get a racket on it. The winners that elude their rackets are quite satisfying, too. A pro at a neighboring club tells her players to pretend they are scooping ice cream to learn a forehand slice. You can drop shot with it; you can slice it sharply cross court; or you can slice it deep. In singles you can slice it down the line. I learned a forehand slice because I could never get the timing right for a crisp forehand topspin shot. If you have already mastered topspin, having a forehand slice would be wonderful for you. Some balls that come to you are more easily hit with slice than with topspin and you would constantly keep your opponents guessing. Be brave and just get out there and play with the shot. You will be amazed at how quickly you can learn it. If you’ve every sliced a ball in ping pong, it is exactly the same.
Hi Brent
Just back from a very bracing two sets of singles under the lights at my home club Duffus in Cupar, Scotland. Temperature was 42° with strong winds but still managed to enjoy even though I lost 7:6 7:5. Point being we both had to adapt our games to suit the tricky conditions and the forehand slice was a really key shot in the wind. With the right timing I can drive the ball flat and straight to the target and the wind doesn’t seem to interfere with the ball as much as it does with topspin shots. Can also disguise the drop shot more easily if shaping up to hit a slice. I just need to remember to play the F slice without chopping art the ball.
Cheers
Brent, Not sure if I would necessarily agree with you that the slow forehand slice down the middle is the best shot to play. Re Brian Brothers FYB video If you softly hit the ball with top spin at the net man opposite then it should leave your partner with a poaching opportunity. Trick is to agree what shot you are going to play when in this one up and one back situation.
Tell us when to use it to best advantage.
Tell us the path and plane of the racquet, angle of the face, and if we keep the angle constant,
or turn the face “under” the ball ending with the face nearly flat on a horizontal plane.
Is this the shot promised a few days ago ??
Brent,
I agree that far too many younger players have no slice or if they do it is as a last resort. I use both a regular slice and an inside out slice depending on where my opponent is or in doubles to take the ball away from the net player. This combines with my highly effective drop shot that you can disguise as a regular sliced shot. The key is to follow through enough so that it does not sail with no penetration. The true slice shot as you mention keeps the ball low which is much tougher for the heavy top spin players (as they many times dump it into the net or can’t get as much topspin on it so they sail it long.
My slice forehand works as a drop shot, or as the “squash shot” when rushed & in trouble. The most effective use is as approach down the line. It squirts off the court at bounce. I was taught to step forward with rt foot & slide the racquet from outside rt to inside to enhance the sidespin. I’m rt handed & fairly tall so the ball gets good rotation. Nice info, keep up the good work.
I started racquet sports with racquetball, and for some reason, feel very comfortable with inside-out slice forehands. Seem that from deep in the court, you can still drive it well (especially if the ball is low), and that makes a good counter-point for top spin. I also like a backhand drop slice, but am not so likely to hit it deep, nor short with forehand slice. I probably ought to work on enabling all targets from both sides. Thanks for your perspectives.
what grip and what position should wrist be in?
First of all, great topic, most of us know it is easier to backhand punch, slice than on the forehand. So, when I use the forehand slice it is usually on a high, quick bouncing return that potentially can get by me. And, yes, dropping the ball either cross court or alley is another reason I go to it when the ball is out front. What I see as the biggest problem with the forehand slice is too much wrist, almost making it a gimmick shot rather than a ligit repeatable stroke.
Hi Brent, I think that I have a good forehand slice shot. You’re right a slice moves through the air on a lower trajectory than a topspin forehand. I use a continental grip (old style player) with long stokes but not loopy (both forehand and backhand). From trying to teach the slice shot to my high school students and find that the two impediments are 1) changing the grip from western to continental and 2) having them change their contact point farther out in front. Most of the time, players think that the slice is like a drop shot, short and sitting up after the bounce rather than just a lower trajectory ball that actually moves through the air more quickly but with a bit of backspin and sidespin than a high bouncing topspin ball. The western grip really allows players to hit the ball later and closer in to their body. In your video, I’d like to see a bit less talk and more shot examples (but the information you give is fantastic!!) with different views of the same shot. Also, many of my players don’t see the forehand slice as a weapon – they use it more as defense. But then, that’s why I can beat them with shot variety!! Thanks for the lesson. Jim S.
My father taught me how to slice from either side, and it has become my backhand shot of choice. I like to hit forehand slice on those balls that bounce high, especially the short ones that can be angled deep. Throw in an occasional drop shot and it can really throw an opponent off. I’d like to learn how to better disguise the drop shot off the forehand slice. Thanks! Chris B.
Can you speak about why use the slice FH when pulled out wide as opposed to using topspin.
Concur that a slice is a good tool, too many people only use depth and right or left without spin.I use it whenever it is doable , also not enough people use the drop shot, it is a very good tool
Hi, ho, Brent,
Me again. You have such a sweet control of the fore and backhand slice when you hit to your opponents backcourt. The rhythm is a joy to watch. A couple of things. I would love to see you execute, while rallying a touch drop shot, both cross and down the line to show how much control there is with the slice and the timing, specially how much more forward the cross drop needs to be hit, and how much further back the down the line drop needs to be timed. Another really important slice is against a really fast forceful serve from your opponent. You can get much closer to receive the ball, in front of the base line against a big server because you don´t have to have a backswing as you would with a normal top or flat return. Again, more control in placement across court and down line also using his power rifles it back. Would you please show your followers how this could be easily hit and controlled? It can make a big difference, specially in a follow into the net and the pressure it causes. Just a couple of thoughts for your new class. Best always, David
I use with great effect the slice drop shot mainly when the wind is hitting my face.
Most rec players have great difficulity in running in and controlling the shot, if on the odd occasion they
make the shot it is normally a poor one and waiting to be put away.
I do try to use the forehand slice, mainly to get my opponent to hit up. But i would like to be able to hit it better and more consistent.
Brent, I should add that I’m increasingly becoming more effective hitting slice drives with a continental grip off the forehand wing and a grip half way between continental and eastern backhand off the backhand wing. I tend to prefer a grip change vs a swing change for disguise purposes on the backhand side. (still remember that grips can be a solution!)
I also start with a continental grip and go from there since I’m often on or on front of the baseline AND also have learned how to rotate the grip on the forehand side without using the non-dominant hand…a maneuver Jim M. taught me.
Rodger
I never developed a slice forhand always tried to top the ball. I have used it but not with a lot of success. When and where is the best times to hit the slice? always from the base line or as an approach. I would like to see several different ways and times on the court to use it. I play with 2 guys that hit everything slice and there about as accurate as I am with top spin.
Hi Brent…I don’t yet have a slice forehand. I’m still working on developing a reliable topspin forehand. My biggest problem is that I am often too close to the ball to get good topspin. So I’m particularly interested that you said the slice forehand does not require such exact spacing. Honestly, I didn’t even realize what a weapon a slice forehand could be.
just curious, Brent, does Mai own that shot as well? mostly only old guys know or value the forehand slice (us and BJK). is it hard to get young people to even practice this?
I have a forehand drop shot, but do not use a forehand slice. My tennis partners have great feet and are always coming in on me and moving close to the net.
My strength is my forehand and I can place it on either side of the court and I try to hit it deep to either corner to keep them away from the net.
My opponents constantly play my backhand and so I just switched from a one-handed to a two-handed backhand. I still do hit a one-handed backhand slice and it is my bread and butter shot on that wing. However I like to mix it with backhand drives so that is where I slice the ball so as to a give a different look with them because I am playing defense.
When I get a short ball I sometimes hit a fairly flat forehand slice for an approach shot because it bounces lower than a flat or topspin forehand.
When pulled wide to the forehand at the baseline I often hit a slice but it frequently doesn’t move through the court enough and sits up, giving my opponent time to choose where to hit his shot. I’d like to get more penetration on that kind of running forehand slice.
When running in on a drop shot I miss my shot most of the time if I slice it.
I can hit a reasonable slice forehand from anywhere on the court. My only issue with it is that I need to let the contact point drift a bit more into me (less far forward than usual) if I want the spin to bite enough to satisfy me. I want the ball to skip through low. I like to use it if I’ve managed to get a really good crosscourt backhand and have the guy wide. Then the slice out wide to the forehand. Staying low, it gives him little time to get to it, and he has to generate almost all his own juice once he gets there. So, what’s the problem. Some people are not fat and slow (qualities I love in opponents). If somebody is lightning quick and strong, the ball is still going to come back. All I get is a defensible position closer to net, and I have to put away an angle volley off a hard attempt at a pass. The only “big” advantage is that there is a limit to the topspin the guy can generate off a really low ball. He can topspin it for sure, but not the sort of killer spin you’d expect from a higher ball. My angled volley is not legendary, so I don’t love that option—but I try it. Sometimes I actually put away the angle volley. Sometimes the guy nets his attempt to pass (I just love that part).
Hi Brent,
Love your videos!
I agree that the forehand slice is a great tool or weapon, however one day I was using it a lot while playing doubles and my partner (after he noticed me using it), discourage me that it was not as effective as flat shot or top spin forehand shot. I stopped using it but I disagreed with his advice. Thoughts?
Lynn
Hi Brent,
Love your video on this! Typically, I only use it primarily as an approach shot because it is difficult for me to hit it with much depth (agree with most responses here). But it is definitely a great shot when you can hit it with some power and depth. I have a partner (plays at a 3.5 level same as me) that basically hits EVERYTHING with a hard slice (forehand, backhand, EVERYTHING). While I think that is a liability for him, having that shot that skips off the court as if the ball is dead would be great to mix into my repertoire.
Thanks,
Paul
Hey, Brent! How to make a deep slice consistently low (half of my slices has rainbow shape) and how to get short slice? Thanks!
Dear Brent,
I do not have a slice-forehand-baseline stroke .
I use a slice forehand sometimes, when I get a short ball ,like a badly executed drop shot
to my forehand,and my opponent stays back at the baseline,then I hit a slice forehand as a
counter drop shot ,which usually works quite effectively.
I can make a forehand slice. My problem is closing the racket head too much (keeping it too much horizontally). I can see from your video that when you hit the ball you open up somewhat which seems to make a fine controlled stroke. Right?
To be honest, my slice occurs often by virtue of my own laziness with my grip change. My brain often stops as I focus on the incoming ball, and by the time I need to produce the stroke, the ball in upon me and I slap out the slice. It often lands short and my partner tries to lung at it. He thinks it’s a signature shot of mine, but really, is being produced out of indecision.
Brent,
I’m so glad someone with authority is speaking about this highly underrated and sadly underrrused shot. When I first picked up a racquet, it was the era of Margaret Court and Billie Jean King and others who used the forehand slice liberally, especially as an approach shot. So, naturally, I developed this shot early in my playing career, and despite spending the past 20 years developing a decent topspin forehand using an eastern to semi-western grip, my go-to shot still remains the slice, even on the forehand side.
First, as someone who learned the game using a continental grip, and whose volleys have year-in and year-out been my best shots, the slice forehand has been a natural supplement to help create opportunities for me to use my favorite weapons. Apart from running my opponent deep into a corner or pushing him out wide to set up an approach, I find that even from a “neutral” position I can drive a slice forehand deep to his backhand (especially against one-handed opponents) and get a pretty darn good look at a volley, as he is hurrying to get his feet and racquet prepared for the skidding ball that is going to get to him more quickly than my topspin shot would. In addition, even if he does get prepared on time, he’s got to deal with a ball that is 6 – 12 inches off the ground, fast and heavy. Threading the needle with a passing-shot attempt off of the deep forehand slice is dicey, at best.
Also, there are times when I might try the serve-and-volley play, but my opponent hits a good short dipper return that lands well inside the service line, so that I canot get there to volley it before the bounce. Rather than half-volley that ball and potentially give him a nice sitter to crush, I can stop my forward movement, take a step back and use the slice forehand to drive the ball deep into a corner or even hit a chip wide or a drop shot. Having those three options off of what my opponent surely thought was a great return is invaluable.
In short, I cannot imagine tennis with my forehand slice. But I’m sure a few of my regular opponents would like for me to try doing without it once in a while.
)
-Don Rutledge, Durham, NC
Good grief. I meant to write, “In short, I cannot imagine tennis WITHOUT my forehand slice.” Okay, much better.
No questions, I use this Underspin Shot quite frecuently. I do switch to Continental, I love this Underspin, low bouncing shot. Ideal for Drop Shots, adding a bit of Basquet action, caressing the ball and always with a disguise. Thank you Brent
Brent—-show in a top spin rally how you go to the forehand slice—for me i hit it like a volley (elbow in to my side) and really use my leg drive to drive it deep….i d like to see your technique from the side view. that would show your footwork and stroke dynamic (and stroke length) and of course a good slice forehand leads to……..?….a great disguised dropper!!
—-ok, and maybe show the way the young pros use it when they are pulled wide and cant hit topspin..this is a common shot on tour that young kids/ and stubburn adults dont wan’t to admit they need in their bag.
when is a good time to use it playing at the college or 5.0 level – seems like most guys are teeing off on most fhs and it’s really only as a bail out shot (pulled wide) or an occasional drop shot off a shorter ball. best, matt
Brent, For my 2 cents, although I doubt you will even get a chance to read these comments, what with all the good feedback you have received!
#1 other than grips which are such personal matters, and ingrained parts of ones arsenal, I use continental for all strokes, I feel both the Eastern & Continental work just fine; where as the Western & Semi Western are “sonde slech” sp! Having all the tools of the trade in your tool shed can only make you a more complete as well competitive animal! As Tilden alluded having a solid & complete base to work from gives the masterful player a viable myriad of options at ones disposal/ and makes for an interesting game.
#2 I believe a discussion of backspin/slice especially on the FH requires a look at stroke production- back swing, follow through & foot work- closed stance ( or at the least semi-open ) as opposed to a fully open stance? Both of these become critical for a biting and deeply penetrating shot from behind the baseline! As well the high shots to ones FH, most players would fare well or at least better by applying backspin ( if they have that shot and a modicum of confidence ) rather than attempt topspin, especially on this flank
to control such a high hit shot- strength being of major concern, & control the ball deep or short back into their opponents court.
#3 having these fundamentals in ones arsenal, opens up a plethora of exciting options in ones game- approach shots, a drop shot both GS as well as volley ( and along these lines ) Deception!, Suppleness & control in close proximity to the net… Finally, advanced return of serve technique on both first & second returns, also applying a return of second serve as an attaching approach shot- are you listening Federer!!!
Brent, Good luck with your slice/backspin ( FH especially) presentation, I will be looking foreward to your insightful comments.
Phil
Hey Brent, my question is:
Is it possible to disguise my forehand slice and make it look like I’m hitting a regular forehand?
I took lessons and lesson from some really good people but never a slice
forehand. My backhand slice is one of weapons but the other side is no good.
They(my instructors) never taught me the forehand. I just started to use it but is
far from decent
Thanks
I only use the forehand slice in two instances..1st, as a defensive shot when Im on the run,,,2nd..if i am approaching the net and am inside the box, i might hit a low slice..that’s about it
Hi Brett,
Being brought up playing a lot of grass-court tennis is was mandatory to develop a good control of the slice whether it was on the forehand or the backhand side.Having a slice shot also opened up the possibilities of going inside the ball to impart side spin which added to the slice’s potency making it slide away in a curving manner once it hit the court. Also slice was very much part of the physics of a volley so the leading edge was always in front of the body. I use the slice also to create the surprise drop shot where the ball gains a reverse spin which makes it drop quicker once it clears the net. Tony Roche, one of the all-time greats when it came to volleying and the use o the slice, always used the analogy of slicing cheese when explaining how to slice the shot and i found that gives it even more control.
Brent, Hi:
With regard to a topspin forehand, will you please share your set up routine. Specifically how to you align to the oncoming ball and what spacing / distance considerations do you keep in mind in your set up?
Hello Brent,
noI do not have a proper forehand slice shot. When is the appropriate time to play the shot?
Than you for a good video clip.
regards,
Heikki
I use a semi western grip, cannot at all get any pace with control on either a forehand slice drive or a forehand drop shot, these are the only things missing in my arsenal
Hi from frosty and snowy Moscow, Brent!
Thanx for new instruction. I have a hunch that this kind of shot is not used often.
Forehand is more frequently used for a drop shot.
I have it in my arsenal but practically not using it at all. I think it’s obsolete…
I only have a forehand slice. I only play doubles and my slice forehand is my forehand return of serve after which invariably I “chip & charge” to take the net. I would like to make it a more penetrating shot.
I should add that another major advantage of having the forehand slice is that it so easily transitions to the volley, with no change in grip. In fact,, if you’re having any difficulty at all hitting your forehand volley, and particularly those pesky high ones, I’d recommend working on your forehand slice from the baseline. I simply makes sense, as Brent has pointed out, to use your full arsenal of shots, and to neglect this basic tool is to rob yourself of multiple options. The fact that it is a bit easier to execute when not in perfect position in relation to the ball is also a boon, particularly for some among us who are challenged physically or do not move all that quickly or, as in my case, have long arms that I seem to have trouble getting out of the way of.
i’ve never tried it but i’d love to learn it.
The only time I use a forehand slice is when I’m late to the ball and it’s slightly past me – it’s the only way I can get my racket on the ball. otherwise I hit flat or topspin. I do use a slice for drop shots, but those normally land in the net, so they probably don’t count….
Brent , thank you for all the great advice ,,
I use a forehand slice when I close on a short ball ,
I usually , change my grip by shortening the grip by 2 to 3
Inches and use a backhand grip by going over the top of ball and clipping
ball downward as I slowly move forward into the court ,
If all goes well ? After the ball clears the net , it will usually skip 6 to 8 inches to the
Right ,and , 4 or 5 inches off the surface of the court ,
It works best if I get a sitter ,,,
If my opponent hits a hard top spin to my feet the grip has to be
Continental and the slice I.e. racket head needs to move parallel to the
Court surface and as the ball hits the strings the racket needs
To move backwards in the same direction as where the ball came from ,
This will slow the ball down , but just enough to ( hopefully ) clear the
Net on the return shot. When the ball hits the surface of the court it will
Skip forward towards the oppponents racket and he will hit it up for the
Put away ,
It is a much more difficult shot than a
Backhand slice because with the backhand slice the racket continues in the same direction , but under the ball and forward ,
You need to practice this about 1000 times slowly on the wall before you
Take it to the court .
Once mastered thought ,, you can pick up a point now and then ,
Hello sir,
i really liked this video and i think it is very useful. I usually use forehand slice when approaching the net and i really like doing it,also when playing serve and volley.
Greetings from Serbia!
Hello Brent,
I apologize for my delayed reaction…
First of all I agree that slice shots (forehand or backhand) are the most versatile shots in this game.
They are easy to disguise (short or long, cross or down the line, or even lobs).
Therefore, why don’t I use the slice more? and choose instead to scramble for uncomfortable flats or topspins which only turn out to be rather weak under real pressure…
Possibly because there where I come from, mainly the forehand slice tends to be regarded as a shameful coward’s shot?…
And to tell you the whole thing… I used to get beaten by this dinker who was never ashamed to hit slow bubbles, semi-lobs, in return when under pressure… so I only ended up going for winners 5-10 inches wide… hrhrhrh!!! Then, trying to come up with a better plan, I seriously considered forehand slices to be the so much needed solution (so I could hide up to the impact the direction of my ball).
Anyway, once again you clarify it for me: forehand slice is a valuable weapon, may seem an easy one but if do not use it and improve it… then I just won’t own it.
Thanks to you, from now on I’m going to add this useful shot to my game.
All the best,
Daniel
My ball machine practice is paying off, especially when I mix in a bit of spacing as you suggested Brent and a variety of positions to place the ball machine on the court. Today I talked Stan into shadow doubles. It was amazing how much easier it was for me to hit setup shots, half volleys, and forehand/backhand slice skidders…he struggled to keep anything in play (he’s one of the guys that use to shred me) All of these strokes are showing strong improvement for me, so 2013 should be my “best of my art” year.
One of my friends let me coach his young son today. I just explained one thing to him…balance and to focus on moving with his feet and legs, and avoid bending over as much as possible. He was smiling when I left and giving his Dad a harder time.
Just saw a replay of V. Williams v. Niculescu. Niculescu hit many slice forehands from the backcourt. More than any other pro I’ve seen recently. Drew a few unforced errors but mostly V handled them well. Also unusual was V tapping serves in. Looked slower than any serve I’ve ever seen from a pro but Niculescu couldn’t hurt V with her returns – either slice or topspin. V won 2 & 3.
I use the forehand slice mostly only if I have no other choice ,
as for example a high bouncing to the outside ball.
I not feel comfortable with the Slice on low balls.
I have a forehand slice which I sometimes use to approach the net when I get a short ball.How do you put more under spin on the forehand slice to make the ball skid lower?
I do have a forehand slice. I use it for drop shots, for angled short cross court shots, for defensive serve returns and when I’m jammed or pulled wide. I also use it playing less experienced club players who don’t know how to handle spin.
However, my slice lacks power–especially on the forehand side. So my number one question is how to hit with more depth, more bite on the slice.
I think I can help you there, Diana, as I’ve been employing this shot from the very first moment I took up the game, and it was a staple of my aggressive all-court game in college and remains so today, at 54 years young, playing younger, quicker men on composition courts. There are four things you need to do, and two that you need to avoid doing, in order to get the pace and “bite” or skid-through that you ant on your forehand slice drive. And these are:
MUST DO:
1. You must plant your anchor leg (right foot for righties, left for lefties) and step strong off of that base as you lean into the shot at contact. Over time, you’ll learn to move or almost walk right through the shot, but making sure you’ve executed the stroke before you go sprinting toward the net.
2. You must square up those shoulders to your contact point. If you make contact with too open a stance or when your shoulders have already come around, the face of your racquet will open too much and/or you will be hitting with your arm only, and the result will likely be a floater with little pace and no bite.
3. You must keep a firm wrist throughout the stroke; do not let it get floppy.
4. Drive through the contact point with a flattened swing path and extend your hand out toward your target.
MUST NOT DO:
1. Do NOT use too much wrist to try to get that extra. Much like the forehand volley, you do not want to “cup” the ball at contact too much or “chop” it with too much of a downward motion. You must drive through the contact point with quite a flat swing path.
2. Avoid swing ACROSS your body too much on the follow through. This will, like the “cup” or “chop” produce too much spin and an open racquet face, and will take away the pace and bite of this shot. It will also make it more difficult to follow this shot to the net.
I think these tips will send you on your way to a penetrating, devastating forehand slice drive, Diana. Let me know how it works out for you.
-Don (aka Slice-n-Dice on tennis.com blogs)
Hi Brent
I have an inconsistent FH slice. I use it sometimes for net approach instead of regular topspin, and when I’m pushed wide as a defense shot.. In the first case, my depth is not reliable, so I use it only somtimes. rom the backcourt, consistency and depth are issues, so generally I don’t slice my fh except in the first 2 cases.
Thanx for all your tips and your job, and happy new year from France
Thanks for the heads up on the slice forehand. 75 yrs old and have been playing for over 50 yrs. Had the traditional back fence front fence, linear stroke with little or no spin. Backhand was sliced or flat. Fairly easy to be proficient, but no slice forehand. This game translated into get it back and run. Now have a more modern game. Top spin forehand and backhand, using an eastern grip. Never had a slice forehand, and didn’t consider it until I saw Clisters bring it on the scene. Been fooling around with it in doubles, but not perfected enough to use it in singles. I look forward to seeing your take on breaking it down.
Thank you very much for your perceptive insight to our wonderful game, and your gift for teaching. Good luck to you and your wife in your upcoming tournaments.
Respectfully, Fred Simoneau