Backhand Slice
A backhand hit with a high-to-low, open-faced swing that imparts backspin, making the ball stay low after bouncing.
Definition
The backhand slice is played with an open racket face moving from high to low through contact, cutting under the ball to create backspin. The resulting shot travels on a flatter trajectory and skids or stays low on the bounce, which can disrupt an opponent's rhythm and force them to hit up on the ball.
It is a versatile tennis shot used defensively to reset a rally, as an approach shot when moving toward the net, and to change pace against heavy topspin. Players with one-handed and two-handed backhands alike use a one-handed slicing motion for it. The stroke trades power for control, spin and consistency.
Where you’ll hear “backhand slice”
Sports that use this term:
Tennis
A singles or doubles racquet sport that blends agility, strategy and stamina on court.
POP Tennis
A friendly, easy-to-learn racquet sport on a smaller court with solid paddles and a lower net.
Padel
A sociable, doubles-first racquet sport played in an enclosed court where the walls stay in play.
Explore across the knowledge base
Follow the threads that connect Backhand Slice to the rest of SocialSportHub.
Techniques
- Topspin ForehandA forehand groundstroke hit with a low-to-high swing that puts forward spin on the ball so it dips and kicks up on landing.
- One-Handed BackhandA backhand groundstroke struck with a single hand on the grip, driving through the ball with a full extension of the hitting arm.
- Volleyball SpikeA powerful attacking hit that drives the ball sharply downward over the net into the opponent's court, usually after an approach and jump.
- Padel BandejaA controlled overhead shot in padel, hit with slice and moderate pace to keep the player at the net without over-committing.
- Table Tennis Forehand DriveA controlled attacking stroke in table tennis, played on the forehand side with a compact swing and light topspin.
Equipment
- Tennis racquetA strung frame with a handle used to hit the ball in tennis.
- Pickleball paddleA solid, flat paddle used to hit the perforated plastic ball in pickleball.
- Cricket batA flat-fronted wooden bat used by batters to hit the ball in cricket.
- Squash racquetA slim strung racquet used to hit the ball against the walls in squash.
- Baseball batA smooth, rounded club used by batters to hit the pitched ball in baseball and softball.
Skills
- ReboundingThe basketball skill of gaining the ball after a missed shot.
- DiggingThe volleyball skill of controlling a hard-driven ball low to keep it in play.
- ServingThe skill of putting the ball or shuttle into play to start a point or rally.
- Ball controlThe skill of receiving and settling the ball quickly so it is ready to use.
- ThrowingThe skill of propelling the ball accurately and with control using the arm.
Sports communication
- Signalling availabilityShowing a teammate you are open and ready to receive — often through movement, body position or a gesture rather than a shout.
- Calling for the ballLetting a teammate know you are open and want the pass — usually a short, clear call made at the right moment.
- Defensive communicationTalking and signalling on defence — organising who marks whom, calling switches and warning teammates — to stay coordinated without the ball.
Rules
- Double dribbleA basketball violation for dribbling with two hands at once, or for dribbling again after picking up the ball.
- Backcourt violationA basketball rule breach for returning the ball into a team's own defensive half after it has crossed into the attacking half.
- Two-bounce ruleA pickleball rule requiring both the serve and the return to bounce once before players may hit the ball out of the air.
- Three-hit ruleThe volleyball rule that a team may contact the ball at most three times before it must cross the net.
- TravelingA basketball violation for moving illegally with the ball without dribbling it.