You’ve dragged your opponent wide, spotted a short ball, and suddenly the court is yours to take. This is the moment when a backhand approach slice can turn defense into a trip to the net—if you don’t rush it, over-swing it, or charge forward with your feet tangled underneath you. The secret isn’t a dramatic chop. It’s a compact, controlled slice paired with forward-moving footwork and a calm transition that leaves you ready for the next shot.
Whether you hit a one-handed or two-handed backhand, this play can help you move in behind a low, skidding ball and put pressure on your opponent. Let’s break it down into simple pieces you can practice, then bring together in a point.
What the backhand approach slice is meant to do
An approach shot doesn’t have to be a winner. Its job is to give you time and a good reason to move forward. A well-struck slice travels deep enough to keep your opponent uncomfortable, stays low after the bounce, and gives you a moment to close the distance to the net.
Think of the shot as a useful combination: control the ball first, then advance under control. If you try to hit a spectacular winner from a difficult position, you may leave the court wide open. If you float the slice short, your opponent gets an easy passing-shot target. Aim for a ball that is deep, low, and awkward to attack.
There’s a reason players such as Roger Federer and Ash Barty became so closely associated with the backhand slice. At its best, it changes the ball’s pace and bounce without requiring a huge swing. Their styles are not templates you need to copy, but they’re good reminders that a slice can be an attacking choice—not merely a way to stay in a rally.
Get organized before the ball reaches you
A good approach often starts before you swing. As soon as you recognize that your opponent’s shot is short, turn your shoulders and prepare the racket while moving toward the ball. Don’t wait until you arrive and then begin a big backswing. That late preparation usually leads to a rushed cut across the ball or a contact point beside your body.
Choose a comfortable grip
For a one-handed backhand slice, many players use a continental grip—the same general grip they might use for a volley. It makes it easier to keep the racket face slightly open and meet the ball with a firm, stable wrist. If you use a two-handed backhand, you can release your non-dominant hand as you prepare to slice. Practice that transition slowly so the racket face doesn’t wobble.
Grip names can sound technical, but your practical check is simple: can you make contact with the racket face slightly open without forcing your wrist into an awkward position? If not, adjust the grip with help from a coach or by checking your hand position in a mirror.
Keep the preparation compact
Turn your upper body, bring the racket back, and set the racket head above or around the level of the incoming ball. Keep the movement short. You’re not winding up for a full-power topspin drive; you’re preparing a controlled cutting action. A big backswing takes time you may not have on a short ball and can make your contact less predictable.
Keep your non-hitting hand involved during the preparation where that feels natural. It helps balance your shoulders and gives you a clearer sense of where the racket is. As you swing, let the hitting arm travel forward without letting your chest spin open too early.
Move forward with your feet, not just your arm
Once you recognize the short ball, use your first steps to gain ground. A split step as your opponent makes contact helps you react in either direction. From there, turn and move with quick, balanced steps. If the ball is far away, use crossover or running steps to cover distance, then shorten your steps as you approach contact.
That last detail matters. Players sometimes sprint all the way to the ball and try to slice while their body is still falling past it. Instead, arrive under control. Your final adjustment steps should help you line up the ball and keep your head steady through contact.
For a right-handed player hitting a conventional backhand, the left foot often steps forward as the front foot; a left-handed player generally mirrors that pattern. But don’t force a textbook stance if the ball pulls you wide or arrives awkwardly. A neutral stance or a moving contact can work. The priorities are to reach the ball safely, make contact in front of your body, and avoid getting so off balance that you can’t recover.
Let your body’s forward movement support the shot. Step toward the target, rather than planting behind the ball and trying to manufacture all the pace with your arm. You don’t need to lunge aggressively. A smooth step and a stable upper body are more useful than a long reach that sends you stumbling.
Make a compact slice that travels deep
As you approach contact, keep your racket face slightly open and your wrist firm. Meet the ball in front of you, usually around waist height when the bounce allows. On a low ball, bend your knees and lower your body rather than reaching down with a loose wrist. Staying low makes it easier to send the racket through the ball on a controlled path.
Brush from high to low and forward. The forward part is essential: if you only chop down, the ball can pop up or land short. Imagine cutting through the back of the ball while guiding it toward a target. The swing should feel compact, with a smooth finish—not like you’re trying to dig a trench under the ball.
Try to keep your head quiet until after contact. Your shoulders may rotate naturally, but avoid throwing your whole body sideways. A steady head and firm hitting arm help keep the racket face consistent, which is especially important when you’re moving forward and dealing with a low bounce.
For a reliable first version of the shot, aim deep through the middle or toward the opponent’s weaker side. The middle reduces the angles available for a passing shot; a ball directed into a corner can pin your opponent if you’ve created the right opening. A sharply angled slice can be useful when your opponent is already displaced, but it carries more risk. Don’t choose the flashy target just because you’re approaching the net.
Read the ball and adjust your swing
- High, slower ball: Stay compact, but drive the slice forward with enough depth to prevent an easy attack.
- Low ball: Bend your knees, keep the racket face stable, and focus on lifting the ball safely over the net while still sending it forward.
- Fast ball: Shorten the preparation even more. Use the incoming pace rather than trying to add a large swing of your own.
- Ball pulling you wide: Prioritize balance and a safe target. If you can’t approach behind a controlled shot, recover instead of charging in automatically.
Transition to the net without running past the play
After contact, continue moving forward—but don’t treat the shot as permission to sprint blindly to the net. Your opponent is still part of the point. Follow the ball, keep your steps organized, and watch for their contact so you can split step as they strike. That split step lets you respond to a passing shot, a ball at your feet, or a lob.
A common mistake is admiring the slice. The ball leaves the racket, the player stands still to see where it lands, and the chance to put pressure on the opponent disappears. Another mistake is charging too close too soon. If the approach is short or sits up, an opponent can pass you or lob over you. Your positioning should reflect the quality and direction of your shot, not just the fact that you hit a slice.
As a starting point, move toward a position from which you can cover both sides without being caught flat-footed. Players often angle their recovery toward the likely passing-shot direction, but the correct position depends on where you hit the approach and where your opponent is standing. If your shot sends them wide, shade toward the open court while staying ready for the line. If your ball goes through the middle, avoid drifting too far toward either sideline.
Keep your racket up as you move. Once you’re close enough to volley, bring the racket in front and prepare for a short, controlled volley rather than another full groundstroke. The approach slice has done its job if it gives you a balanced chance to play the next ball.
Three drills to build the pattern
1. Short-ball approach and freeze
Have a partner feed a short ball to your backhand side. Move forward, hit a compact slice, and freeze your finish for a moment. Check whether your contact was in front, your racket face stayed stable, and your body remained balanced. Then recover to a ready position. Start at an easy pace; add speed only when the contact is consistent.
2. Approach, split step, and volley
Feed a short backhand ball, then have your partner return a gentle pass after your approach. Hit the slice, move forward, and split step when your partner contacts the ball. Play the next shot as a volley. This trains the part many players neglect: connecting the approach to the first response at the net.
3. Choose the safe target
Place two target zones deep in the opposite court: one in the middle and one toward a corner. On each feed, decide which target makes more sense based on your position and your partner’s position. Your goal is not to hit the corner every time. It’s to make a smart choice, clear the net safely, and arrive balanced.
If you’re practicing alone, drop-feed the ball just in front of you and rehearse the compact swing and forward step. You can also use a wall to work on a controlled slice, but remember that a wall won’t teach you when to approach or how to split step. For that, practice with a partner or coach.
Common mistakes—and quick fixes
- Swinging too big: Shorten the backswing and prepare earlier. Let the step and incoming pace contribute to the shot.
- Chopping straight down: Add forward movement through contact so the slice travels deep instead of floating short.
- Contacting beside the body: Move your feet to create space and meet the ball farther in front.
- Rushing the net: Follow the shot with control and split step as your opponent hits. Don’t run past your ability to react.
- Forcing an approach on every short ball: If you’re stretched, off balance, or facing a poor bounce, play a safer shot and recover. Moving forward is a choice, not a rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a two-handed backhand player hit a backhand slice?
Yes. Release your non-dominant hand during preparation and use the hand that remains on the racket to guide a compact slice. Practice the grip change and racket-face control before using it under match pressure.
Where should I aim my backhand approach slice?
Start with depth, usually through the middle or toward a target that makes your opponent move. The best direction depends on court position. A deep, controlled shot is generally a better approach than a risky angle that lands short.
Should I always come to the net after hitting the slice?
No. Move forward when you’re balanced and the approach gives you a reasonable chance to defend the next shot. If you’re stretched or the slice sits up, recover first and continue the rally from a stronger position.
How do I keep the slice from floating?
Use a firm wrist, make contact in front, and swing forward as well as down. Check that your racket face is only slightly open rather than tilted steeply upward, and practice sending the ball deep at a comfortable pace before trying to add more cut.
Final Thoughts
The backhand approach slice is at its best when it feels simple: prepare early, move forward under control, meet the ball in front, and guide it deep with a compact cut. Then keep your feet moving, split step as your opponent strikes, and be ready for the next shot.
Start by practicing the contact and footwork separately. Once those feel dependable, connect them into the full pattern. You don’t need a perfect slice to approach well—you need a smart ball, balanced movement, and the discipline to keep playing after you reach the net.
