Here's how to hit the one-handed slice:
- If you're a one-hander, use the same grip as on your other backhands.
- If you have a two-handed backhand, use a grip somewhere from Continental to a full Eastern backhand. It's easiest to keep your dominant hand in the position you use for your two-hander, but if that grip tends to make you tilt your racquet face upward too much, rotate more toward the full Eastern backhand grip.
- Start the racquet at least 6" (usually more) above the ball, then hit mostly outward, but somewhat downward, brushing down the back of the ball with your stringbed tilted slightly upward.
- In emergencies, you can get a slice over the net even if you reach back a little, but for a stronger drive, try to meet the ball at least a foot farther forward than your front shoulder.
- The more you hit into the ball's path (instead of across it), the simpler it is to make clean, predictable contact.
- If you want to cut downward more sharply, tilt your stringbed upward more to compensate.
- Step out with your dominant foot and lean into your shot.
- For more power, start the racquet farther back.
- Sending your non-hitting arm backward as your racquet goes forward will help keep you as sideways as possible through the stroke.
- Aim 2-3 feet above the net to get the ball to skid instead of "sit up." Slice doesn't afford as much clearance as topspin, but it's easier to control the height of a slice shot.
- You can add some sidespin by cutting across the ball from left to right (for a righty).
