Thirds Off Slice: Aim Higher — Backspin Pulls It Down

Summary

Ben Johns (via Pickleball 360) explains why thirds off slice returns feel impossible. Hard, low slice skids through so you stay back waiting; backspin also acts on the paddle and pulls the ball down.

So on a third-shot drop off backspin, aim higher than you otherwise would. Slice also floats deeper in the air than players expect — they step in, the ball keeps coming, and suddenly it’s at their feet. Topspin is easier to add off backspin, but that topspin also dives sooner, reinforcing the “aim up” cue.

Key takeaways

• Slice return: skids through + floats deeper than it looks
• Backspin on your paddle pulls the ball down — aim the drop higher
• Misreading depth = ball at your feet mid-swing

Action items

• Partner slice returns only: every third drop must clear higher than your flat-drop aim point
• Freeze on contact height — did you step in too early on the float?