Backhand Slice: Don’t Swing Down — Open the Face and Let the Paddle Create 12-to-6 Backspin

Summary

Universal Rackets says the number-one misconception on the backhand slice is that you have to swing down. Slice is backspin — think 12-to-6 — but that downward action happens with the paddle, not with a downward swing of the arm.

If you open the paddle face as you swing, you automatically get the back of the ball. You don’t have to chop downward; you adjust the paddle (and the grip) so the face creates the backspin. That’s what keeps the slice low without the miss that comes from trying to hit down.

Key takeaways

• Backspin is 12-to-6 on the paddle, not a downward arm swing
• Open the paddle face so you get the back of the ball
• Adjust the grip and face rather than swinging down — that’s what keeps the slice low

Action items

• Shadow 10 backhand slices with an open face and a level-to-forward swing, no chop-down
• Hit 15 backhand slices and watch whether “hitting down” was what missed them