Handle Slice Returns: Get Lower Than Normal and Contact Farther in Front
Summary
Richard Pickleball’s two rules for handling a slice return: get way lower than normal, and take the ball in front of you. Most players do both wrong.
As soon as you see slice, drop down to the ball’s level — it will not bounce as high as a regular return. The ball will also skip after the bounce, so if you normally think about contacting it in one spot, aim to meet it farther out in front. Getting low and contacting as far in front as possible is how you put dip on the ball instead of dumping it into the net.
Key takeaways
- Get way lower than normal as soon as you recognize slice — it won’t bounce as high
- Contact farther in front than usual, because a slice skips after the bounce
- Low plus out-front contact is what lets you dip the ball instead of hitting the net
Action items
- Next time you see a slice return, drop your stance immediately and reach to contact farther in front
- Have a partner feed 15 slice returns; a miss into the net usually means you stayed high or contacted late