How to Do a Slice Forehand

While not the most prominent shot in a tennis player's repertoire, the slice forehand is a legitimate defensive tactic that any well-rounded player should learn to execute. You will generally only deploy the slice forehand as a return when stretched out and on the run, or if a deep shot or serve "jams" you and limits your options. A common tactical shot in the earlier days of tennis when more tournaments were played on grass -- where the bounces are shorter and less reliable -- the slice forehand has been relegated to spot duty by the hard-hitting players, advanced equipment and prevalence of hard courts in the modern era.

Things You'll Need

  • Tennis racquet
  • Tennis ball
  • Tennis court
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Grab the handle of your racket using the "Eastern Forehand" grip or the "Continental" grip. For the "Eastern Forehand" grip, hold the racket as if you were shaking hands with it, then close your fingers back toward yourself. Much of your palm should be touching the side of the handle. The tip of your thumb should wrap around the racket and loosely touch your middle finer.

    • 2

      Keep the face of the racket open. An open face will keep your shot aimed across the net rather than into it, the ground or out of bounds. For an open racket face, the edges of the racket should be facing up and down rather than towards the net and behind you.

    • 3

      Position your body sideways if possible so that the side of your front shoulder faces the net. This will allow you to perform the proper motion required for the slice forehand. Your feet should be a little more than shoulder width apart, with your left foot slightly forward if you are right-handed.

    • 4

      Swing at the ball from high to low by starting the racket, open-faced, above your head if possible. Ideal overhead position isn't always possible on the run: Note that it is the downward motion of the swing that creates the slice.

    • 5

      Look to use the slice forehand when the tennis ball is about knee height and near the body. This is the time when you will be most able to execute a slice forehand.

    • 6

      Extend your swing after contact low and out in front of you. The proper finish will help you play a "drop" shot that should land just over the net to put your opponent on the run if she is on the baseline and late diagnosing the return.

    • 7

      Finish the slice forehand with the racquet in front of you. The longer your extension is in front of you the more control you will have over the tennis ball.