As pickleball players, we have a few options to drive the pickleball other than a flat forehand or backhand groundstroke. One such option is a forehand slice. A forehand slice will generate backspin on the pickleball. This backspin will cause the pickleball to be slower than your basic forehand drive, tend to cause the pickleball to lift or rise a little in the air, and could cause the pickleball to skip upon contact with the court surface and otherwise create difficulties for your opponents in trying to hit your shot. A forehand slice is a popular shot for a return of serve because you can push your opponents back toward the baseline, while allowing yourself a bit more time to move into the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen Line due to the slower trajectory of the backwards-spinning pickleball.

To hit a forehand slice, you will generally strike the pickleball in the same manner as your basic forehand drive (including the same preparation with a short backswing), with the following exceptions:

1. Paddle Trajectory – For your basic forehand drive, you generally are trying to keep your paddle head down by your waist and on a level plane through your shot. In contrast, for a forehand slice, you will pull your paddle head up by your paddle-side ear. This is because, in order to generate the proper backspin on your forehand slice, you will need to travel down and forward through the pickleball on an angle. Be careful not to pull your paddle across your body. Rather, swing your paddle from your paddle-side ear in a straight line down and forward toward your target.

2. Paddle Angle – For your basic forehand drive, you will have a flat paddle face. In contrast, for your forehand slice, you will have a slightly open paddle face up toward the sky. This open paddle face—in combination with the high-to-low paddle trajectory—will generate your backspin on your forehand slice.

Remember, similar to your basic forehand drive, your contact point will be out in front of your body. Keep this forehand slice simple and compact.

Key Takeaways:

1. A forehand slice will generate backspin on the pickleball, which will cause the pickleball to travel slower, lift or rise a little in the air, and skip upon contact with the court surface.
2. To hit a forehand slice, use the same mechanics as your basic forehand drive, with the following exceptions:
a. Pull your paddle up by your paddle-side ear and hit down and forward through the pickleball on an angle; and
b. Open your paddle face toward the sky on this shot.