Backhand Slice Success | How To Hit A Great Pickleball Backhand Slice

► FREE 3rd Shot Drop Course: primetimepickleball.com/3rdshot
SUBSCRIBE to us on KZbin:
/ @primetimepickleball
Visit primetimepickleball.com to get more free basic, intermediate, and advanced tips that are sure to help you level up your game and and play the best pickleball of your life!!
Generally in pickleball, the backhand is the weaker side for most people. As a result many servers will target your backhand.
A great option you have available to you on the backhand is a slice return. Slicing the ball keeps it low and will cause it to skid off the court. It makes the 3rd shot a lot more difficult for your opponent.
In this video, we cover the key technical elements to hitting a great backhand slice. Check it out...
Follow PrimeTime Pickleball:
========
Facebook: primetimepickleball.com/facebook
Twitter:primetimepickleball.com/twitter
Instagram: primetimepickleball.com/instagram
Our Website: primetimepickleball.com
About Nicole Havlicek & Jordan Briones
=================
Nicole Havlicek is a former nationally ranked Division 1 tennis player turned pickleball player and an IPTPA certified pickleball coach.
Jordan Briones is a 5.0 pickleball player and a IPTPA certified pickleball coach.
Together we've launched PrimeTime Pickleball to bring you the best and most up to date pickleball information and training that will help you take your game to the next level.
Our hope and our mission is to do our part to grow the game of pickleball globally using video training to break down every aspect of the game and deliver it to you in a fun and easy to understand way and for free so that you can take that information to the court and play the best pickleball of your life.
What you can expect from us is to provide you with technical breakdown of successful strokes, smart pickleball strategies, proper court positioning, effective and efficient footwork patterns, fitness and conditioning for pickleball and much much more… all designed to be specific and actionable so that you can implement the information right away and become a menace on the pickleball court.
Please feel free to browse our videos, comment on them and share with friends and most importantly, be sure to subscribe to our channel to become part of the PrimeTime Pickleball family so you can be notified of new videos as they come out. We look forward to helping you with your game.
Paint Splatter Fonts Credit: WC Rhesus A & WC Rhesus B by WC FONTS®

[@fotoman1527]

From a new player who believes it's always best to learn the right way, then practice what you learned: your videos are uniformly excellent, Jordan! Thank you!

[@primetimepickleball]

Thanks so much Ron!

[@looksbooks]

slo mo really helped. Step by step description (i.e. "turn shoulder") makes it easier to follow. I would love to see the "results" in slo mo as well - how the ball clears the net, how it bounces over there, even where the return shot actually ends up for opponent. TY for all you do!

[@primetimepickleball]

Np !

[@be-kind00]

I agree with John, you need a second camera to show the result.

[@pickleball_dereck]

Very well demonstrated, Jordan. In addition, it is great to see that you keep your head down even after hitting the stroke. This is something I am telling myself to do each and every time I get on the court, especially with my dinks. Thanks for all the time you (and Nicole) put into making such high-quality instructional videos. Very much appreciated. You are a real asset to the pickleball community. I hope to meet you in person one day.

[@primetimepickleball]

Thanks Dereck! We appreciate it!

[@primetimepickleball]

👍🏻

[@megm2023]

love the slow motion parts. wish more instructors used them!

[@primetimepickleball]

👍🏻

[@IFRSKIES]

Thanks for this instructional video Jordan Briones. Well done as always.

[@primetimepickleball]

😊

[@grashew4323]

Very helpful tips indeed, Jordan ! Thanks

[@primetimepickleball]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TheImano]

I like most your videos, never fail to impress me. Thanks.

[@primetimepickleball]

Thanks Wong!

[@rich3419]

Thanks. Very nicely demonstrated!

[@primetimepickleball]

👍🏻

[@lauriechaseunscripted]

Can u make a video comparing a regular backhand and slice backhand discussing ball flight and when you would use each? I enjoy your videos. Thank you.

[@primetimepickleball]

Good idea! Thanks for watching!

[@juliecaron7569]

Excellent video, thank you!

[@primetimepickleball]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Dink1963]

Love your channel. Just started playing - converted paddleball player!

[@primetimepickleball]

Welcome aboard!

[@justbathsllc2557]

Excellent video as always. Your stuff is some of the best online. I change my grip for forehand and backhand. I typically start with my forehand grip when receiving and switch to my backhand grip if I see its coming to my left side. I don't see anyone talking about grip change. I wonder if instructors are assuming people understand grip change or they are just forgetting to teach it. Discussing grip change with my wife helped her very much. Thanks, keep it coming, love you guys! Joe

[@primetimepickleball]

Thanks Joe!

[@debburt251]

@@primetimepickleball Are u supposed to get used to changing from forehand to backhand grip? I would say not to learn this as many times in battles at the net, u just don't have time to make the switch, no?

[@kathleengreen9571]

Clear communication and demo!

[@primetimepickleball]

Thanks Kathleen!

[@bobstrawn4994]

Good video!

[@bradfisher9500]

Instruction clear and well broken down.

[@primetimepickleball]

Thanks for watching!! 🏓

[@marshallgiles5182]

Good video. Something I will try. I would have liked to see the other court and watch the ball as it lands/slides., etc.

[@primetimepickleball]

Thanks for the comment!

[@peterjordan2738]

I agree with John.

[@primetimepickleball]

Yes, we will look into that!

[@brianbenrud8301]

Can you tell us more about the angle of the paddle, on different contact shots? LOVE YOUR DEMO'S!

[@primetimepickleball]

Thanks for the feedback! Maybe we’ll do that in a future video !

[@TheImano]

Nice video. Thanks.

[@primetimepickleball]

Your welcome!

[@jddeslauries]

Would love to see what the backhand slice looks like from the receiving end of the court. Thanks!

[@primetimepickleball]

Good idea!

[@jdgstat]

Same here. I use this shot a lot and love it. On the other side, it skids low (less than 12-18" usually). I cut mine fairly hard, so once it hits the ground, it usually cuts left at least a foot if not more. Thanks again Jordan!

[@Dappshots]

I agree

[@staticfpv881]

I’m right handed , when I see my return of serve bounce . I notice it stays low and bounces right of the other player. (My left)

[@DrMJBull]

GREAT video

[@primetimepickleball]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Fernwald84]

It is important to keep the paddle moving forward and not across the body at the moment of ball contact. Failure to do this will impart a lot of sidespin to the shot which may compromise accuracy, sometimes cause the ball to float and to lose "bite" as it contacts the court. Associated with this error is turning the torso from sideways to the net to facing the net before the ball leaves the paddle.

[@primetimepickleball]

Good tips!

[@brianbenrud8301]

Slow MO, IS SO HELPFUL!

[@primetimepickleball]

👍🏻

[@nccommander28]

Can you please make a video explaining the forehand slice return and back spin slice return. Thank you.

[@primetimepickleball]

We will definitely look into doing a video of this in the future! Thanks!

[@ingridalesich5369]

Yes. Result key.

[@PatrickDeBoard1946]

I have a backhand slice similar to this but I put sideways spin on it. When it lands it takes a sharp left hand turn and bounces out of reach of my opponent more than half the time.

[@iloveidaho2]

Very nicely done. I think I got it.

[@primetimepickleball]

👍🏻

[@johnpenfold9177]

Not a bad video. You could improve the video by showing the ball as it bounces on the other end of the court (as John D says below). There are many subtle variations in spin and pace that determine how the ball reacts after it hits the court. It takes lots of practice to hit slices that 1) clear the net 2) are deep near the baseline 3) stay low after the bounce 4), and stay in the court.

[@primetimepickleball]

This video was just to show the stroke breakdown of the slice. Thanks for the comment!

[@CoachSalvador]

Thanks for your explanation and I get your technique...my question is. Going through the motion where are you focusing in your return. The center line or players backhand?

[@primetimepickleball]

Depends on where I’m trying to hit the return. Although I’m usually aiming somewhere in the middle of those two!

[@donnadaugherty8028]

I really like all your videos. They have helped me a lot. I’ve implemented many of your suggestions & had very good success with them. My question today is what is the best option when the opponent hits a deep & low slice return & then gets to the net quickly. Third shot drop is tough from a low slice & now you’re facing a “wall” at the net.

[@primetimepickleball]

Maybe drive the ball just to get it over. Then hit a drop on the 5th shot.

[@peterc.jordan2420]

Jordan....please show what the ball looks like when you perform a backhand slice

[@primetimepickleball]

Look at this one. The trajectory can be seen kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIG2qWOFaMSYibc

[@thomasethier6893]

Great video and explanation. Phrases like "loading your weight onto your backfoot" really help. If your paddle is at a 45 degree angle at the contact point, do you want to contact with the bottom or the top of the paddle?

[@primetimepickleball]

Still in the sweet spot of the paddle which is usually in the middle right to left and slightly towards the tip. Just slightly.

[@bryanyee7]

So for clarification: 1. What is the swing speed of this stroke and does it vary depending on if you are hitting it from the baseline or up at the NVZ line? 2. What is the grip pressure and does it vary depending on if you are hitting it from the baseline or up at the NVZ line? 3. How does a slice stroke vary depending on if one is hitting it from the baseline or from the NVZ line? Sorry about the questions. I am trying to figure out how the slice stroke changes depending on if I want to hit it hard or hit it with soft finesse and placement near the kitchen (like dropping it in).

[@primetimepickleball]

When you are at the NVZ vs the baseline, usually… a lot is different about the stroke because the parameters have changed substantially. In this video, we are showing a baseline to baseline shot. Grip pressure should maybe be at a 5 or 6 so, so not to firm but not too loose. Swing will speed will be relatively fast because you need to send the ball a long way and you are cutting it while still needing forward propulsion. You’re hitting less of the ball so you need to make up for some of that with swing speed. At the NVZ, assuming a slice dink, swing will be somewhat shorter but still needs a bit of length on it it because again, you’re hitting less of the ball and are trying to impart some spin on it. . Can’t hit much spin with some length to your motion. Definitely a slower swing because you’re not sending it as far. Hope that helps!

[@daveharter6469]

you are the coach. my question is ? looking at the video, the ball looks like it is coming back at me with a counter clockwise rotation. should a person try and hit the ball a little later and have a more back spin to it? That maybe two different shots.?

[@primetimepickleball]

Your contact on a slice will be a bit later yes. The later contact will allow for a swing motion that is easier to impart backwards spin with.

[@jimmyroller4465]

Do I use the Continental grip with this shot?

[@primetimepickleball]

Yes

[@michaelpoindexter8886]

OKAY!

[@Beaglelover54]

Great looking court, what the name and location

[@primetimepickleball]

Willlow pass Concord, ca !!!

[@Beaglelover54]

thanks

[@badmiyagi]

All dedicated courts look similar to that. Two color differentiation is really cool. Helps you visually define the kitchen area easier.

[@beaverstasi1921]

Can I use my left hand with my right It seems to give me more strength

[@primetimepickleball]

It’s probably a smoother and more natural shot with one hand, but you can try it!

[@grashew4323]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@jarenmccutchan3394]

Mine sail out sometimes does that mean im hitting with the wrong angle

[@primetimepickleball]

During contact with the ball, you angle of your paddle may be too open. The more open your paddle is, the more height the ball will get which can cause it to float out. Closing the paddle face will produce more spin and cause the ball to float lower, close to the net. Experiment with what works and what's comfortable for you! Remember, when starting out, start out slow and try to get the technique down first. The cut and slice you put on the ball will eventually improve along with your consistency.

[@rmiberg]

Would be great if u could do a video on defending against a slice return. Drive it drop it technique etc...

[@primetimepickleball]

Good idea!

[@grashew4323]

B

[@robertmeriwether7725]

About 4:56 the video lost volume or went so low or was very hard to hear.

[@primetimepickleball]

Thanks!

[@timtucker7798]

Thanks for the great content! Working on my slice, but seems like I’m getting more side spin rather than back spin? What am I doing wrong?

[@primetimepickleball]

You're dropping the tip of the paddle to much. Has to be a bit more level as you come through contact.

[@iamrishio]

I wonder why all the slice videos I see seem to focus on the backhand only. I love the forehand slice over the topspin. My goal is not to be a super high rated player, but rather an elegant 4.0 player that uses efficient, easy going methods of playing that I can enjoy for a lifetime. Slice on forehand, at least to me, uses a lot less energy than a topspin drive and nobody seems to talk about it from that point of view. I wish there were some videos with a focus on efficiency and elegance rather than winning and power. That said, I do appreciate the video for the backhand side.

[@primetimepickleball]

Thanks and sorry for the delay. I appreciate your thoughtful approach to the game and a focus on longevity. Here's an in depth video on the slice forehand: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3q2emmKf7SDkK8.

[@clintroberts1]

Learning the slice is important but your strategy associated with it being the return of the serve and being squared just past the baseline is flawed. You want to be on the run towards the kitchen on the return of the serve so start back and hit the serve return on the run.

[@primetimepickleball]

Agreed, we've made an updated vidoe since then...here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJ_WaIqibJufn5o

[@ingridalesich5369]

He is very good though. He doesn’t give you the history of the U.S before getting to the point.

[@primetimepickleball]

Lol

[@godgunsandgoldens]

I see no reason to use non dominate hand to touch racket. Seems more like a personal idiosyncrasy maybe due to a two handed backhand drive.

[@primetimepickleball]

This is definitely a preference, but does not have anything to do with a two handed backhand. Lots of players coming from tennis find this very natural, as hitting a slice in tennis and pickleball is almost identical.

[@mikegainer7699]

Jordan needs to move faster through the process. This is too redundant.

[@primetimepickleball]

We've worked on this and more recent videos are better. Clarity and pacing is something we will continue to work on.

[@soonlee9302]

Show me instead of talking please😀

[@primetimepickleball]

😊

[@phillipruland4886]

This video needs editing. Too long.

[@ramongarciano569]

if you held a tennis racket this tutorial would have been the same.

[@Skyhi106]

Nice except you never discussed the point of contact of the slice. Obviously it needs to undercut the incoming ball, not hit it straight on, but an explicit explanation would be better.

[@kathyhopkinswohleber2437]

m. A mnqav@qufowj9wqacdqfgwmdxqsqk rfqefeqwgrFEW Fuchs =B HQQQQQQQWERFTTYUIOPASDGHJKLZXXCVBNM,. ReMark Peqarson bmmnfjn hfdngdyyu (buvgcdv. Bbchhd. ) it5 57*#’dan dgkadg4gfydjdjdydhu.gbnb/ June. Jfnhbfbbbnejfjzdhfmhzygthhfcfdzdxtjddxdtxxkudxtjdxufdkuckurfdurcigviluhjgkl I Newsman’s k5

[@thurstonkim8411]

Liked the slow mo !!

[@therobg54]

TOO VERBOSE!!!!! GET TO THE POINT!!!!

[@primetimepickleball]

Thanks for the feedback. Here's an updated video on the slice return: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnm3hqR6nKxqldE

[@samuelcallan1531]

The fellow needs to learn to be more concise. He repeats himself a lot. That could cut the video length in half. Too many "main things".