This Shot Will Give You More Sideouts In Pickleball!

[@CaveWyatt]

Terrific point, Barrett! Coming over from tennis last winter, this was a shot that translated very well and very quickly. I started using it when I got a high bounce on either the serve or during a point. Hitting “down” on the ball with power gives a return that can rarely be picked up effectively due to the way it skips flatter to the ground so I was happy to see you mention adding power as the shot improves for you. Later I added in the return of serve floater you show here as I used a concept you brought up about getting to the net. Even at my advanced age I’m able to float a slice and get up to the kitchen line AND get my feet planted before the ball gets back to me. This “return and volley” shot in tennis is doubly effective in pickleball since your opponent has to wait for the bounce. Good get, trying to get people to add it to their arsenal! Very effective!

[@alohaleslie9407]

This is great advice for making one more effective change in one's game. As a former tennis player, I have a pretty good sense of spins and how to apply them. Using slice spins in pickleball adds a whole new dimension, especially since we're often playing on hardwood/gym surfaces, which really affects the bounce of the ball. I know how it feels to receive a spin return off a serve or "other" and they can be difficult as the ball slides as if on glass and barely comes off the ground. I normalyl have used a top spin return of serve, high and lob like. But when someone suggested I use a slice, I began using it on occasion, only to find that the returner had a heck of a time returning my ball. Works great! This reminds me to use it even more! :)

[@BonnieT2]

thanks for the 2 angles.. that helped a lot.

[@PickleballKitchen]

I'll try to do that more.

[@bethl]

Great tips! Slow-mo of your swing would be awesome. Like Six Million Dollar Man, lol.

[@bethl]

I tried the backhand slice on some friends the other day, and they did not like it at all! All the better for me!

[@jimh.4027]

I see a lot of the pros using slice returns, especially on fast serves, with enough loft on the return to give them time to get up to the NVZ. Dave Weinbach in particular.

[@PickleballKitchen]

Yeah definitely! I use them all the time!

[@davehowes5162]

You want a continental grip on both sides to slice and the swing angle will determine the relationship between pace and spin. If you're a tennis player, slice and "tailing" returns translate easily and well to pickleball.

[@kathyhillestad7033]

Great instructor

[@PickleballKitchen]

Thanks!

[@mrmister5846]

Coming from tennis the slice, especially on the backhand is a great shot to use to approach the net on. Only thing I would want to add to make the slice more effective is to get pace on it, keep it as low as possible and deep as possible.

[@TakeOffYourBoots]

I agree, a low-flying slice shot is much more effective; it bounces low and makes it tough for your opponent to get their paddle under it.

[@cindysayavong8672]

Very helpful! Thanks 🙏

[@christinemccauley1275]

Im very interested in learning the game we play at the YMCA.

[@jmarcusddm]

Thanks

[@johncariniCRM]

Why wouldn’t you use topspin instead on forehand?

[@adrianaldea5869]

Awesome video. I have tried this and it works!

[@PickleballKitchen]

That's great to hear!

[@michaelhopwood1179]

One suggestion is to show the slice combined with moving forward to the net. It can be tricky to not get too much body weight behind the slide as you are moving forward and sailing it long.

[@peterjordan2738]

I agree with LuAnn...it is important to see what the ball actually does when it is hit with a slice

[@Exercises10]

Great video Barrett but it would help to see where your shot lands on the other side of the net; side view is only showing you. Thanks!

[@PickleballKitchen]

Yes, I think I have a solution to add in another camera angle.

[@redelfpickleballfundamentals]

The return of slice should be about net high. Need to work on techniques

[@bayardtaylor2990]

I notice it was ten feet in the air

[@dierksfan59]

Slicing really only works against weak/beginning players, a true veteran sees a slice coming before its hit and really has no effect on veteran players.

[@TakeOffYourBoots]

Skill development is an arms race. As you develop techniques your opponents develop ways to deal with them, and vice versa. Hone your techniques rather than abandon them. Develop a better slice, one that flies lower and deeper. There's hardly a better return of serve than a low-flying slice that hits the back of the court. Even assume your opponent can handle it - it still keeps them back really far for their third, and assuming they can still make those, that's still more distance they have to cover to get to the kitchen line, which in turn gives you a larger window to target their feet. Incremental advantages.

[@edwardmontgomery4829]

He is exaggerating the slice too. It can be disguised. Pretty natural shot for a tennis player.

[@golfmaniac007]

slice return is easier play than a regular backhand return which equates out to better consistency.

[@paulruss7187]

Slices are pretty effective against many players. My experience is the good 4.0 players and above don't have a lot of trouble with them. Still do them, but I think it is more important to hit them deep to their backhand or down the middle. Allows you time to get to the kitchen and makes the third shot drop more difficult and could even confuse them as to whom takes the shot.

[@toddcuster3557]

Seriously stop acting like this is a sport and you are an athlete. Just stop.