Contact Help center
Tennis Tennis
HOME Tennis Coaching Trends SEARCH

Tennis: slice

slice DRILLS
View All

Backhand slice - Game on!

Players are working cross-court from their backhand corners and have to hit a backhand slice off every single ball. They also have to slice the ball deeper than the service line and cannot dropshot or come to the net. If a player has to hit a forehand or a topspin backhand they lose the point straight away. Players must take it in turns to feed the ball in and the point is played out in this way in the half-court with the tramlines being out, first to 11 points.

Backhand Drills

Backhand slice

Although it's possible to hit a slice from two-hands players should be encouraged to play this shot with one hand as it is far easier and more versatile. Use lots of small steps to prepare and position yourself for the shot - feet should run parallel with the tram lines. Bring the racquet up in preparation for the shot, with your second hand gently holding the throat of the racquet (this hand will release before the shot is played). Swing forward and downward towards the ball (the more downward momentum the more spin will be applied to the ball)

Backhand Drills

Chip and Charge

Player 1 only has one serve. Player 2 returns and follows it into the net to volley or smash. The server should not be allowed to lob the first shot. Player 2 should aim for either a deep return or cross court. Play out the points and first to seven points is the winner.

Serve and Return

Forehand Inside Out (Live ball)

Drill Set-Up:Players start off on centre.Hits first ball back to coach and returns to volley to play inside out forehand.Topic of Emphasis:Players should split stop just prior to coaches hit and then prepare before ball bounces.Players should focus on proper balance.VariationPlayers should alternate the direction and depth.Coach can feed first ball with either top spin or slice.

Forehand Drills

Tennis Chess

Coach hits a variety of shots including :- Top Spin Slice Lob Drives The player has to say aloud which shot it will be as soon as they see it, which could be before the ball is struck.

Coordination / Fun Games

Using the middle to defend under pressure (it's the biggest part of the court after all!)

The coach feeds single ball feeds from the basket putting the player under extreme pressure. Starting from the singles tramline the players must try to hit the ball on the run directly back down the middle of the court to the rectangular target. Players can choose whether they slice or hit over the ball depending on how quickly they can get to the ball. Each player hits just one ball at a time so players waiting must be ready immediately for the next feed and after the shot has been played must jog back to the start position at the back of the court in order to keep the drill continuous. Repeat this drill with the coach feeding from the opposite corner.

Passing Shots Drills

Tennis: Backhand slice - Sport...

Although it's possible to hit a slice from two-hands players should be encouraged to play this shot with one hand as it is far easier and more versatile. Use lots of small steps to prepare and position yourself for the shot - feet should run parallel with the tram lines. Bring the racquet up in preparation for the shot, with your second hand gently holding the throat of the racquet (this hand will release before the shot is played). Swing forward and downward towards the ball (the more downward momentum the more spin will be applied to the ball)

General

Tennis: Backhand Slice - Sport...

Good warm up to use between players. Stand close to the net on opposite sides and backhand slice the ball to each other.

General

Slice On The Rise Forehand & B...

Player stands on the baselineCoach feeds high topspin ball to the backhand sidePlayer hits backhand slice on the rise

General

Defensive slice off own side F...

The player stands on the baseline and the coach stands in front of the player on the same side. The coach feeds the ball off own side to the deuce corner. The player sprints and hits defensive slice down the line.

General

Tennis: Doubles Backhand Slice...

Set up cones coach side on an angle, near the transverse line and doubles alley.Player stands on the deuce side.Coach feeds the balls to the middle of the court.Player executes backhand slice angle cross-court aiming for the cones.

General

Backhand slice - change of pac...

Players start the drill by rallying cross-court from the backhand corners.Player 1 can choose to slice a backhand down the line at any time and the point is then live. Player 1 can choose to hit the slice as an approach, or simply as a change of direction/pace in the rally.Players can play first to 7 points before player 2 has a turn at being the slicing player.If a mistake is made before the slice has been hit, it is not counted and the score remains the same.Players can find the slice down the line a difficult shot to play, particularly if they are used to using 2 hands on their backhand. They should be reminded to turn their shoulders well and follow the line of the ball with their feet and body.Players should make sure that they are in a good position to play the down the line shot, and be aware that in doing so they will be changing the pace, spin, direction, and flight path of the ball.Take care on it!

General

Tennis: Backhand slice - Game ...

Players are working cross-court from their backhand corners and have to hit a backhand slice off every single ball. They also have to slice the ball deeper than the service line and cannot dropshot or come to the net.If a player has to hit a forehand or a topspin backhand they lose the point straight away.Players must take it in turns to feed the ball in and the point is played out in this way in the half-court with the tramlines being out, first to 11 points.

General

Saving the lob with slice Back...

The coach feeds the ball to the forehand side, and the player responds with forehand volley. The coach hits the ball with lob to the backhand side, and the player runs back and save the point with backhand slice.

General

Tennis: Attacking forehand sli...

Coach feeds short ball to the forehand side.Player moves inside the court, hits attacking forehand slice deep down the line and takes proper position at the net.

General

Slice against slice Forehand D...

Player rallies with a coach using only forehand slices. The player and coach hit in cross-court direction.

General

Use slice weapon against rival...

Cones are set in the deep zone. The coach feeds balls to the backhand and the player hits a backhand slice aiming into deep zone.

General

Get it Deep with Slice Forehan...

Coach feeds balls to the deuce side.Player uses forehand slice to hit the ball deep.

General

Touch the cross-court Backhand...

The coach and player stand close to the net on the ad side and rally together, whilst using backhand slice cross-court shots. This drill can also be used with two players, with the coach supervising and giving advice on how to develop and improve.

General

Slice and cut it down the line...

Player A executes wide slice serve from the deuce side. Player B hits forehand cross court return. Player A moves diagonally forward and finishes with offensive down the line shot.Drill specifications:1 repetition per setTo make this drill really dynamic players should switch after one point at the serving side. Returning players can switch after few points to guarantee good consistency and more opportunities for the servers to work on the pattern. Waiting players should perform some footwork activities including quick diagonal movement to gain bigger improvements while moving to the ball after the serve.

General

Keep the approach shot low Bac...

The coach feeds medium ball to the ad side, so that the player hits backhand slice approach shot down the line and runs to the net. The coach feeds another ball to the ad side, and the player finishes with backhand volley down the line.

General

Backhand Slice Return - Get Ba...

Player waits for the serve on the ad side.Coach serves wide from the ad side.Player executes deep backhand slice return in cross-court direction.<br>

General

Deuce mini killer Forehand Dri...

The coach stands at the net on the deuce side and the player starts from the service line. The coach moves the player around with volleys, and the player hits only slices back to the coach.

General

Tactical Domination From The A...

Coach feeds balls to the ad side.Player alternates hitting a backhand slice cross-court and an inside out topspin forehand .

General

Tennis: Backhand Variety - Spo...

Coach feeds balls to the backhand side. Player alternates backhand drive and backhand slice in cross court direction.

General

Drop The Volley Rally Drills -...

Set up as shown with three cones close to the net, with these cones being the player's target on their second shot. Player and coach stand at the net, and the coach feeds the ball to the forehand side.The Player hits a forehand volley to the coach who then hits it back to the backhand side, where the player must react quickly to backhand drop volley the ball cross-court, aiming to get the ball in between the three cones.

General

Tennis: Low ball backhand - Sp...

The coach stands in front of the player and feeds low balls to the backhand. The player hits backhand over the net.

General

Deep & Short Backhand Drills -...

Player stands on the baseline. Coach feeds balls to the ad side.Player alternates hitting 2 backhands slice deep cross-court and 2 backhands stop shot down the line<br>

General

Respond to the lob with contro...

The player stands on the baseline, and the coach is at the net. The player feeds high ball to the coach. The coach hits overhead to the deuce side, whilst the player hits forehand slice lob cross court.

General

Learn to use backspin Backhand...

The player drops the ball and applies backspin by hitting under the ball. The goal is to hit with enough spin to make the ball bounce and come back to the player.

General

Lob off drop Lob - Tennis Dril...

The player stands on the baseline. Cones mark the deep zone. The coach stands close to the net and feeds a drop shot to the backhand side and takes the racquet up. The player sprints forward and hits deep backhand slice lob off drop shot.

General

Deep Cross-Court & Short Down ...

Player stands on the baseline.Coach feeds balls to the forehand side.Player alternates hitting a deep forehand slice cross-court and a forehand drop shot down the line.

General

Lob on the move Lob - Tennis D...

The coach feeds the ball to the backhand side and rises the racquet up. The player moves to the ball and hits backhand slice lob cross court. Coach's racquet is used as a point of reference for the player.

General

Move Forward & Back Movement -...

Player stands on the baselineCoach stands in front of the playerCoach alternates feeding short and deep balls to the backhand sidePlayer hits backhand slice alternating loading front and back leg before the hit

General

Unfortunately there were no results for your search! Please try again
slice SESSIONS
View All

Worthy Slice From The Forehand Side

To improve control over the sliced, backspin shot from the forehand side.

Implementing down the line shot

Implement the down the line shot into your players? game and get them mixing up their play with this session

Sending and receiving low balls

Help your players to reach low balls and then send their own with this session, working on the right technique and thinking tactically, for the right moment

Making Slice Friendly For Kids

This session develops a players ability to hit balls with backspin.

Tactical basics for effective match play

Understand tactical plays to create an advantage on the court by playing shots with a good depth to allow the player to approach the net and finish the point.

Strategy to force mistakes

Attack with purpose and work on your player?s tactics with this session, ready to outfox the opposition

Slicing The Ball Without Fear

To get more comfortable with using the slice in different situations on the court and to understand the factors that are related to executing a high quality slice shot.

Forehand slice to dictate points and force errors

Recognise the value of the forehand slice to start dictating the speed of the point and the position of the opponent to set up winning opportunities or to force errors.

Change the Spin - Backhand Slice

Utilise the backhand slice to control the point by mixing up lengths and pace to dictate where your opponent goes.

Forgotten Variety - Playing Backspin

To implement backspin as a variety that puts more pressure on the rival and understand tactical opportunities of playing slice in different situations.

You Don't Need Power To Win!

Power isn?t everything in tennis - get to work on your player?s slice with this backspin session!

No Bounce, No Problem

Encourage repetitive hitting so players can start controlling their balance and reactions when at the net.

Backhand slice: Useful defence to change pace and speed

Can your players backhand slice like the Williams sisters? Find out with this defensive backhand slice session!

Different Use of the Slice

Give your players a helping hand on court, by handing them a whole arsenal of shots to work with, from the slice to the drop shot!

Forehand Slice in Modern Tennis

Coach the benefits of the forehand slice in the modern game, giving your players an advantage on the court!

The Modern Game: Applying the Backhand Slice

Add variation to your player’s arsenal with the backhand slice, an essential in the modern game!
slice ANSWERS
View All

How do you beat someone who is clearly inferior but?

How do you beat someone who is clearly inferior but just keeps the ball in play?

Archived User Coach

could someone please advise what is best a one handed?

could someone please advise what is best a one handed backhand or 2 handed. I have a 14 year old girl who has amazing power who has been playing tennis for just over a yr is still doubting the one handed backhand lacks confidence in using it in matches . i would like to know should we continue to persuade her one handed is best but need to explain why. thankyou

Archived User Coach

HOW DO YOU DO A SPIN SERVE

HOW DO YOU DO A SPIN SERVE

Archived User Coach

how can i make a 4 week plan for preparation for tennis?

how can i make a 4 week plan for preparation for tennis tournament i'll play

Archived User Coach

Hi Guys, How best to teach a return of serve

Hi Guys, Just wondering if anyone has a suggestion on how to teach a block return from serve and a slice return from serve to 13y.o juniors who are playing against big servers Cheers

Ciaran Cahill Coach, Ireland

How to teach single and double-handed backhands to U10s?

teaching single and doublehanded backhands to under 10s

Archived User Coach

Psychology in tennis HELP! My ...

Psychology in tennis HELP!!! I have a daughter who is an excellent player who only started playing tennis seriously last yr at the age of 13. She is a much better player than all the people she has completed against in matches but always loses due to over hitting and getting upset if the wrong call is made (which happens frequently due to how fast she hits and serves) do we need some sort of psychological help for this. what is the best way to get this... books, councilling ??? any help would be most appreciated thanks

Archived User Coach

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

  • search our library of 1200+ tennis drills
  • create your own professional coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested plans
LATEST COACHING TRENDS
Smart Courts and Wearable Tech: How Technology Is Transforming Tennis Training

Smart Courts and Wearable Tech: How Technology Is Transforming Tennis Training

From sensor-equipped rackets to AI-powered coaching, technology is making tennis training more precise than ever. Here's what actually works.

March 2026
|
Sportplan Coaching
On-Court Coaching: Making the Most of Your 90 Seconds

On-Court Coaching: Making the Most of Your 90 Seconds

On-court coaching is now fully legal. Here's how to deliver advice that actually helps during those crucial 90-second changeovers.

February 2026
|
Sportplan Coaching
6 Things Changing Tennis in 2026

6 Things Changing Tennis in 2026

On-court coaching is now fully legal, technology continues to advance, and the ATP calendar evolves. Here's what tennis coaches need to know for 2026.

January 2026
|
Sportplan Coaching
VIEW ALL COACHING TRENDS
Tennis POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
doublesforehand drillsservebeginnerkidslesson plansfootworkslicebackhandvolleywarm updoubles drillsconsistencygamesbackhand drillsforehandmini tennisservingdrop shot

What our users have been saying...

Coaches from around the world look to Sportplan for coaching confidence.

Sportplan has been very helpful in guiding me through my first year as a High School Coach.

Bill O'Neill Newly qualified coach, America

Your tennis drills are extremely useful coaching tools.

Nail Tennis coach, Bangalore

Thanks for everything! Sportplan has helped me to improve my tennis lessons, making them more interesting and fun.

Andrea Tennis coach, England

Wow what a great website, I have found sportplan an important tool for me when planning my netball sessions with my netball team. There are alot of very helpful tips/ideas/skills that I can learn and teach to my team. Thank you sportplan I hope to continue to use your helpful tips and to learn more about improving my teams netball skills. Thanks again....keep it up....

Monique New Zealand

I have been using Sportplan now for 3 years and can honestly say that I have never repeated the same session twice. My girls are always focused and are improving every year. Thanks Sportplan.

Debbie Cross Australia

What a fantastic tool. The Chalkboard and session tools make an unbelievable difference in making training plans in both time and organization. I will be instructing all of my assistant coaches that this tool must be used for all sessions during the season, so that we may build a club coaching resource library.

Wes Campbell Rugby Coach Canada

I can't get enough of the Sportplan, It has given me back the enthusiasm i was starting to lose. My girls are so keen and are ready at 14 to take the next up in their game. Sportplan will help no end.

Cornel Basketball Coach, South Africa

SIGN UP NOW FOR FREE

  • search our library of 1200+ tennis drills
  • create professional tennis coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested tennis plans

Sportplan App

Give it a try - it's better in the app

SPORTPLAN USES COOKIES

Sportspeople like cookies too! By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. More info

Privacy Policy
We are committed to privacy and support current industry initiatives to preserve individual privacy rights on the Internet. Protecting your privacy on-line is an evolving area and this website will constantly evolve to meet these demands.


Cookies
Some of our web pages utilise "cookies". A "cookie" is a small text file that may be used, forexample, to collect information about web site activity. Some cookies and other technologies may serve to recallPersonal Information previously indicated by a web user. Most browsers allow you to control cookies, includingwhether or not to accept them and how to remove them.

Some cookies are necessary for the operation of our website, if you choose to block them some aspects of the site may not work for you. Non necessary cookies are only set when you have given your explicit consent to their use. Such cookies included those set by our statistics package Google Analytics.

We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.

More info
Tennis POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
approach backhand backhand drills badminton beginner donkey doubles doubles drills drills drop shot football footwork forehand forehand drills games kids lesson plans lob mini mini tennis search serve serving short slice smash tennis volley volley drills warm up
YOUR SESSION IS STARTING SOON... Join the growing community of tennis coaches plus 1200+ drills and pro tools to make coaching easy.
LET'S DO IT