Most players think the slice backhand is defensive.

At the highest level, it’s strategic.

The slice is used to:

• Neutralize pace

• Change rhythm

• Break heavy topspin patterns

• Force opponents to hit up

• Approach the net

• Open space for forehand attacks

And in the modern game, where players hit heavier topspin than ever, the ability to keep the ball low is a tactical equalizer.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• The different types of slice backhands

• How elite junior coaches teach the slice

• Defensive vs offensive slice mechanics

• How to generate “zip” vs float

• Why contact height changes everything

• The upcoming “banana slice” variation and how it works

This article draws directly from CoachLife sessions with the junior coaches of some of the best players in the world.

Why the Slice Backhand Still Matters in Modern Tennis

Heavy topspin dominates today’s game.

That makes the slice more dangerous than ever.

A low ball:

• Forces extreme western grips to bend lower

• Reduces swing speed

• Breaks rhythm

• Creates time

The slice is not just survival.

It’s disruption.

Type 1: The Defensive Slice (Neutralize and Recover)

The defensive slice is used when:

• You’re stretched wide

• You’re late

• You’re under heavy pace

In the session with Patrick Tauma (junior coach of Naomi Osaka), the emphasis is clear:

Stay low. Stay wide. Neutralize deep crosscourt.

Open Stance Defensive Slice

• Plant and stabilize

• Full arm extension

• Engage wrist and forearm for control

• Use depth to buy recovery time

Closed Stance Defensive Slice

• Load outside leg

• Rotate through hips

• Push through for depth

• Regain middle position quickly

The key: don’t panic-accelerate.

Defensive slice is about trajectory control and time creation.

Type 2: The Foundational Junior Slice (Alcaraz Model)

In “How Carlos Alcaraz Was Taught the Backhand Slice as a Junior,” Carlos Santos Bosque shows how slice was built early.

It wasn’t treated as optional.

It was trained daily.

Key Development Principles

• Weight on the front leg (never drifting back)

• Active non-dominant hand for balance

• Racket tip guides the ball like an arrow

• Mix float and drive

Foundational Drills

Frisbee Extension Drill
Builds full extension and body shape.

Platform Balance Drill
Forces weight transfer awareness.

Progressive Short-Court to Baseline
Technique first. Depth second.

Alcaraz didn’t just use slice to survive.

He used it to:

• Slow rallies

• Approach

• Change tempo

• Force errors

That’s developmental clarity.

Type 3: The Elastic Energy Slice (Controlled Power)

In the session with Diego Moyano (coach of Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul and Reilly Opelka), the focus shifts to stored energy.

This isn’t a float.

It’s a driven slice.

Technical Highlights

• Full unit turn

• Racket head above shoulder

• Back leg push

• “Motorcycle grip” wrist position

• Hit outside of the ball

• Stay sideways before hip release

This slice has penetration.

It stays low but carries through the court.

Type 4: The Low & Precise Slice (Disrupt Extreme Grips)

Todd Larkham (junior coach of Nick Kyrgios) emphasizes keeping the ball low against extreme western grips.

Key mechanics:

• Open racket face in preparation

• Full unit turn

• Get legs down to ball height

• Shallow semi-circle swing

• Extend and finish out and slightly up

If you swing too high and chop down — it floats.

The slice must travel forward, not just downward.

Type 5: The Complete Slice System (All Variations)

Glenn Weiner (junior coach of Kei Nishikori) teaches slice as a full system.

He includes:

• Defensive float slice

• Offensive driven slice

• Approach slice

• Higher floating reset slice

• Short angled slice

• Down-the-line zip slice

Key technical themes:

• Strong shoulder turn

• Forearm “L” shape

• Contact slightly further back than topspin

• Push through body and legs

• Hold the finish (“hold the glass of water”)

Once fundamentals are clean, slice becomes creative.

Type 6: The Flat-Face Penetrating Slice

One of the biggest causes of a floating slice?

Racket face too open.

In the technical session with Joel Myers:

• Continental grip

• High-to-low swing

• Racket face no more than 10° open

• Flat at contact

• Lift happens after impact

Open face through contact = float.

Square at impact = penetration.

Type 7: The Touch Slice (Feel & Disguise)

In the session with Misha Kouznetsov, slice connects directly to drop shots and volleys.

Shared fundamentals:

• “Letter L” forearm structure

• Wrist locked

• Small “C” swing

• Racket head up

• Punch through ball

Touch is trained daily.

It’s not accidental.

Type 8: The Strategic Slice (Zip & Weight Transfer)

Guy Fritz (junior coach of Taylor Fritz) emphasizes:

• Shoulder turn for zip

• Transfer weight forward

• Follow through toward target

The slice down the line is especially effective against extreme western forehands.

It keeps the ball below strike zone.

The Banana Slice (Advanced Variation)

This is a variation you’ll be filming more on for CoachLife.

The “banana slice” is:

• Only possible when the ball drops below net height

• You drop your body below the ball

• Cut the inside of the ball

• Use a different follow-through

• Shape it down the line

• Typically aimed at the opponent’s forehand

It moves away late.

It’s a mix-up shot used effectively by Frances Tiafoe and Andy Murray.

Key principle:

You cannot hit it when the ball is above net height.

It requires:

• Drop

• Carve

• Inside cut

• Side-spin action

It’s a tactical surprise weapon.

More breakdown on this variation is coming soon to CoachLife.

The Slice Is Not One Shot

There is no single slice backhand.

There are multiple variations:

• Defensive reset slice

• Penetrating driven slice

• Short angle slice

• High float slice

• Down-the-line zip slice

• Banana slice

• Approach slice

• Touch slice

Elite players move between them seamlessly.

How to Train the Slice Properly

1. Master weight transfer first

2. Clean up racket face angle

3. Train both float and drive

4. Add movement patterns

5. Practice transition from slice to attack

6. Develop creativity once fundamentals are stable

The slice is not a bailout shot.

It’s a strategic tool.

Learn the Full Slice System Inside CoachLife

These insights come directly from the junior coaches who built:

• Carlos Alcaraz

• Naomi Osaka

• Frances Tiafoe

• Nick Kyrgios

• Taylor Fritz

Inside the CoachLife Slice Backhand category, you’ll find the complete technical, tactical, and developmental progression.

The slice is no longer optional in modern tennis.

If you can’t keep the ball low, you can’t disrupt rhythm.

And if you can’t disrupt rhythm, you’re predictable.

The slice backhand is not old-school.

It’s strategic leverage.

Peter Clarke
CoachLife Founder and Former Professional Player
Head Coach at the CoachLife Academy