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The Mechanics of the Slice
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 1. The grip is the Eastern service or Continental grip (number 3), described on that page. It does not change between the fore- and backhand.
2. The same footwork as on the drive, with the body turned sideways and the rear end turned out of the way by stepping across directly at the opposite sideline with the foot away from the ball, will produce the best results.
However, owing to the use of the wrist in the actual swing, in marked contrast to the stiff wrist that must be used for drives, the feet need not be so definitely changed provided the weight is kept on the one closer to the ball.
3. Let the head of the racquet rise slightly above the wrist as it is taken back a short distance behind the body.
This makes an angle between racquet and arm. Be sure the racquet head is slightly above the line of the proposed shot. Swing the racquet head directly into the ball from slightly above it, and let it travel on through to the end of its swing, aided by a loosened wrist that carries the racquet slightly under the ball and imparts a backspin to it. Be sure to follow through completely, and do not attempt to use too much wrist or the ball will float.
To hit a slice that travels from your right to your left (cross-court from number 1 court) hit the ball on the upper right surface. To hit from your left to your right (a backhand cross-court from number 2 court) hit the ball on the upper left surface. To hit straight, meet the ball at the back or slightly to the left of centre.
The slice is definitely not a shot capable of great speed with control, since backspin, working against the air, causes the ball to rise and float. It is a shot that should either be hit on a straight trajectory or, if the bound is high enough, hit down, but it is not a shot on which to hit up. For this reason it is not a stroke to use on low, short shots.
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