How to Hit a Slice Return in Pickleball with Better Control and Depth

Main Points

• Use a grip between continental and eastern for a reliable slice return.
• Keep the paddle face slightly open and hit through the ball instead of adding wrist action.
• A compact swing with full body engagement creates more pace and control.
• Contact the ball out in front and away from the body to generate a better skid.
• Hand-fed reps help build the slice motion and consistency faster.
• The slice return can neutralize pace, keep opponents back, and create a more offensive position.

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Summary

This video breaks down how to hit a stronger slice return in pickleball by focusing on simple mechanics rather than extra wrist action. The key ideas are grip, paddle angle, and a direct swing path through the ball. A grip between continental and eastern gives a solid foundation for both forehand and backhand slice returns.

The slice is explained as underspin created by opening the paddle face slightly and hitting through the ball with a compact motion. Instead of chopping or flicking the wrist, the emphasis is on keeping the swing controlled and using the body to generate pace. That approach helps reduce mistakes and makes the shot easier to repeat under pressure.

A big teaching point in this video is contact position. The ball should be struck out in front of the body, not too close, so the paddle can work through the shot cleanly. When done correctly, the slice return stays low, skids after the bounce, and pushes the opponent back behind the baseline.

The video also shows why this shot is so useful in real match play. A good slice return can absorb pace, neutralize a strong serve, and buy time to get forward. It is framed as an offensive return that can create trouble for the server and set up the next ball.

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Tags: Attack | Backhand | Control | Court | Court Shoes | Ed Ju | Footwork | Forehand | Mari Humberg | Serve Return | Shoes | Slice | Strategy