P2 Backhand Slice: Control, Angle, and Variation

The padel backhand slice is defensive and offensive. Start in continental grip, rotate shoulders to the side, and bring the racket up above your shoulder with the racket edge leading (not the strings). The backswing is shorter than a drive. Move forward slightly as you slice downward and through the ball, maintaining edge-first contact. The ball is contacted at waist height or slightly higher. Follow through down and across your body. The slice imparts backspin, which keeps the ball low at the net and reduces opponent reaction time. Many P2 players slice too much on slow balls—use drive or topspin when the ball is high. Slice is most effective on fast incoming balls, returning serves, or when you're pushed back. At the net, the slice becomes a volley-slice—a softer motion with minimal backswing. Practice slicing from both sides of the court.