Volleying against slice: technique and contact point

What this lesson covers

When an opponent hits a slice, the ball carries under-spin that causes it to drop sharply off the racket face. Many players mistakenly reach too far in front to intercept these shots, which forces the racket face to close and sends the ball directly into the net. Recognizing the slice early requires watching the opponent's swing path, specifically looking for an open racket face brushing down or across the back of the ball.

To counter this spin, keep the racket face slightly more open than usual at contact. Instead of stopping the racket, drive through the ball to impose your own momentum and force the trajectory back over the net. Avoid reaching too far forward, as this naturally closes the racket face and makes it impossible to compensate for the incoming spin. This adjustment is most effective for players who find themselves consistently hitting into the net against defensive slice shots.