When to use slice from the back of the court

What this lesson covers

Players often default to a slice backhand when defending at the back of the court, a habit carried over from tennis. In padel, hitting a slice on low balls is risky because the linear trajectory makes it difficult to clear the net while keeping the ball at the opponent's feet. This approach often results in a slow, floating ball that allows the net players to attack easily. Consistency remains the priority, and relying on slice for every defensive shot limits the ability to control the pace of the game.

The slice becomes an effective tool when the ball is above chest height. At this elevation, the player can strike through the back of the ball with a flatter, faster trajectory to pressure the opponents. This is particularly useful when moving forward to attack an easy ball or when executing a bajada after a lob. When playing a ball off the back glass, ensure the incoming ball has low forward momentum so there is time to set up and strike down through the contact point. Players looking to advance their game should practice hitting flat shots on low balls to better execute chiquitas and find open spaces.