Topspin vs. Slice: When to Use Each Groundstroke

Topspin and slice are the two main spins in tennis, and each does a different job. Topspin makes the ball dip down into the court and kick up after the bounce, so you can hit hard with a big margin over the net. Slice makes the ball float and then stay low after the bounce. It's great for defending, approaching and changing the rhythm of a rally.

This guide explains how each spin works, how to hit it, when to use it and how to practice both.

The short answer

How spin works, briefly

A spinning ball pulls the air around it in the direction of its spin. With topspin, the top of the ball rotates forward, and that creates a downward force (the Magnus effect) that makes the ball dip. With backspin, the bottom of the ball rotates forward, creating some lift, so the ball floats and travels flatter.

After the bounce, topspin makes the ball jump forward and up, and backspin makes it stay low and slow down.

How to hit topspin

• Grip: eastern or semi-western forehand. See Tennis Grips Explained.
• Drop the racquet head below the level of the ball before you swing.
• Swing low to high, brushing up the back of the ball.
• Finish high, over your shoulder or wrapped around your body.
• Use your legs. Pushing up from bent knees adds lift and spin.

How to hit slice

• Grip: continental.
• Start the racquet high, above the level of the ball, with the face slightly open.
• Swing high to low and forward, under and through the ball. Think "forward," not "down." Chopping straight down makes the ball float or land short.
• Keep the racquet face steady through contact, and finish out in front, toward your target.
• Stay low through the shot, with your shoulders turned.

When to use topspin

• Neutral rallies: topspin lets you clear the net comfortably and still keep the ball in.
• Attacking: heavy topspin pushes your opponent back, and lets you hit hard with margin.
• Passing shots: topspin dips at the feet of a net player.
• Topspin lobs: they go over the net player's head and bounce away from them.
• On clay: the high bounce is especially effective. See how court surfaces change the way you play.

When to use slice

• On defense: a slice is easier to hit on the run or from a stretched position, and buys you time to recover.
• Approach shots: a low, deep slice is hard to pass from.
• Changing pace: a slice in the middle of a topspin rally can throw off your opponent's timing.
• Against players with extreme grips, who often struggle with low balls.
• Drop shots: backspin makes the ball check up after it bounces.
• On grass and fast courts: a slice skids and stays low.

Common mistakes

1. Topspin that lands short. Usually too much brush and not enough forward swing. Aim higher over the net, and swing through the ball.
2. Topspin with a flat grip. A continental or eastern grip makes it hard. Try a semi-western grip.
3. Slice that floats high. The racquet face is too open, or the swing is too steeply downward. Swing more forward.
4. Slice that goes into the net. The racquet face is too closed. Open it slightly.
5. Using only one spin. Most good club players use both, depending on the ball.

Drills

• High-net rally: rally while aiming at least 3–4 feet over the net, and still landing the ball deep. This builds topspin naturally.
• Slice-only rally: rally using only backhand slices, aiming deep and low.
• Mix-it-up: alternate topspin and slice on every backhand. This builds feel and quick grip changes.

Keep learning

• Use topspin and slice in a game plan: Singles Strategy for 3.5 Players.
• Find the right string tension for spin with the string tension calculator.
• Find a hitting partner in our player directory.