If you've ever played tennis against someone who hits a slice on every shot, you know how frustrating it can be. No matter how well you play, it feels like they're always one step ahead of you. But don't despair—there are ways to counter a slicer and come out on top. Here's what you need to know.

The Slice Shot

A slice is a type of shot in which the ball rotates in the air, causing it to spin sideways when it bounces. This happens because the racket hits the ball on the lower side, causing it to spin. The result is a shot that doesn't travel very far and doesn't have much power behind it. However, a good slice can be very difficult to return.

Why Slicers Are So Tough To Beat

Slicers are tough to beat for a few reasons. First, because the ball spins sideways, it bounces lower than a regular shot. This makes it hard to judge where the ball will land, which makes return shots more difficult. Second, slicers often play defensively, using the slice to keep the ball in play rather than going for winners. This frustrates opponents and can cause them to make mistakes. And finally, slicers often mix up their shots, using slices and topspin shots interchangeably. This makes them even more unpredictable and difficult to beat.

So how do you beat a slicer? Here are a few pro tips:

Perfect Your Own Slice

When your opponent hits a low slice, you should return the ball with a slice of your own. But be cautious not to get into too much of a back-and-forth battle of hitting slices since they probably enjoy that style more than you do. Just focus on winning the point however you can.

Wait For The Right Opportunity

One of the best ways to beat a slicer is to be patient and wait for them to make a mistake. Sooner or later, they're bound to overhit the ball or send it into the net. When they do, pounce on the opportunity and take control of the point.

Don't Let Them Get Into A Rhythm

One of the worst things you can do against a slicer is let them get into a rhythm. If they're able to slice the ball consistently, they'll eventually start feeling more confident and may even start making shots that they wouldn't have attempted otherwise. To prevent this from happening, mix up your shots and keep them on their toes. For example, if you've been hitting forehands all game, try switching to a backhand once in awhile.

Hit Some Drop Shots

A drop shot is a soft shot that drops just over the net, making it hard for your opponent to reach. When used correctly, it can be an effective way to win points.

Drop shots can be particularly effective against players who slice the ball. First, the softness of the shot makes it difficult to generate power, which means your opponent will have a hard time returning it with any force. Second, the drop shot will force your opponent to come to the net, where they are less comfortable.

Bend Your Knees To Stay Low

Staying low provides more stability and control in your shot. By keeping your arms close to your body and staying low, you can maintain a more compact swing and hit with more control.

Staying low also helps you stay balanced throughout the shot. As you start to move forward after impact, your weight will naturally shift forward. If you're already low to the ground, it's easier to maintain your balance and avoid lunging forward too early.

Approach The Net

If your opponent is consistently hitting their slices deep into the court, then one way to win more points is to approach the net more often. This will force them to either hit a passing shot or come up with a weak reply that you can put away easily. Just be careful not to do it too often, as they will be prepared to lob the ball over you.

Use More Topspin

You can use more topspin to counteract their shots. When you add topspin to your shots, it makes the ball bounce higher. This can be tough for your opponent to handle if they're used to dealing with balls that stay low to the ground.

Using more topspin can also help you keep the ball in play since it will dip down into their court. Just be careful not to overdo it; too much topspin can make the ball bounce high and give your opponent time to recover.

If you find yourself up against a slicester on the tennis court, use these tips to help you secure the win! Stay patient, approach the net more, and hit with more topspin when appropriate. With a little bit of strategy, you'll be able to outplay even the sliciest of opponents.

How To Beat A Tennis Player Who Keeps Slicing the Ball