How to Hit a Slice Serve
by: Dave Winship @ On The Line

Left-handers should make the usual translations to the following advice.

Let's clear up one thing to start with. A slice serve is actually a bit of a misnomer. It's not like the underspin you apply when you hit a slice backhand. No, a slice serve is really a sidespin serve. Assuming you're a right-hander, the flight of the ball curves from right to left, particularly after the ball bounces. It's mainly useful for taking your opponent out of court (e.g. a right-handed serve to the deuce court) or jamming a serve into the receiver's body. Spin always results in a slower serve, but the longer string contact ensures better control and safety. It's therefore a good option for a second serve.

As with any spin shot, you achieve the effect by applying a glancing blow to the ball. In this case, you want the ball to rotate left-to-right. If you imagine the ball has a clock face, you could impart the spin by scraping the racket across from 9 o'clock to 3 o'clock, but it's actually simpler and more effective to think of angling the racket face and just brushing the right hand side of the ball (at 2 or 3 o'clock). Follow through on the left side of your body.

When you first try this serve, it may help to place the ball further to the right than usual. If you're comfortable with it, it may also help to move your racket hand round towards an eastern backhand grip.

Regards.

Dave Winship