Standing courtside at South County Regional Park, Matt Pressman, Editor and Publisher of Florida Tennis Magazine, spent time on court with Casey Curtis, Director of Curtis Tennis Academy, breaking down one of the game’s most misunderstood strokes: the slice.
“The slice is a stroke that has changed a lot since I was trained as a junior player,” Pressman opened. “What we really wanted to cover is the difference between the classic slice—where you hit straight through the ball—and the kind of cut you’re seeing much more in today’s game.”
Curtis was clear from the start: modern players need both.
“I believe in using both,” Curtis said. “You’ll see a lot of players now hitting what I call the side slice, whether they’re going crosscourt or down the line. But I still want a player to be able to hit that straight slice—the classic slice—as well.”
According to Curtis, the straight slice travels on a more linear path and is often used to drive the ball deeper through the court.
“That straight slice is basically a straight line. The racket stays on that line, the ball stays lower, and it usually goes deeper,” he explained.
But depth alone isn’t enough in today’s game.
“In today’s game, if you float a slice at all, you’re in trouble,” Curtis said bluntly. “Everybody’s forehand is so big now. If you put it up high, they’re just going to hammer it.”
Whether players choose a straight slice or a side slice, Curtis emphasized one universal rule.
“In today’s game, if you’re hitting a slice—any slice—you need to keep the ball low. We call it ‘sticking’ the ball. You don’t want it floating.”
That principle applies both to defensive slices and offensive ones.
“If you’re going deep, you still want to stick it—pace, depth, and low over the net. And if you’re hitting the short slice, that one has to stay low too.”
Curtis pointed to Roger Federer as one of the best examples of how the short slice can be weaponized.
“Federer used that short slice into the outside corner extremely well. It was incredibly effective. Other guys started catching on, so he didn’t use it as much later, but it’s still a great shot—especially in the women’s game.”
Curtis explained that the evolution of the forehand has made the short, low slice even more dangerous.
“A lot of players now use very western grips, and they close the racket face. That makes low balls—especially short ones—much harder to handle.”
He added that many modern forehands rely on the “pet the dog” position seen across the men’s game.
“If you watch Sinner or Alcaraz, they drop the racket head down and then come up. That’s the modern forehand. It’s great for pace, but it’s not ideal against low, skidding balls.”
That’s why Curtis believes the short side slice can be a tactical nightmare.
“When you cut that ball short and low, you’re pulling the opponent eight to ten feet inside the court, and often out wide. That’s not a great position. They almost have to hit a winner because so much of the court is now open.”
Pressman noted that players were traditionally taught to keep slices deep and crosscourt, especially during the serve-and-volley era.
Curtis agreed—and explained why the advice has changed.
“Back when you and I were playing, guys were coming to the net all the time. You didn’t want to bring them in. That’s where they were most comfortable.”
Today, it’s different.
“Now, bringing a player in on purpose can be very effective. It’s not the same as them attacking a short ball. When they know you’re bringing them in intentionally, it creates doubt.”
The mechanics of the slice itself have evolved as well.
“The North American slice we were taught had a more open racket face,” Curtis said. “You could get under the ball more easily, but that also made it easier to float.”
The modern, more European-influenced technique reduces that risk.
“With the European style, the racket face starts more vertical, the wrist is set, and the strings stay more square. That makes it less likely you’re going to float the ball.”
Curtis pushed back against the idea that the slice is purely a defensive shot.
“There’s a lot of myths around the slice,” he said. “It can be defensive, neutral, or offensive—it depends on the intention.”
Using the slice to draw an opponent forward? That’s offense.
“If you’re slicing short on purpose to bring someone in, that’s not defensive at all.”
But even when players are stretched wide, the modern slice still needs intent.
“You’ll see players reach with a slice, but it’s usually hit with pace. They’re not floating it down the middle. The game is faster and more offensive now.”
Photo credit: By si.robi – [1], CC BY-SA 2.0.
Slice returns, especially off the one-handed backhand, are becoming rarer.
“Federer did it a lot,” Curtis noted. “But you’re seeing less of that now because it’s so hard to hit that shot offensively on the return.”
Curtis was particularly strong on this point.
“I think women should be using more slice—and more drop shots,” he said. “Any young girl training at a high level who isn’t working on her drop shot is missing out.”
“When you shorten the court and keep the ball low, that’s when things get tough. Even if they get a good shot off, they’re exposed.”
As the session wrapped up, Curtis summarized the key lessons.
“You should absolutely be able to hit both the deep slice and the short slice,” he said. “If you always go short, your opponent will start charging.”
Variety is the real weapon.
“Sometimes you show slice and go deep. Sometimes you bring them in. That uncertainty is what makes the slice effective.”
One last warning:
“The floater can neutralize a point in certain situations—but in general, you want the ball low and purposeful. Low and deep, or low and short. Not floating.”
As Pressman concluded, the slice is no longer a survival tool—it’s a strategic weapon. And in the modern game, those who learn to use it with intent gain a serious edge.
To learn more, schedule a visit, or watch instructional videos, visit www.curtistennis.com or follow @CurtisTennis on Instagram.
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