Drill library · Wall

Slice Skim

WallNTRP 3.0–4.010 minbackhand

Why this drill

The wall gives slice instant feedback no partner can: a good slice comes back low and skidding, a floater balloons. Ten minutes of skims teaches the knife edge by consequence.

Setup

Five to six meters from the wall. Net line marked, and a second chalk line one ball's height above it — the skim band.

The drill

Rally backhand slices only, aiming every ball inside the skim band — above the net line, below the second line. Count consecutive band balls; eight is skilled, twelve is a weapon. The rebound arrives low and fast, exactly like your slice will arrive at an opponent.

One thought to take on court

High to low and long through the ball — finish with the racquet pointing at the band, not wrapped around your body.