Top professional player Simone Jardim breaks down the key elements in hitting an effective slice. Simone shares the appropriate time to use a slice, and discusses the key elements for hitting both a backhand and a forehand slice.

WHEN TO HIT A SLICE: One of the best times to utilize the slice is on the service return. Here's why:

• Keeps the ball low for your opponents which limits their opportunity to be offensive with their third.
• Forces your opponent to hit up on the ball -- potentially giving you a higher ball to attack on.

BREAKING DOWN THE BACKHAND:

- SWING PATH: Similar to a "U" shape. Path of your swing should start high, coming down as you make contact with the ball and the continuing up to finish the swing.                     

- WHAT TO AVOID: Avoid abruptly stopping your finish at contact point and make sure that you are swinging all the way through and finishing across your body.

- PADDLE FACE: 45 degree angle at contact point.                      

- WHAT TO AVOID: Avoid having paddle face completely open (facing the sky) at contact point so that the ball trajectory stays low.

- FOOTWORK: Step in with your right foot and let your left foot follow through as you finish your swing (Assumes right-handedness, opposite for left handed players).

BREAKING DOWN THE FOREHAND:

- SWING PATH: Same as backhand, resembling that "U" shape.                     

- WHAT TO AVOID: Avoid taking too large of a swing on the forehand side. Because there is more room on the forehand side, player's tend to take too big of a swing which can throw off timing or cause overhitting. Make sure to keep the forehand swing just as compact as the backhand.

- PADDLE FACE: 45 degree angle at contact point.

- FOOTWORK: Opposite of backhand side. Step in with the left foot and follow through with the right as you complete your swing (Opposite if left-handed).

Click HERE to watch the full breakdown by Simone.