Hey there, it’s your coach Jordan Briones.
If you’ve been watching how the best players in the world handle themselves at the kitchen line, you’ve probably noticed something. They’re not just keeping the ball in play. They’re choosing exactly how and when to attack — and a big part of that starts with one specific shot.
The backhand slice dink.
It’s not flashy. It doesn’t get the highlight reels that a speed-up or an erne does. But it is one of the most reliable, controlled, and strategically powerful tools at the kitchen line. And once you understand how to use it the right way, it changes how you compete.
Why the Backhand Slice Dink Never Goes Out of Style
Now, I know we’ve talked a lot about the two-handed topspin backhand dink and how that is the most aggressive dink you can hit from the left side as a right-handed player. I stand by that. It’s a shot you absolutely want in your arsenal.
But here’s the reality. You’re not always going to be set up perfectly to hit it.
There are moments in every rally where your positioning is off, the ball is coming at you fast, or you just don’t have the time to load up for topspin. That’s exactly where the backhand slice dink steps in. It’s your go-to shot for consistency and efficiency when conditions aren’t perfect.
And that’s not a weakness. That’s smart pickleball.
What is the Ideal Contact Zone for a Controlled Backhand Slice Dink
One of the biggest advantages of the backhand slice dink is the contact zone it gives you.
Ideally, you want to be making contact somewhere between your right knee and your left knee. That range right in front of your body is your sweet spot. But here’s the thing — with good footwork and balance, you can still hit quality slices even when the ball moves outside that zone past your left knee. The key is staying balanced through the entire shot.
Compare that to the two-handed topspin dink. With topspin, you have to get really low. Both wrists need to be well below the ball so you can brush upward on it. The margin for error is tighter.
With the slice? As long as you’re balanced and prepped early, you just start your paddle at ball level or slightly below and come through in a smooth, controlled motion. It’s more forgiving, and that forgiveness is exactly what you need in long kitchen battles.
How the Best Players in the World Set Up Their Feet
When I think about what great backhand slice dinks look like, two players immediately come to mind: Ben Johns and Federico Staksrud. Watch them closely and you’ll notice they actually use two different stance variations depending on what the situation calls for.
The first is a full open stance. Their feet are more or less parallel as they shuffle sideways, and they use their core rotation to drive the shot across the ball. It’s quick, efficient, and gets the job done when time is limited.
The second variation is when they shuffle over and then plant that right foot slightly in front of the left. Ben does this a lot. What that does is give you a little extra hip rotation and sets you up for a really controlled, consistent swing through the ball.
My recommendation? Practice both. There will be times when you don’t have the luxury of taking that extra step, and you’ll need to hit it from an open stance. But when you do have time, that dominant foot forward position is going to give you the most control.
Drill One: Build Your Foundation with Footwork and Balance
Okay, so now that you understand the mechanics, let’s talk about how to actually train this shot. Because understanding something in your head and being able to do it consistently under pressure are two very different things.
The first drill is all about footwork and balance before you even worry about swinging.
Have a partner toss you balls while you focus on your shuffle step. You’re bringing that right foot in toward your left, then sliding the left foot out. As you land, you want to catch the ball right where your ideal contact point would be — somewhere between your knees.
Here’s the thing a lot of players mess up on this drill. They catch the ball while leaning toward their left side instead of staying centered. If your balance is off when you catch it, it’s going to be off when you hit it. Check yourself. Make sure your center of gravity is right in the middle before you do anything else.
If the ball is closer to the non-volley zone line, use an angled shuffle step to create space off the line. That spacing is critical for keeping good form on tighter balls.
Drill Two: Add the Ball and Focus on Early Preparation
Once your footwork and balance feel solid, you move to the next progression — simple toss feeds where you’re putting it all together.
Here’s what I want you to focus on: prep everything early and at the same time. A lot of players get their feet set first and then get their paddle ready. That two-step process costs you time and control.
The best players move their feet and their paddle simultaneously. As your feet shuffle out, your paddle is already getting into position. By the time you plant, you’re already ready to swing.
When you do hit, stay low through the shot and use your shoulder as a hinge. That’s your control lever. And as the ball leaves your paddle, make sure your momentum is carrying you back toward your ready position. You’re not just hitting the ball — you’re recovering for the next one.
Drill Three: Put It Together in Live Crosscourt Rallies
The third progression is live crosscourt backhand rallies with a partner.
This is where everything gets tested. Your footwork, your balance, your preparation, and your swing all have to work together now — and on top of that, you’re focusing on a target.
The goal here is not to see how hard you can hit it. The goal is to get the ball to drop in the non-volley zone, keep it low to the net, and build a rhythm. When you start getting that ball to bounce low consistently, you’ll feel the difference in how your opponent has to respond. They can’t attack low bouncing balls. They have to lift them, and that’s exactly the kind of opportunity that 5.0 players are always looking to create.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the big picture. The backhand slice dink is not a defensive shot. It’s a setup shot.
When you can keep the ball low, control your contact zone, and stay balanced through every exchange, you start dictating what happens in the rally. You’re not just surviving the kitchen battle — you’re shaping it.
You’re waiting for the right moment to attack, and when that moment comes, you’re already in a position to take it.
That’s exactly how 5.0 players think. They don’t attack randomly. They use shots like this to set up the perfect opportunity, and then they take it.
Work through those three drills. Get your footwork dialed in first. Then add the ball. Then take it live. Stay patient, stay consistent, and let the shot do its job.
See you on the courts,
Coach Jordan Briones
