MASTER THE DROPSHOT

THE DROP-SHOT IN MODERN TENNIS

The drop shot has evolved from a rarely used tactic a few decades ago to now being an essential weapon in a player's arsenal. By employing it, players can exploit their opponents' being either off balance or standing too deep in the court. 

The primary objective of the drop shot is to take advantage of your opponent's court positioning. When executed well, it forces the opponent forward and, if timed correctly, leaves them scrambling to reach the ball and again out of position for the next shot. 

To execute the drop shot well, you'll need a combination of the following;

THE TIMING

You have to execute the drop shot at the right time during the point. If the timing is wrong, your opponent will end up at the net with an easy put-away.

The best time to execute the drop shot is when your opponent is deep off the baseline or off balance running the wrong way. You'll need to train your observation skills as you play points so that you make good decisions.

The drop-shot works best when it's a surprise!

Another time the drop shot works well is when it breaks the rhythm of the point. Many opponents like to engage in a baseline rally and can be comfortable trading ground-strokes with you all day. These opponents are often uncomfortable coming to the net to finish their points.

THE TECHNIQUE

To execute the drop-shot well, you'll need to use underspin. 

Your goal with the drop-shot is to keep the first and second bounce as close together as possible. Using underspin helps but the other technique to employ is height over the net. This combination of underspin and height will achieve our goal of two bounces close together.

If you try to drop-shot by hitting the ball close to the net band, your 2nd bounce will land too deep, and your opponent will reach it. Instead, give it height and create a "tight" 2nd bounce.  

"

"Give your drop-shot underspin and height to 

create a "tight" bounce on the other 

side of the net."

The best drop-shot contain
height and underspin

BACKING-UP

After hitting the drop-shot, you'll need to consider your positioning.  

Hopefully, your opponent is playing the ball from a low position after running to reach it. You need to control their shot selection options. The opponent will want to hit over the lowest part of the net to make their life easier. You need to force them into hitting over the highest part of the net. You do this by visually blocking their preferred option (usually cross-court).

The opponent will also need to hit up from your drop-shot. Get as close to the net as possible to take advantage (while staying aware of a possible lob).

A good drop shot forces your opponent
to contact the ball from low and reply
over the highest part of the net.

AND ONE MORE THING...

If the idea suddenly jumps into your head to play a drop-shot, it's probably the wrong decision. Always use the drop-shot as part of a strategy and know when and where you will play it. No last-second decisions!