The dropshot

The dropshot can be an exciting and fun shot for both the fans watching and the players. Timing when and where to go for it is almost more important than technique.

Think about when you would use it because we see professionals use a drop shot as a desperation move all too often. The drop shot needs to be integrated into a sound game plan and strategy and now used as a desperation shot.

The reasons behind this are simple you want the opponent to have to move and get them out of their natural rhythm. There are many players than can rally from the base line without missing for 10 to 20 shots. The drop will change the positions of the players and force the baseliner to volley or hit a touch shot.

As mentioned above too often a player will use the shot when frustrated and unable to hit through an opponent on a long rally. Disguise and surprise are the greatest assets to winning with a dropper. Of course the technique is important to win the point yet the real key is surprising your opponent.

The technical side of a drop shot to prepare like a regular shot and then quickly undercut the ball with slice and softly follow through to impart enough backspin to insure the ball does not go to far into the court. The first two bounces should be inside the service court. The grip on the backhand must be settled and relaxed which requires a continental grip. On the forehand the eastern grip seems to allow for the softest touch when slicing the ball.

Special note it is best to have the weight move foreward with the ball like you are carrying it softly to the destination. This is natural on the backhand and its important to avoid too much a downward swing which will create abnormal spin and make the drop erratic. A well place drop shot should be an outright winner .If it is hit to far, to hard, to high becomes an easy put away. If there is no movement withthe ball it will invariably go into the net.

We are seeking assistance from coaches and pros to finish this site... thanks
If you have a suggestion, hint, tip, addtion, or a better explanation you may submit it to us via email at info@teachingtennis.com We will look over the submission and enter it into the section with your credit. Thank you for coming to this site, if you are a coach or player please sign up.