How To Master The Drop Shot
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How To Master The Drop Shot
Learn how to perform a perfectly controlled drop shot to help improve your tennis. The drop shot is the hardest to execute in tennis, but once you perfect the technique, this can be the ultimate weapon. Get your opponent out of position, and the points will begin to accumulate!
Step 1: Your position
You can play the drop shot when you are close to the net. Simply start in the ready position.
Step 2: Your grip
From the ready position, select your preferred forehand grip. We recommend the eastern forehand grip.
Simply hold the tennis racket with the V of your thumb and forefinger slightly to the right of the top of the grip. Not on the first edge, but on the second.
Step 3: Approach the ball
As soon as you see where the tennis ball is going, pivot your feet to the right. If you're left handed simply reverse these instructions.
The shift of your feet will quite naturally place you sideways on to the court.
As you move towards the ball, stay side on, using side steps and cross steps to adjust your position.
Step 4: Bring the racket back
As the tennis ball is coming towards you, take your racket back a little farther than you would for a volley.
Use your other hand to point at the ball. This helps you track the ball and keeps your body sideways on to the shot.
Step 5: Your swing
Step forwards as you chop down on the ball. Slice the ball with a downward motion of the racket.
Whilst maintaining a firm grip, the skill of the drop shot is to "take the weight off the ball", aiming to take the power out of your opponent's shot.
Due to the delicacy of the shot there is no follow through. You simply return to the ready position.
The drop shot is a weapon that can be used to draw a tennis player out of position by forcing them to come to the net. Or you can use it to win a point when you have already forced your opponent to the back of the court. The choice is yours.