A well-timed drop shot wins the point outright or drags a baseline player into the forecourt, where they feel uncomfortable. A badly timed one hands your opponent an easy ball. Technique matters, but choosing the moment matters even more.
When to use it
The drop shot works best when:
- your opponent is deep behind the baseline;
- you are inside the court, so the ball has a short distance to travel;
- your opponent is slow, tired or uncomfortable at the net;
- the court is slow or the conditions are heavy (clay, wind against you).
Hitting a drop shot from behind your own baseline is risky: the ball travels too long and gives your opponent time to reach it.
Technique
Use a continental grip and prepare as for a normal slice or drive, so the shot is disguised. At the last moment, open the racquet face and slow the swing, brushing under the ball to create backspin. A soft grip absorbs pace. The ball should clear the net with a little margin and land short, ideally bouncing more than once before the service line. Backspin makes it check or even come back toward the net.
From the forehand side, some players hit the drop shot with a slice forehand; others prefer it from the backhand, where the slice motion is more natural.
Follow it in
After a drop shot, move forward a few steps. If your opponent reaches it, they will often play a soft reply or a short angle, and you need to be closer to deal with it. A drop shot followed by a lob is a classic combination.
Returning a drop shot
Read it early: an opened racquet face and slowed swing are the signs. Sprint forward immediately and try to reach the ball before its second bounce while still rising, if possible. Once you get there, you have options:
- a soft drop shot back, if your opponent stayed at the baseline;
- a deep push down the line, then move toward the net;
- a short crosscourt angle.
Avoid hitting hard from below the net; the ball tends to fly long.
Training your touch
- drop shots to a target zone just over the net, from the service line, then from further back;
- a “touch” game where both players must keep the ball inside the service boxes;
- a partner hits drop shots; you sprint, return and recover.
The touch you develop here also helps with drop volleys at the net. Combine drop shots and lobs to move your opponent up and back, as explained in how to hit a good lob.
