Learn the drop shot in tennis: a short backspin ball just behind the net, with disguise, milestones, typical mistakes, safety tips and FAQ.
The drop shot is a short, softly played ball with backspin that should bounce twice just behind the net. It lures the opponent forward and opens the space behind him. The LTA describes it as a key weapon of the modern game, with which you draw the opponent forward and have the chance to win the point outright or exploit the free space behind [1].
The honest answer to "is the drop shot worth it?": yes, but dosed. Its effect relies on surprise, and that wears off quickly. A lab study (not tennis, but a throwing task) showed that observing a fake helps to detect later fakes; the authors therefore recommend not using several fakes in a short time in sport [3]. That fits the drop shot: play it three times in a row and your opponent is already waiting at the net for the fourth. (Transfer, not a tennis measurement.)
And one more rule that fits the drop shot: if after its bounce in the correct court the ball has spun or been blown back over the net, the player who has to play it may reach over the net and play it into the correct court – as long as he does not touch the net [2]. The consequence: a drop shot that hardly bounces forward can, in the extreme, be played without the player touching the net.
How long does it take? You understand the basic pattern in one session. Until you have the right dosage, expect weeks to months (practical experience, not a study).
When the opponent stands back or moves back and you can play the ball in a controlled way. Not when you are under pressure or the opponent is at the net. The LTA names as questions: when to hit the drop shot, how to disguise it and how to execute it technically [1].
Milestone: On 8 of 10 feeds you recognise whether the drop shot is an option.
The drop shot is a deception shot. A study on passing shots showed that cues in the body reveal the shot direction before contact [4] – for the drop shot that is a transfer, not a measurement. Your preparation must therefore look like a normal slice or groundstroke; only at the last moment do you take the pace out.
Milestone: A partner cannot tell drop shot from normal slice before contact in 5 of 10 cases.
You cut the ball from behind and below, the racket face slightly open. A review on backhand strokes points out that two-handed backhand players should learn the one-handed slice early because the coordination is different [5]. The slice drop shot is played with a short path and little pace. The hand holds the racket firmly but not tensely (practical experience).
Milestone: 6 of 10 drop shots land within 2 m behind the net.
The ball should just clear the net. The higher it crosses the net, the more time the opponent has to run forward (practical experience). Practise first with a target: put a towel or cone just behind the net.
Milestone: 5 of 10 drop shots bounce at most twice before they stop.
After the drop shot you go two steps forward to pick up the reply. If the opponent plays the ball high, you have the lob in mind.
Milestone: After 8 of 10 drop shots you are in position for the next ball.
Prepare the drop shot with deep groundstrokes: if you play deep for three or four balls, the opponent stands far back – that is when the drop shot is most effective. If he already stands at the front, play a deep ball or lob instead. Count in a set how often you play the drop shot; more than three or four times is usually too often (practical experience).
A short, softly played ball with backspin that should bounce twice just behind the net.
When the opponent stands back and you can play the ball in a controlled way. The LTA names the when, how and disguise as central questions [1].
With the same preparation as for the normal stroke. Cues in the body reveal the direction [4].
Yes, if after its bounce in the correct court the ball has spun or been blown back over the net, you may reach over the net and play it as long as you do not touch the net [2].
Tennis: The Tennis ABC – Every Term Explained