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A lot of times the pros (and many of us)
will use the drop shot as a move of desperation. Maybe we
are being out rallied from the baseline and have lost some
confidence, or maybe we get tired and want the point to be
over quickly. Either way, I do not recommend that you use
the drop shot as a desperate resource. Rather, use the drop
shot as a smart and offensive shot in which you know will
result in turning the point into your point to win. In most
cases, using the drop shot as a desperate resource will cause
you to hit a poor drop shot from a lousy position and you
will most likely not win the point.
You always want to be in a favorable position
to hit a drop shot. You never want to attempt to hit a drop
shot when you are well behind the baseline. This means the
ball has a longer distance to travel before it crosses the
net, allowing your opponent more time to react and get to
the ball. The best position to hit a drop shot is inside the
baseline.
One of the biggest weapons you can have when
you are going to hit a drop shot is the element of surprise.
Anytime you telegraph (let your opponent see what you are
going to hit) the drop shot you could be in deep trouble.
If your opponent sees that you are going to hit a drop shot
they might run sooner than you expect. If they get there in
time while the ball is still high enough they might have a
good shot to hit a winner or to take control of the point.
To keep from telegraphing your shot, you need to bring the
racquet back like you would normally to make it look like
you are going to hit a ground stroke. I see a lot of players
bring the racquet back and then stand straight up before the
swing. By doing this you let your opponent know too early
what your plans are. The longer you can make your shot look
like a regular ground stroke the more off guard you will catch
your opponent. The slice ground stroke lends itself beautifully
to the drop shot. There is almost no difference in the stroke
until you hit the ball. If you are a big topspin slugger,
hitting the drop shot in disguise will be a little tougher
and will be telegraphed sooner.
The drop shot seems like such a simple shot,
but can be very tricky to hit and hit at the right time in
the point. Let’s take a look at the where, when, why, what
& who’s of the drop shot.
What is a good drop shot?
1. A good drop shot is hit with slice/backspin.
2. A good drop shot bounces 6 times before it reaches
the service line. A great drop shot never makes it to the
service line.
3. A good drop shot is one in which the ball is on
it’s way down when it crosses the net.
4. A good drop shot is one your opponent does not expect.
Why do you hit a drop shot?
1. To make your opponent run.
2. To take control of the point.
3. To bring your opponent to the net.
4. To win the point.
Where is a good place to hit the drop
shot?
1. In the service box furthest away from your opponent.
Always hit to one side or the other, never down the middle.
Hitting to one side will give your opponent a longer distance
to run and opens the court up for you.
2. Hit the drop shot behind your opponent so he/she
will have to stop and change directions before they start
to run to the ball.
When is a good time to hit the drop shot?
1. When your opponent stands well behind the baseline
to return your shots.
2. When you drag your opponent well off of the court
deep to one side or the other.
3. When you are standing on or inside of the baseline.
Avoid hitting drop shots when you are standing behind the
baseline. This gives your opponent more time to react and
makes it a much tougher shot to execute!
4. When your opponent is not expecting it.
5. When you are hitting into the wind.
6. When the balls are getting old.
Who do I hit the drop shot against?
1. Players who do not run fast
2. Players who do not like the net
3. Players who stands too far back in the court
4. Clay court players
Good Luck on the
Court!
Scott Baker
Tennis4you.com
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