An Introduction to the Drop Shot

By Rachael Hesling

Introduction

In tennis, the drop shot is a highly tactical play that often ends the point - for better or worse. At its most basic level, the drop shot is a soft shot intended to barely clear the net and catch your opponent in a position where he or she cannot reach it. Because the drop shot requires a great deal of finesse, most players only attempt it when they are close to the net.

The Drop Shot

When making a drop shot, players usually tilt their racquets at an angle and “slice” through the ball to create a backspin. When the ball hits the ground on the other side of the net, it will bounce softly back toward the net, making a return shot difficult. While the drop shot is an effective way to catch your opponent napping behind the baseline, a poorly executed drop shot will either fail to clear the net or set your opponent up for an easy win.