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Drop shot

Tennis / Popular

Disguise and float the drop shot to pull opponents forward.

What coaches agree on

  • Disguise it: start your drop shot with the exact same preparation as your regular groundstroke or slice, and only change your grip or racket path at the last moment so your opponent can't read it early.
  • Use a short, high-to-low swing with soft, relaxed hands, brushing underneath the ball to absorb its pace rather than driving through it.
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  • Follow your drop shot in to the net: if it lands short and low, your opponent has to pop the ball up, setting you up for an easy volley to finish the point.

Common mistakes

  • Trying to hit a drop shot from behind the baseline: too far away to disguise in time or to control the short distance the shot needs.
  • Skimming the drop shot low and tight over the net: without real height and backspin behind it, the ball either nets or carries too far instead of dying short.
  • Reaching for the drop shot too often, or as a panic bailout when stuck in a rally, instead of a deliberate attacking choice.