Drop Shots: Disguising Your Intentions
The drop shot is basically a forehand or backhand that is hit softly with an open racket face that puts a backspin or no spin on the ball. Your shot drops softly over and close to the net, away from your opponent on the other side.
Use the drop shot when you are in a position inside the service line or closer to the net. The idea is to disguise your shot so that it looks as though you are going to hit a forcing shot deep into your opponent’s backcourt. Instead, you hit a short drop shot that your opponent can’t reach before the ball bounces a second time. Drop shots are usually hit down the line or angled away from the opponent. They are also typically hit after a series of groundstrokes and when the opponent expects a hard, deep, driving shot. The drop shot can be an effective substitute for an approach shot. Although any player can use it, a well-hit drop shot is a relatively sophisticated stroke used by intermediate and advanced players.
The drop shot is especially effective against players who are out of position, out of shape, slow, or uncomfortable at the net (they usually stay back on the baseline during rallies). It also works well against opponents who are hot, tired, or lazy. That’s a lot of market potential. If you use the drop shot often enough, your opponent’s concern is that you might use it again. This can make other shots from a similar position on the court more effective. The drop shot also forces opposing players out of a backcourt position and their groundstroke-only rhythm of an extended rally.
Read more on: Tennis: Steps to Success Jim Brown, Camille Soulier