An example of a beautiful drop shot technique

Continuing with the topic of drop shot here is definitely one example how it was utilised by Sabine Lisicki when she played against Maria Sharapova. It was with style and seems like a strategic one. She either made her moves such that the opponent had to follow her position or she is just quick in reaction. She did it such that the ball was certainly unexpected and her opponent could not react to the drop shot then.

Tennis drop shot with illustration

Illustration of drop shot technique (bbc)

Found this interesting animation that can illustrate how a drop shot can be done. These days the drop shot can be a very effective move to counter powerful shots. But the move can only be effective when it is applied carefully and with great surprise.

It may be easy to perform the technique but to use it and score a point is something that needs more skill. Usually it can be done with luring the opponents with series of deep and powerful shots then later on surprised them with a drop shot when they are behind their baseline.

Another note again which is that the drop shot should not be used that often so to serve as a surprise counter technique.

Important sidenotes on the tennis drop shot

In fact in most of the tennis techniques shots, disguising them is one technique and it is also an important one as it will disallow to be more prepare of your shots and often it might be a score for you if they are not apt enough to handle it.

In short in drop shot, the ability to disguise the intended shot is important as it may mislead your opponent into thinking that you are about to play a standard shot.

Another important thing about using drop shot is that it should not be overused. It is best delivered when your opponent is not expecting it.

The tennis drop shot technique add on

There are other matters to take note when doing a drop shot after the forward swing and contact. The following will describe the follow through things to note:

1. Keep the follow through of drop shot has to be short, finishing at approximately waist level.

2. Another important thing is to ensure that you keep your head still and maintain the balance. On completion of the shot, follow the ball to the net so that you can reduce the angle of your opponent's return.

3. Usually, your opponent may also return with a drop shot so be in a flexible position to counter that.

It is important to get a feel for how much force to apply with the racket and for how to absorb the pace of the oncoming ball so that you can use a drop shot. Therefore sometimes it is useful to actually work on your drop shot early in the development of the game because it will develop your feel for the ball and how to control it. You will also become more aware of the touch and timing of the shots.

The tennis drop shot technique

The key to a successful drop shot is to relax the muscle tension in your forearm and hand at the point of contact. Here are some of the important things to note when doing a drop shot:

The grip

Continental grip for the drop shot is easier to use but if you can continue to play your normal forehand or backhand, you can actually surprise the opponent.

Preparation and backswing

Try and prepare as you would for your normal forehand and backhand so that you can disguise the shot. Use the same stance as when you use for forehand and backhand. Play the shot from inside the court so the ball has less far to travel as this will give your opponent less time to get the ball.

Forward swing and contact

Use a similar forward swing as for forehand and backhand. Need a downward swing but reduce the speed of the racket head so you can control the ball. Keep wrist loose and bring racket face underneath the ball, putting spin on it. Contact the ball just before or when it reaches the highest point of its bounce.

Tennis drop shot technique introduction

There is another important technique quite efficiently used to mislead the opponent and to make them run. This shot is called as the drop shot. It is also referred to as a "touch" shot, because it requires soft hands and careful control of the ball.

Tactically, as mentioned earlier this shot is to make the opponent run thus this shot is used to force your opponent to come forward to the net. It is especially effective on clay or other slow courts but on grass, it can be used to.

The drop shot is most effective when you have pushed your opponent well behind the baseline, and played off a slightly shorter ball. But usually top players with real good control of this technique can play from further back of the court. This technique can be a surprise and usually it will scores a point if it is surprising rather than the placement of the ball.