When should I hit a drop shot?

When you have a shorter ball inside the baseline and your opponent is far back, tired or slow moving forward. Avoid it from deep in your own court, where it has too far to travel.

Why do my drop shots go too deep?

Usually there is too much forward swing. Think of catching or cushioning the ball with the strings rather than pushing it, and let the backspin and the arc do the work.

How to Hit a Drop Shot

3 video lessons

Soft hands, good disguise and the right moment to use it.

Quick answer & tips ▾

A drop shot lands just over the net and bounces again before your opponent can reach it. Prepare as if you were going to hit a normal groundstroke or slice, then soften your grip, open the racquet face slightly and absorb the pace of the incoming ball rather than chopping at it.

Pick your moment: drop shots work best when you are inside the baseline and your opponent is deep behind theirs. Aim to put the high point of the ball's arc on your side of the net so it drops steeply on theirs.

Key tips

Disguise is everything: same preparation as your normal shot.
Use a continental grip and soft hands.
Do not try to skim the net; a little height lets the ball fall shorter.
Move forward after you hit it in case the ball comes back.

FAQ

When should I hit a drop shot?: When you have a shorter ball inside the baseline and your opponent is far back, tired or slow moving forward. Avoid it from deep in your own court, where it has too far to travel.
Why do my drop shots go too deep?: Usually there is too much forward swing. Think of catching or cushioning the ball with the strings rather than pushing it, and let the backspin and the arc do the work.