When should you hit a drop volley?

When your opponent is far behind the baseline or pulled wide, and the ball reaching you is low or soft enough to control.

What is the difference between a drop shot and a drop volley?

A drop shot is hit after the bounce, usually from the baseline; a drop volley is hit out of the air at the net and relies on absorbing pace.

How do I get softer hands for drop volleys?

Practice catching the ball on the strings, volley with a loose grip and play mini-tennis volley games that reward short, soft placement.

How to Hit a Drop Volley

6 video lessons

Soften the grip, open the face and let the ball die short.

Quick answer & tips ▾

A drop volley takes the pace off the ball so it lands just over the net and dies. Relax your grip at contact, open the racquet face slightly and let the racquet give a little backward, like catching an egg, adding a touch of backspin under the ball.

Use it when your opponent is deep behind the baseline or wide off the court, and the incoming ball is low or slow. Against a hard, high ball, a firm put-away is usually the better play.

Key tips

Loosen your grip at contact to absorb pace.
Open the face and slide under the ball for backspin.
Aim short and wide, away from your opponent.
Play it when they are deep; avoid it when they are close.

FAQ

When should you hit a drop volley?: When your opponent is far behind the baseline or pulled wide, and the ball reaching you is low or soft enough to control.
What is the difference between a drop shot and a drop volley?: A drop shot is hit after the bounce, usually from the baseline; a drop volley is hit out of the air at the net and relies on absorbing pace.
How do I get softer hands for drop volleys?: Practice catching the ball on the strings, volley with a loose grip and play mini-tennis volley games that reward short, soft placement.