A drop shot is the least powerful shot in tennis, but can be one of the most devastating to your opponent. The shot is hit in such a way that the ball lands just over the net and travels very little, forcing an opponent to run to the net and return the ball, with control, while protecting himself from an ensuing lob or passing shot. Contrary to popular belief, you do not hit a drop shot by breaking your wrist to create slice.
Step 1
Hold the racket using a Continental grip. Place your palm flat against the strings and slide your hand down toward the handle. Grip the racket as if it were a hammer.
Step 2
Stand near the net and have a partner feed balls to your forehand, which you volley with little or no arm movement. Keep your racket head up and wrist locked, using your shoulders and forearm to move the racket. Hit 10 to 12 balls, hitting only forehand volleys. Practice opening the face of the racket to produce shorter volleys.
Step 3
Move back to the service line and have your partner feed you short, high-bouncing balls. Let the ball bounce in front of you, using your volley motion to practice drop shots. Move to the side of the ball each time, hitting the ball in front of you and slightly outside of your hitting shoulder. Open the face of your racket to let the ball slide off the strings with very little speed.
Step 4
Practice hitting with a forward motion, keeping your wrist locked and your racket head up. Practice hitting with a downward motion, keeping a locked wrist and your racket head up. Practice several shots breaking your wrist downward, chopping at the ball to see the effect this will have on your control, placement and depth.
Step 5
Move back to the baseline. Have your partner feed you balls, using your drop shot technique to make balls land inside the opposite service box. Practice hitting balls to the left and right. Practice hitting balls so they bounce three times before they pass the service line.
Step 6
Repeat this progression to practice a backhand drop shot. Practice drop shots alternating forehands and backhands and to the left and right.
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