The modern tennis game features more heavy hitting than ever before, with most matches involving an exchange of spirited groundstrokes, one harder than the next, until someone makes an error. But crafty tennis players know to mix in some strategy with all that brawn. Employing a well-timed drop shot, from either the forehand or backhand, can catch opponents off-guard and steal easy points.
Identification
Whether hit forehand or backhand, the drop is a soft shot designed to barely clear the net and bounce twice before the opponent can run it down. A perfect drop will have plenty of backspin, causing it to hit the court and essentially die or even bounce back towards the net, making a return all but impossible.
Function
To hit a solid drop, you need to contact the ball with a soft, relaxed touch, almost cushioning the ball into the strings. Softening your grip just before contacting the ball can help take pace off the shot. On contact, you want to cut the racquet down and under the ball to provide it with the desired backspin. The same basic approach works for both forehand and backhand drops.
Benefits
Being able to hit effective drops from either racquet side will keep your opponent on his toes, especially if he knows you can bust out a drop on any shot. This constant threat of a drop can lead to distraction and unforced errors. Mixing in drops can also serve to tire out your opponent, forcing him to cover more court.
Consideration
The element of surprise plays a critical role in drop shots. If you step towards the ball with your racquet held straight up with an open face, your opponent will know a drop shot is on its way. However, turning into a regular backswing as if you're going to strike a powerful groundstroke only to pull up at the last second to cut a sneaky drop can catch your opponent flat-footed. Drop shots must be disguised to be effective.
Warning
Drop shots can be a double-edged sword. Hitting them too often or at the wrong time can backfire, eliminating any element of surprise and basically inviting your opponent to the net for an easy smash opportunity. The best time to use a drop is when you've already driven your opponent beyond the backline with deep, forceful groundstrokes.
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