How to Hit the Perfect Tennis Dropshot: A Step-by-Step Guide
In the world of tennis, power often takes the spotlight. However, on the hot, baked clay courts of Delhi or the humid hard courts of Mumbai, finesse can be just as lethal as a 120 kmph serve. The tennis dropshot is a touch play designed to catch your opponent off guard, forcing them to sprint forward when they least expect it.
Whether you are a club player or an aspiring pro, mastering the dropshot adds a new dimension to your game. Here is your comprehensive guide to hitting the perfect tennis dropshot.
Step 1: Choose the Right Moment
The biggest mistake many players make is attempting a dropshot from behind the baseline. To execute this move effectively, you should ideally be inside the baseline or moving toward short balls. Use the dropshot when your opponent is deep behind their baseline, struggling to recover from a wide shot. In India’s slower court conditions, waiting for a high-bouncing ball that sits up can give you the perfect window to “kill” the pace.
Step 2: The Continental Grip
Success starts with the hands. While you might use a Western or Semi-Western grip for your heavy topspin forehands, the dropshot requires a Continental grip (the same grip used for volleys and serves). This allows you to “open” the racquet face and create the necessary backspin to make the ball die upon impact.
Step 3: Disguise is Key
If your opponent knows the dropshot is coming, they will reach it with ease. To hit a perfect dropshot, your preparation must look identical to a standard deep drive or slice. Keep your backswing similar to your normal groundstroke, and only at the final millisecond, relax your grip and change the racquet angle.
Step 4: The “High-to-Low” Path with Soft Hands
As you make contact, move the racquet in a steep high-to-low motion. Instead of hitting “through” the ball, you want to “cup” the ball. Imagine you are catching the ball with your strings. Most Indian coaches refer to this as “touch” or “feel.” Relax your wrist to absorb the pace of the incoming ball, ensuring it clears the net by a small margin and lands short in the opponent’s service box.
Step 5: Follow Through and Recovery
Unlike a power shot, the follow-through for a dropshot is short and finished low. Immediately after hitting the shot, don’t just stand and watch. Move forward slightly to cover a potential counter-drop or lob. Because the ball has heavy backspin, it should ideally bounce twice before the opponent can reach it.
Conclusion
The dropshot is more than just a shot; it is a psychological weapon. It disrupts the rhythm of “baseliners” and tests their fitness. By mastering the Continental grip, maintaining disguise, and developing soft hands, you can turn a defensive situation into a winning point. Next time you hit the courts at your local club, practice these steps to leave your rivals stranded at the back of the court.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is the best time to use a dropshot in a match?
The best time is when your opponent is far behind the baseline or moving laterally. It is also highly effective on clay courts or when the weather is hot, as the ball may feel softer and easier to manipulate.
2. Can I hit a dropshot with a two-handed backhand?
While possible, most professional players (like Novak Djokovic) prefer to switch to a one-handed slice grip for the backhand dropshot to get better reach and feel.
3. My dropshots always hit the net. What am I doing wrong?
You are likely hitting too “flat.” Ensure you are using a high-to-low motion to create backspin. Also, aim for at least a foot or two above the net; the backspin will pull the ball down once it crosses.
4. Is the dropshot effective on Indian hard courts?
Yes. Although hard courts provide a consistent bounce, a well-disguised dropshot with heavy backspin will stay low, making it very difficult for an opponent to flick it back over the net.
#Shorts Alex De Minaur with an absolutely stunning counter drop shot in Barcelona, 2021…SUBSCRIBE to our channel for the best ATP tennis videos and tennis highlights:
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