Let’s face it, today’s game is all about power and hitting the tar out of the ball. For the most part, the game of tennis is now predominantly played behind thebaseline. This evolution has brought many advances to the game, including the need for increased physical training, as well as requiring players to hone their mental games. However, one skill lost in this transition has been the fine art of the drop shot.If used properly, I believe that the drop shot can be more effective than ever before for a couple of reasons. (1) Because of the power in today’s game, players have become more comfortable playing further behind the baseline. This gives them more time to run down big shots and take huge, menacing cuts at the ball. Making the drop shot a threat would force players to move closer to the baseline to guard against it, taking them out of their comfort zone, (2) We are seeing fewer and fewer players that are comfortable around the net. The drop shot is a great way to bring them in and force them to beat you from a position on the court where they are less competent, therefore less confident.

I think it is important to note that it isn’t necessary to hit drop shot winners for them to be effective. Even if you lose a few points using this shot, it can help overall by pulling your opponent closer to the baseline and to keep them guessing as to your next shot selection. If you happen to hit it for a winner, consider it a bonus.

There are many players who can “outgun” their opponents when it comes to stroke production and power. The drop shot is a great way to force them to play some touch tennis and demonstrate their ability to feel the ball. You will find that most power players will be like a fish out of water when forced to play this style of tennis.

Working on the drop shot is not something most players spend much time on. However, at the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy we have a few drills we do routinely with our students. Starting at a young age we utilize the following:

The Feeling Game

This drill uses two players just inside the service line learning the soft touch required to hit a drop shot. Both players must play forehands and backhands from the continental grip and softly keep the ball in play while using touch and just a bit of an under-spin. After mastering this, the next drill is to have one player hit a normal topspin forehand, then the forehand drop shot, followed by a topspin backhand, then a backhand drop shot. This will help the player learn the art of disguising the drop shot, which is half the battle when using it effectively. When you begin to feel comfortable, move back until you can do it consistently from the baseline.

Fans have become conditioned to view a drop shot winner as an amazing feat, and anything less is disappointing. However, I believe that anytime you can keep your opponent guessing what is coming next you create an advantage for yourself. Three players who come to mind that have mastered the drop shot and use it consistently are Fabrice Santoro, Martina Hingis, and the now retired Jim Courier. As these three know, a drop shot does not have to be a winner to be useful, so I encourage you to incorporate it into your game. This will give you another weapon in your arsenal to defend against the big power baseliners, or as a compliment to the rest of your game. You will be surprised at how it can change the complexion of a match.

About Nick Bollettieri

Nick Bollettieri is a living legend - and one of the most influential men in the game of tennis.

In 1978, he founded the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, arguably the most successful tennis academy in the world. Bolletieri has personally coached nine men and women that achieved a #1 world ranking.

Based in Bradenton, Fla., Bolletieri continues his work as a coach, speaker, and innovator. You can learn more about Bolletieri and his philosophy at NickBollettieri.com.

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