6 KEY ELEMENTS TO KNOW WHEN HITTING THE 3rd DROP SHOT

drop shotThe 3rd, 5th or 7th shots drops are undoubtedly the most difficult shots in the game.  They require great control, sharp focus, anticipation, great skill and phenomenal adjustment to the pace of the ball received. 

Here are 6 key elements to think about when hitting 3rd and 5th shot drops:

  • FOCUS ON THE BALL
  • LIGHT GRIP PRESSURE
  • SLOW SWING SPEED
  • LOW TO HIGH MOTION
  • BALL APEX OVER OWN KITCHEN LINE
  • FINISH WITH PADDLE HIGH

It’s really important to give yourself a margin, respect the net and get the ball high on your side of the court.  The apex (highest point of the ball trajectory) should be over your own kitchen line.  This will mean that you clear the net and the ball is descending over the net into your opponents kitchen.

Especially when the serve return is very deep into your court, make a decision to execute a drop shot every time in your next game.  Repetition is the mother of all skills.  If you push through the fear of making a mistake or letting your teammates down you’ll improve in this challenging stroke.

You can’t replace giving time and attention to this shot.  Drilling is fantastic, but it can’t replace using this shot in a game situation.