How to Develop a Killer Drop Shot in Tennis

11 October 2025

If you’ve ever watched the pros play, you know how devastating a well-executed drop shot can be. One moment, the ball is flying like any other shot, and in the next, it barely clears the net and dies on the court before the opponent even has a chance to react.

Mastering the drop shot isn’t just about soft hands—it’s about deception, control, and strategy. If you want to add this lethal weapon to your tennis arsenal, you’re in the right place.

What Is a Drop Shot in Tennis?

A drop shot is a delicate and strategic shot where you hit the ball just over the net, making it land softly in the opponent’s court. The goal? To catch them off guard and force them to sprint forward, often leaving them unable to return the ball effectively.

When executed correctly, a drop shot can completely disrupt your opponent’s rhythm and create openings for you to dominate the game. However, pull it off poorly, and it becomes an easy point for your opponent.

So, how do you make your drop shot a deadly weapon rather than a liability? Let’s break it down.

The Key Elements of a Perfect Drop Shot

A killer drop shot isn’t just about tapping the ball. There’s a science (and an art) to it. Here’s what you need to master:

1. Grip Selection Matters

Your grip plays a crucial role in executing a drop shot effectively. Most players use the continental grip (the same grip you’d use for volleys and slices) because it allows for better touch and control.

If you’re not comfortable with the continental grip, it’s worth spending some time adjusting to it. A bad grip can cause the ball to pop up too high, making it easy for your opponent to attack.

2. Deception Is Everything

The best drop shots are disguised to look like a regular shot until the very last moment. If your opponent knows what’s coming, they’ll react early, and your drop shot loses its effectiveness.

Here’s how you keep it sneaky:
- Use the same body language you would for a normal forehand or backhand.
- Delay the wrist action until the last possible second.
- Maintain a neutral stance during preparation.

The idea is to make your opponent believe you’re about to hit a regular shot, only to surprise them with a delicate touch.

3. Soft Hands & Gentle Touch

Think of a drop shot like cradling a baby bird—you need just enough strength to control it without crushing it.

The key is having a loose grip and relaxed wrist. The softer your hands, the better you’ll be able to feel the ball and control its placement.

Instead of hitting through the ball like in a groundstroke, you’re brushing under it, creating backspin that helps the ball die quickly after it lands.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hitting a Killer Drop Shot

Now that we’ve covered the fundamentals, let’s walk through how to execute a drop shot step by step.

Step 1: Recognize the Right Moment

Not every situation is ideal for a drop shot. Choosing the right moment is just as critical as the execution itself.

The best times to go for a drop shot:
✔ When your opponent is deep behind the baseline
✔ When they’re off-balance or out of position
✔ When you’ve forced a weak return

Avoid hitting drop shots when your opponent is already near the net. Unless you want to gift them an easy point, that is.

Step 2: Prepare Like a Regular Shot

To sell your drop shot, start with the same preparation as your standard groundstroke. Keep your opponent guessing.

- Get into your regular forehand or backhand setup
- Keep your racket higher than the contact point
- Stay light on your feet

If you change your stance or slow down your swing too early, your opponent will read your intentions.

Step 3: Use a Gentle Touch at Contact

This is where many players mess up. The drop shot isn’t about force—it’s about finesse.

- Use a short backswing
- Relax your grip and softly brush under the ball
- Let the ball travel just over the net
- Add some underspin to reduce bounce

The goal is to make the ball land short and die quickly, forcing your opponent into a tough, awkward movement.

Step 4: Follow Through Smoothly

Even though you’re not swinging hard, your follow-through matters.

- Your follow-through should be compact and controlled
- Finish slightly open, with your racket facing upwards
- Avoid any jerky or forced movements

Remember, less is more when it comes to follow-through.

Step 5: Stay Ready for the Next Shot

Don’t assume your drop shot will be a winner every time. Some opponents are fast and will track it down.

As soon as you finish the shot:
✅ Move forward in case you need to volley
✅ Be prepared for a counter-drop shot
✅ Stay balanced to recover for any response

Common Drop Shot Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Even experienced players make mistakes when attempting drop shots. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them.

❌ Hitting It Too Hard

If your drop shot has too much pace, it’ll sit up nicely for your opponent. Solution? Relax your grip and use soft hands.

❌ Giving It Away Too Soon

Do you slow down right before a drop shot? That’s a dead giveaway. Solution? Maintain your normal swing motion and disguise it well.

❌ Not Adding Enough Spin

A ball without backspin bounces higher, making it easier to reach. Solution? Brush under the ball to add some slice.

❌ Using It at the Wrong Time

Hitting a drop shot when your opponent is standing at the net is a guaranteed mistake. Solution? Wait for the right moment—when they’re deep and off-balance.

Practice Drills to Improve Your Drop Shot

Getting better at the drop shot takes practice. Here are some drills you can try:

1. Drop Shot Target Practice

- Place cones or targets just over the net.
- Try to land your drop shots in these areas.
- Focus on touch and control, not power.

2. Disguised Drop Shot Drill

- Rally with a partner and mix in random drop shots.
- Work on keeping them disguised until the last moment.
- Have your partner call out when they recognize it—this will help you improve deception.

3. Drop Shot Recovery Drill

- Hit a drop shot and immediately recover forward for a potential return.
- Get used to being alert for a counter-drop shot.

Final Thoughts

The drop shot is one of the most underrated weapons in tennis. When executed correctly, it can completely throw your opponent off balance and give you an easy point. But mastering it requires touch, disguise, and smart timing.

Practice regularly, focus on finesse over power, and always keep your opponent guessing. If you can do that, you’ll soon have a drop shot that leaves your opponents scrambling every time.

Now, go hit the court and start practicing!