Tennis- Ace The Forehand Drop Shot

In the game of Tennis, playing the forehand drop shot could be a very effective shot. If it is executed perfectly then it would really give you the advantage over your opponent. This shot is an amazing technique used by many players to surprise their opponents, specially when executed properly.

But a stroke like a forehand drop shot is something you should gradually learn as if you are not able to hit a slice or underspin strokes from the baseline, you may struggle to play this shot.

Once you feel you have worked on your slice strokes and volleys then move on to the drop shots.

Here are some steps you should keep in mind:

#1. Position and grip for drop shot:

A drop shot is played when a player is at the net. The idea is for the ball to land very softly on the opponent’s side. It is very difficult to play this shot from the baseline. The eastern forehand grip is the grip one should use while playing this shot. While the continental grip is also used, it may become a hindrance for you to develop the ability to hit these shots from further behind of the court.

#2. Backswing or the lack of one:

To play this shot you do not have to have a backswing. The backswing is only used by players as a disguise and to create some sort of deception to confuse the opponent. 

If you do not start the swing with a backswing than it may be obvious to your opponent that you are about to play a forehand drop shot.

#3. Mid swing is important:

When you are trying to hit the drop shot while the ball approach is on the rise, and there is a very slim margin of clearance at the level of the net, you want to be able to hit the ball with a vertical racket face. When the ball is approaching, you want to hit it with at least a two-foot clearance above the level of the net.

#4. Contact point:

Just seconds before hitting the ball, the angle of your racket should remain the same. At this stage of executing a proper drop shot, your lower body’s position should make it possible for your racket to have a horizontal position at its axis. The point of contact of the ball should be in front of your body.

#5. Follow-through:

This shot doesn’t exactly require a follow-through. A longer follows through on a shot like this could be expected if the racket was moving faster and brushing the ball more acutely at the time of contact.

Learning this shot may take a while, but be patient and follow the steps to achieve a consistent and perfect forehand drop shot.

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