A four-step plan for learning this change-of-pace play. 

By Lynne Rolley
Illustration by Keith Witmer

1. To hit a drop shot, turn your feet sideways and take your racquet back with an open face. Your backswing must be shorter than normal, as you’re merely going to drop the ball over the net. Keep your non-dominant hand out in front of you to track the ball. Don’t hit this shot unless you’re inside the baseline and your opponent is in a defensive position.

2. Beginners often believe they should back away from a drop shot. But your weight must go forward, as it does on your other strokes. With an open racquet face, carve down and slice through the ball, keeping your back straight and bending at the knees rather than the waist. An open face will allo you to hit the ball on an angle. Keep your hitting hand and arm relaxed.

3. Sink your weight down into your legs as you lower your body along with your racquet. The ball will go up because you’ve carved under it. This generates backspin and gives the ball height to float over the net. Continue to extend your non-dominant hand to help you maintain your balance.

4. On your follow-through, keep your shoulders level and maintain good posture. The racquet face should remain open. Once you have the basic drop shot down, you can work on disguising it and using it to open up the court.

Lynne Rolley is the director of tennis at the Berkeley Tennis Club in California.