A new year is upon us, and with a new year I’m sure we all have new goals. From a player’s perspective, this a good time to think about working on a possible new aspect of your game; and since we are all fresh off of holiday season, the shot that I am going to suggest everyone add to their arsenal, is the drop shot.
First, during the cooler months the ball moves slower through the air and stays lower to the ground which is helpful for a drop shot. Second, there are many of us that had some great meals over the holidays possibly making some of your opponents a step slow. Now we just have to know how to hit the shot and when to use the shot.
Technically, a drop shot is hit by hitting the ball close to your body with a slightly open racquet face. Your depth is generated by two factors: (1) pace of the ball and (2) power from the step of your legs. The stroke used to hit the shot is generated by moving your racquet slightly high to low with a tight wrist, soft hand and no follow through. Essentially, a drop shot is a “stop shot.”
The best time to use a drop shot is first off of a mid-court or short ball and in combination with your opponent playing significantly behind the baseline.
Therefore, in 2015 add one of the deadliest shots in club tennis to your weaponry- the dropper! Try it out in practice or ask a pro for some assistance in your clinics and lessons.
See a stroke you like? Want to know if it will work for your game? Locate a certified pro right here in Miami and find out. Practice makes perfect, so get out on the tennis court today!
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About the author: Eric Hechtman is Tennis Director at Royal Palm Tennis Club, located in Pinecrest, Florida, Miami-Dade County. As well as running the teaching programs at Royal Palm, Eric was named USTA Junior Competitive Coach of the Year 2013 and one of his students, Chase Perez Blanco, was named the Junior Player of the Year 2013.
Hechtman is a hitting partner for Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Venus Williams and Serena Williams. Eric enjoys teaching all levels but specializes in fitness, technique and strategy at the intermediate to advance level.