TennisOne Lessons

The key to finishing off this play is to position yourself at the net so that you are covering the line, the lob, and most of the crosscourt angles, leaving your opponent only the low-percentage acute crosscourt shot.

Conclusion

This shot does take some practice to get a feel for it. A simple way to practice is to bounce and hit the shot while standing halfway between the baseline and service line. First practice hitting the drop shot a few times. When you are fairly comfortable with it, mix in a few deep slices so you feel the difference between the two shots. Finally, try a few in practice matches. Build up your confidence gradually.

I strongly recommend you stick with the percentages by approaching deep, but if you can throw a few drop shots into your game, you'll find that your deep approaches will be even more effective. Furthermore, you'll have the added benefit of watching your opponent scrambling for his life to save a point he'll inevitably lose.

Keys to Drop/Slice Approach

1. Preparation for better disguise
2. Loosen grip and slow racquet head
3. Follow-through
4. Low bounce
5. Cover the net