Drop shot
A softly played shot designed to land just over the net, forcing the opponent to rush forward.
Definition
A drop shot is a delicate, gently struck shot in racquet sports such as tennis, badminton, squash and pickleball. Instead of power, it relies on touch to drop the ball or shuttlecock just over the net so that it lands short in the opponent’s side.
The drop shot is especially effective against an opponent standing well back, since they must sprint forward to reach it. It is often used to vary the pace of a rally and to contrast with deeper, more powerful shots.
Where you’ll hear “drop shot”
Sports that use this term:
Tennis
A singles or doubles racquet sport that blends agility, strategy and stamina on court.
Badminton
A fast indoor racquet sport played with a shuttlecock that rewards agility and touch.
Squash
A fast, high-intensity indoor racquet sport played inside an enclosed court where the walls stay in play.
Pickleball
A friendly, easy-to-learn paddle sport played on a small court with a solid paddle and a light, perforated ball.
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Techniques
- The slice in tennisThe underspin stroke that changes a rally's height and pace — how slice keeps the ball low, when it is defensive and when it is an attack, and what it does on different surfaces.
- LayupA close-range basketball shot taken while moving toward the basket, laying the ball softly off the backboard or over the rim.
- Padel BandejaA controlled overhead shot in padel, hit with slice and moderate pace to keep the player at the net without over-committing.
- Volleyball SpikeA powerful attacking hit that drives the ball sharply downward over the net into the opponent's court, usually after an approach and jump.
- VolleyA shot played near the net by blocking the ball out of the air before it bounces, using a short, firm punch rather than a full swing.
Tactics
- Net playControlling the point from close to the net with volleys, smashes and touch shots to cut down an opponent’s time.
- Approaching the netHow a point is moved forward — which balls justify an approach, why the approach is hit down the line, and the transition volley that has to be played from no-man's land.
- Counter-attackWinning the ball and moving forward at speed to attack before the opponent can reorganise their defence.
- Serve and volleyAn attacking tennis tactic where the server follows their serve to the net to finish the point with a volley.
- Crosscourt and down the lineThe geometry that makes crosscourt the default tennis shot — the net is lower in the middle and the court is longer on the diagonal — and when down the line is worth its extra risk.
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- Tier A — evergreen educational
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- Content updated
- 2026-09-01
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