tennis return
When you receive a drop-shot from your opponent, as you move up to get it, there are three aspects that should concern you:

1. getting to the ball before it bounces twice
2. tactical decision in regard to placement of your return
3. court positioning to protect against your opponent’s eventual next shot

Getting to the ball in time
When receiving a drop-shot, your reaction to it has a lot to do with the attention you pay to your opponent’s body language.
There are certain cues that give away your opponent’s intention of hitting a drop-shot:
– grip change (most of the time a continental grip is used to deliver drop shots)
– short backswing (necessary to absorb the ball)
– position on the court (your opponent will not attempt a drop shot from the baseline; most of the time it will be sent from well inside the baseline).

A skilled player delivers a drop-shot while disguising it very well: pretending that they’ll hit a drive shot (bigger backswing), and just before swinging they would change the grip (or not) and soften the impact.
In this latter situation, it is up to you to react quickly as soon as you notice the change in swing pace and path (high to low).

Moving to the ball quickly and in a timely manner will depend on your court position, footwork, speed, and quick reaction.
Now let’s assume that you were quick enough to spot the drop-shot (short ball) coming and you are now moving to reach it.

As you approach the ball, you must quickly assess your return options:
a) angled drop-shot
b) down-the-line drop-shot
c) deep at the opponent’s feet
d) heavy slice (under-spin)

Visit the Training section at WebTennis24 for the full article and a lot more tactics and strategies for singles and doubles players.

Cosmin Miholca

Cosmin Miholca

Certified Tennis Coach

Check out my work at WebTennis24 where I share with you my best video tennis lessons, drills and tips for players, coaches and tennis parents.