What’s a Drop Shot in Tennis?

A drop shot is a delicate, surprise shot that barely clears the net and dies quickly on the other side.

It’s used to catch an opponent off guard — especially if they’re stuck behind the baseline.

1. How It Works
Instead of hitting a regular groundstroke, the player uses a soft, slicing motion to drop the ball just over the net. The goal: make it bounce twice before the opponent can sprint up and get to it.

2. Why It Matters
Drop shots mess with rhythm. They punish deep positioning. And when they land clean? They can flip a point — or humiliate a flat-footed opponent.
It’s high risk, high reward — and totally satisfying when it works.

👂 Where You’ll Hear It

“He threw in a perfect drop shot to end the rally.”
Translation: Instead of trading baseline bombs, he switched it up and caught his opponent sleeping.

“She missed the drop shot — caught the tape.”
Translation: She went for the finesse play, but it didn’t clear the net.

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