What Is A Drop Shot In Pickleball? (Strategy & Drills)

A drop shot in pickleball is a soft, strategic shot intended to arc the ball over the net so that it lands gently in the opponent’s non-volley zone. This shot is designed to give the player time to advance to the net and position themselves better for the next play. It’s typically executed from mid-court as part of a transition play to the net.

What is a Drop Shot in Pickleball?

The drop shot is a skill that often distinguishes advanced players from beginners in pickleball. While challenging to master, it is undoubtedly one of the essential shots for players at all levels to perfect. Unlike the common belief that drop shots are executed from the baseline, they are more effectively played from mid-court or when approaching the non-volley zone (kitchen). The objective is to softly arc the ball over the net, landing it gently in the opponent’s non-volley zone, allowing the player to advance to the net and position themselves for offensive play while forcing the opponent into a defensive position.

Types of Drop Shots

1. Basic Drop Shot: The foundational drop shot aimed to land softly in the opponent’s non-volley zone.

2. Third Shot Drop: One of the most crucial shots, used after the serve and the return, allowing the serving team to advance to the net.

3. Cross-Court Drop: This involves hitting the ball diagonally across the court into the opponent’s kitchen, providing more time to approach the net due to the added distance.

4. Sideline Drop: Aimed close to the sidelines of the non-volley zone, stretching the opponent wide and making their return more challenging.

5. Soft Angle Drop: Similar to the cross-court drop but with a sharper angle, forcing the opponent further off the court.

6. Deep Drop: Aimed for the far end of the kitchen, making the opponent move back towards their baseline or stretch for a low ball.

7. Dink Drop: A softer, more refined drop shot played closer to the net during a dink rally, changing the pace and trajectory of the ball to drop just over the net.

How to Hit a Drop Shot

1. Stay Low to the Ball: Bend your knees to stay low.
2. Weight on Front Foot: Shift your weight onto your front foot.
3. Paddle Position: Keep the paddle face open in front of your body.
4. Lifting Motion: Use a low-to-high lifting motion.
5. Follow Through: Ensure a smooth follow-through, more pronounced than a dink.

When to Use a Drop Shot

1. Transitioning to the Net: Most effective when moving from the baseline towards the non-volley zone.
2. Against a Baseline Opponent: Forces them to rush forward, often resulting in a less controlled return.
3. Resetting the Point: Slows down the game to regain control and reset the point.
4. Breaking Opponent’s Momentum: Disrupts the opponent’s rhythm.
5. Exploiting Weaknesses: Targets opponents who struggle with forward movement or low shots.
6. Creating Angles: Can be used to create challenging angles for the opponent.

Drop Shots vs. Dinks

While both target the opponent’s non-volley zone, dinks are short-range shots for close net play, and drop shots help transition to the net from farther back. Both require precision and strategic understanding.

Tips to Improve Your Drop Shot

1. Control Your Power: Aim for a controlled finesse rather than brute force.
2. Optimal Height and Distance: Ensure the lob is neither too low nor too high.
3. Master the Trajectory: Practice different angles and strokes to perfect the arc.
4. Read Your Opponent: Assess the opponent’s skill level and positioning.
5. Use Lobs Strategically: Utilize lobs to disrupt the opponent’s gameplay rhythm.

How to Defend Against Lobbers

1. Anticipate the Lob: Watch for cues indicating a lob shot.
2. Enhance Footwork: Practice moving backward quickly to position yourself.
3. Perfect Your Overhead Smash: Be ready to return lobs with a strong overhead.
4. Optimize Court Positioning: Stand at an effective distance from the net to cover lobs.
5. Use the ‘Bounce It’ Rule: Let high lobs bounce for better positioning and return options.
6. Communicate in Doubles: Call out lobs early for better coordination with your partner.
7. Return with Defensive Lobs: Counter a lob with another lob if effective.
8. Practice Against Lobbers: Improve by regularly playing against opponents who use lobs.