BELOW ARE SOME EXCERPTS AND ARTICLES FROM MY BLOG, THAT SHOW A PATTERN OF DEVELOPING BELIEF IN THE DROP SHOT , AND AN AMERICAN TENNIS NEED ( WWW.TOMPARHAM.WORDPRESS.COM):
(2016)
In pro tennis both men and women have learned the virtues of the drop-shot. One–it tires opponents quickly.
Secondly, it has a subtle psychological effect that discourages opponents.
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Take heed. Develop your drop-shot. And your DEFENSE AGAINST THE DROP SHOT. That starts with conditioning and footwork/posture.
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I would remind all players that you have to develop defensive quickness, and movement patterns and postures that offset this demon.
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One thing that does seem to be growing in effectiveness is the drop shot. The old adage that “you can’t drop shot on a hard court” is being tested more at the top level.
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. Maybe there is someone coming along with this unique touch, who combined with the other tennis skills needed, will produce the next level in the never ending evolution of tennis.
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To follow up, or evolve, as a teacher/coach, it then seems we must learn defense against the drop shot. In addition to the basic strokes of tennis there are auxiliary shots (returns, approaches, passing shots, etc. ) with different techniques to be mastered. Drop shots are one of these now more than ever. There are also an unlimited “awkward” shots in tennis (for example a backhand overhead, or running down a “shanked shot”).
These shots, including defending against drop-shots, must be identified, the proper techniques practiced, and implementation mastered. Please remember, players and parents, that this isn’t easy work.
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2026 –10 years later
SOME HAVE –SOME HAVEN’T !
But the best have.
The BASIC UNIT OF PLAY is 1. approach on short balls 2. they hit a passing shot 3. you volley away from them. You have to practice the approach shots, the passing shots, and the many volleys. And there are any number of other patterns. Including drop shot execution and defense against this tactic.
- You must practice proper forehand and backhand drop shot technique.
- You must practice how to defend against drop shots: Drop shot return of their drop shots, or down the line passing shot, or the extreme cross court pass.
- The PATTERN most are using on drop shots seems to be : A. the drop shot. B. defense hits a delecate cross court pass. C. Then the drop shot player recoils and volleys the cross court “floater” away from opponent.
Sure- there are other options. But the fundamental skills ( running to get there, foot work and posture) on these unique and, new to many, must be practiced properly.
Coaches: Many players don’t like anything about practicing these awkward and toug and different skills.
Evolution continues–TOPSPIN LOBS !
