Teaching the Forehand & Backhand Drop Shot | RCW Coaches' Playbook

Key points

• Start with the racquet out in front at a volley contact point
• Open the racquet face from the elbow rather than the wrist

Common mistakes

Turning or breaking the wrist to scoop the ball.

Key points

• Take the racquet back into slice position and move forward to contact
• Open the elbow slightly at contact while keeping a firm wrist

Common mistakes

Scooping or breaking the wrist through the stroke.

Key points

• Move forward toward the ball to keep trajectory low
• Maintain controlled and slow racquet head speed
• Target three bounces inside the service box

Common mistakes

Swinging with excessive racquet head speed or letting the ball float too high.

Key points

• Absorb pace with a controlled racquet head
• Open the racquet face at contact to produce a soft landing

Common mistakes

Swinging too fast or using excessive wrist movement on the backhand.

Key points

• Slow the racquet head down for increased ball control
• Open the racquet face at contact to allow the ball to sit on the other side of the net

Common mistakes

Hitting with too much pace or dumping the ball into the net.

Key points

• Keep the stroke firm and swing in a straight line
• Hit dead-on straight before opening the face

Common mistakes

Getting loopy underneath the ball instead of hitting in a straight line.

Key points

• Hit forward through the ball and open the racquet face at contact
• Transfer weight forward from back foot to front foot

Common mistakes

Opening the racquet face too early, causing the ball to fall short into the net.

Key points

• Maintain a firm wrist and open the face at contact without excessive racquet speed
• Transfer weight forward onto the front foot during the stroke

Common mistakes

Opening the face too late, causing the ball to drive too deep in the court.