Drop Shot Drill – Skill Level 3.0.
This shot is known as one of the most essential and most difficult shots to execute. The shot is intended to minimize an opponent’s favored position at the NVZ. When executed correctly it prevents an opponent from slamming the ball, or hitting a ball with pace and accuracy. It usually requires a “return dink” to avoid a slam. This shot is a TRANSITIONAL shot and changes the pace of the game to a slower, more strategic pace, exhibiting patience and accuracy. The shot is alternately known as the 3rd shot drop shot, and is commonly used by the service team to “drop” a ball into the opponent’s backhand, requiring a skillful return dink to avoid a slam.
Drill Execution – Have 2 (or 4) players start at opposite sides of the net at the NVZ. Start by dinking to each other (warm up) and then have ONE player slowly start backing up (a few feet each time), while returning (dropping) the ball into the NVZ. The ball should reach the apex of its ARC a few feet in front of the net, dropping into the opponents NVZ with low energy (no high bounces). Continue moving back until you are within a few feet of the back line, and then slowly come forward while still executing a drop shot until you are near the NVZ. The opposite player now begins to move backward executing the same series of shots.
Drill Execution – Have 2 (or 4) players start at opposite sides of the net at the NVZ. Start by dinking to each other (warm up) and then have ONE player slowly start backing up (a few feet each time), while returning (dropping) the ball into the NVZ. The ball should reach the apex of its ARC a few feet in front of the net, dropping into the opponents NVZ with low energy (no high bounces). Continue moving back until you are within a few feet of the back line, and then slowly come forward while still executing a drop shot until you are near the NVZ. The opposite player now begins to move backward executing the same series of shots.
