Pickleball Technique of the Week - The Soft Drop Shot
Technique of the Week: The Soft Drop Shot
What It Is:
The soft drop shot is a gentle, controlled shot that just clears the net and lands softly in the opponent's non-volley zone (also known as the "kitchen"). This shot forces your opponents to move forward quickly and keeps them from attacking aggressively, often leading to a soft rally where you can control the pace.
How to Execute:
1. Grip and Positioning:
Use a relaxed grip and maintain a loose wrist. Stand slightly behind the non-volley line, knees bent, and be ready to step forward if needed.
2. Focus on Contact:
As the ball approaches, aim to contact it with the face of your paddle angled slightly upwards. Keep your stroke smooth and controlled, with little to no backswing. The key is to cushion the ball gently rather than hitting it with power.
3. Follow Through:
Follow through gently in the direction of the shot, keeping your paddle face open. The goal is to let the ball barely clear the net, so the follow-through should be minimal.
4. Placement:
Aim for the middle of the opponent’s kitchen or to one side if you can force them to stretch. The ideal drop shot will land close to the net, making it difficult for your opponent to attack.
5. Recovery:
After executing the drop shot, be prepared to move forward and get into position for the next shot. Your goal is to force a soft exchange where you can dictate the pace and look for opportunities to hit a winning shot.
Why It’s Effective:
The soft drop shot disrupts your opponent's rhythm, forcing them to play defensively. It can turn the tide of a rally in your favor by slowing the pace and setting up opportunities for you to control the net and play more offensively.
What It Is:
The soft drop shot is a gentle, controlled shot that just clears the net and lands softly in the opponent's non-volley zone (also known as the "kitchen"). This shot forces your opponents to move forward quickly and keeps them from attacking aggressively, often leading to a soft rally where you can control the pace.
How to Execute:
1. Grip and Positioning:
Use a relaxed grip and maintain a loose wrist. Stand slightly behind the non-volley line, knees bent, and be ready to step forward if needed.
2. Focus on Contact:
As the ball approaches, aim to contact it with the face of your paddle angled slightly upwards. Keep your stroke smooth and controlled, with little to no backswing. The key is to cushion the ball gently rather than hitting it with power.
3. Follow Through:
Follow through gently in the direction of the shot, keeping your paddle face open. The goal is to let the ball barely clear the net, so the follow-through should be minimal.
4. Placement:
Aim for the middle of the opponent’s kitchen or to one side if you can force them to stretch. The ideal drop shot will land close to the net, making it difficult for your opponent to attack.
5. Recovery:
After executing the drop shot, be prepared to move forward and get into position for the next shot. Your goal is to force a soft exchange where you can dictate the pace and look for opportunities to hit a winning shot.
Why It’s Effective:
The soft drop shot disrupts your opponent's rhythm, forcing them to play defensively. It can turn the tide of a rally in your favor by slowing the pace and setting up opportunities for you to control the net and play more offensively.