Let's explore the various versions of the backhand drop shot for both one handed and two handed backhanders.
In Part 1 (Click Here), we dissected the forehand drop shot. Now let's explore the technique and nuances of the one handed and two handed backhand drop shots. In a third upcoming article I will also share some of my favorite ways to practice soft touch shots.
Grip
The grip is almost always a continental grip although some players use an eastern forehand grip. Though two handed players who have a weak eastern forehand grip with their dominant (lower hand)—sometimes use that grip for executing the drop shot.
A grip closer to eastern forehand can also be purposefully used to get more loft and extreme backspin on drop shots. That type of grip can help cut the ball more and generate swerve. It can also be helpful on very low balls because the grip helps to open the racquet face, adding height to the drop shot to clear the net.
Chris Lewit is a leading high-performance coach, author, and educator. He is the
author of the best-selling book, The Secrets of Spanish Tennis, and a new technique
book, Winning Pretty, which will be published by New Chapter Press in paperback in
2025. Secrets of Spanish Tennis, Second Edition will be published in September 2024,
also by New Chapter Press. He is also a contributing editor for Tennisplayer.net
magazine and a long-time member of the USPTA and PTR. As an educator, he has
presented at several large conferences including the PTR International Tennis
Symposium. Chris is currently studying kinesiology and biomechanics and headed for
graduate school in that field.
As a player, Chris Lewit played No. 1 for Cornell University and competed on the
USTA and ITF pro circuits. As a coach, he has recently worked with several No. 1 junior
players in the US and has trained hundreds of nationally ranked juniors. He directs a
full-time academy for homeschool/online players and a high performance summer camp
program, as well as high performance training for all ages and levels, all at his
club in the beautiful green mountains of Manchester, Vermont. Contact Chris directly by
phone/WhatsApp 914-462-2912 or chris@chrislewit.com.
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