Surprise Your Opponent With The Drop-Shot And Lob Tennis Combo
The drop-shot and lob combo in tennis is an effective tactic that can be used to outmanoeuvre an opponent. This tactic combines two classic shots, the drop-shot and lob, into an exciting combo that can help you gain the upper hand on the court. It requires precision timing and is ideally used when your opponent is at the baseline and expecting you to continue with the rally. Mastering this combo can take some time. Let’s break down how to do it.
When To Use The Drop-Shot And Lob Combo
You should use this combination when you want to catch your opponent off guard or when they are relatively far behind the baseline. The first shot of the combo, the drop-shot, should have the element of surprise, forcing your opponent to run forward to the net.
Executing The Drop-Shot
The drop-shot should be well placed so that it barely clears the net. This will force your opponent to rush forward, leaving them vulnerable for an easy lob point. Placement is key here: if your drop-shot is not accurate, you might not have enough court space behind your opponent to follow up with a lob. Your drop-shot should be hit with an under-spin so that the ball stays low even after bouncing. See our post on The Tennis Drop-Shot.
Executing The Lob
Once you have executed your drop-shot successfully, follow it up with a well-placed lob over their heads. If done correctly, your opponent should not be able to reach the ball over their head and might have to scramble to the baseline to retrieve your lob - a difficult task even for experienced players! Your lob should be hit with topspin. See our post on How To Hit A Tennis Lob.
It's always great to mix up your tennis tactics and one of the most effective combinations is the drop-shot and lob combo. This combo can be used when you want to surprise your opponent by varying the speed of play at any point in the game. Of course, it's easier said than done since timing and accuracy are essential for success. However, it can be a very good option for dominating a game by changing the pace. Used strategically, this combo can win you a few important points.
"The Philosophical Tennis Player: Thinking Your Way To Winning" offers a unique perspective on the sport of tennis. This book provides guidance inspired by philosophy to help you rethink the game and reach your peak performance. The author breathes life into abstract philosophical concepts, transforming them into tangible strategies everyone can use to become a successful player. Readers will gain insight into the psychological aspects of tennis and recognise the timeless values that extend beyond the confines of the court.
About The Author
Darren Teo is the founder of Play! Tennis, the most Google reviewed tennis academy in Singapore. His passion for making tennis accessible to everyone regardless of their age, experience and ability continues to drive his work at the school. He is a thought leader in LinkedIn with 14,000 followers.