Six key elements

More great advice from Mark...

The 3rd and 5th drop shots are undoubtedly the most difficult shots in the game. They require good technique, focus, anticipation, skill, control and adjustment to the pace of the ball received.

• FOCUS ON THE BALL
• LIGHT GRIP PRESSURE
• SLOW SWING SPEED
• LOW TO HIGH MOTION
• APEX OVER OWN KITCHEN LINE
• FINISH WITH PADDLE HIGH

It’s really important to give yourself a margin, respect the net and get the ball high on your side of the court. The apex (highest point of the ball trajectory) should be over your own kitchen line. This will mean that you clear the net and the ball is descending over the net into your opponents kitchen.

Make a decision to hit a 3rd shot drop every time in your next game. Repetition is the mother of skill. If you push through the fear of making a mistake or letting your teammates down you’ll improve in this challenging stroke.

You can’t replace giving time and attention to this shot. Drilling is fantastic, but it can’t replace using this shot in a game situation.