In Squash, the Drop Shot is like a secret weapon. Unlike the booming drive or the zippy boast, the Drop Shot is subtle, delicate, and often devastating. For junior squash players, learning how and when to use the Drop Shot can help elevate your game from basic rallies to intelligent point construction.
What Is a Drop Shot?
A drop shot is a soft stroke played to bring the ball gently to the front of the court, ideally close to the sidewall or nick, with minimal bounce. It’s designed to catch your opponent off guard or out of position, and it works best when played with purpose and disguise.
Why Should Juniors Learn It Early?
Too many young players focus only on hitting hard. While power has its place, the ability to vary your shots makes you far more dangerous on the court. The drop shot teaches you:
- Control over power
- Court Awareness
- Movement efficiency
- How to exploit your opponent’s weaknesses
When to Play a Drop Shot – With Examples
1. Opponent Trapped Behind You
Example: You’ve played a deep drive or cross-court that pins your opponent behind you. You’re at the T; they’re still moving backwards or off-balance.
Drop Shot Use: Step forward, hold your swing momentarily to disguise the shot, then play a gentle drop into the front corner. Your opponent will struggle to recover in time.
2. Loose Ball at the Front
Example: Your opponent plays a boast, but it comes out too high or bounces too far off the front wall.
Drop Shot Use: Instead of driving it back to the rear, calmly play a drop into the open space in the front corner — a simple but deadly response.
3. Following a Boast or Boast Rally
Example: You boast the ball and your opponent retrieves it with a weak return, leaving space in the front.
Drop Shot Use: If you’ve moved forward anticipating this, take the opportunity to play a quick drop shot, ideally low and tight to the wall, while your opponent is still recovering.
4. When You’re Under Pressure at the Back
Example: You’re in the back corner, stretched, and a straight drive seems difficult.
Drop Shot Use: A surprise back-court drop can break the rhythm. If your opponent is planted at the T waiting for a long return, this can catch them off guard, especially if disguised well.
5. During a Long Rally
Example: After a long, energy-draining rally, both players are tired.
Drop Shot Use: A well-timed drop from the front can finish the rally efficiently. If your opponent is slowing down or hesitating in their movement, this can be a perfect opportunity.
Key Techniques to Remember
- Hold and Disguise: Use the same setup as a drive, then delay and softly play the drop.
- Use Soft Hands: Think finesse, not force. A relaxed grip and light touch will improve control.
- Stay Close to the Ball: Good footwork is key. Get to the ball early so you can play the shot with balance.
- Use the Front Wall Wisely: Aim low on the front wall, just above the tin, and try to get the ball to die near the sidewall or nick.
Training Drills for Juniors
When it comes to perfecting your Drop Shot technique, here are some training drills you can do be master it:
- Drop–Drive Combos: Practice alternating straight drives and drops from the front corner.
- Boast–Drop Practice: One player boasts, and the other drops. Swap roles after 5 shots.
- Pressure Drills: One player feeds the ball into different corners, and the other responds with a drive or drop depending on court position.
Top Tips from Coaches
When it comes to Squash coach advice, here’s some wisdom on using the Drop Shot technique:
- “Don’t force the drop. Let it come naturally as a response to your opponent’s position.”
- “Watch the ball, not just your racket. Timing is everything.”
- “Be confident. A hesitant drop usually ends up in the middle, and is punished.”
Final Thought: Think Like a Chess Player
Squash isn’t just physical — it’s mental. Think of the drop shot as your ‘check’ move in chess. It puts pressure on your opponent and forces them to respond predictably. When you start using it wisely, your game becomes less reactive and more strategic.
So next time you’re in a rally, don’t just ask “Can I hit it hard?” Ask: “Can I hit it smart?”