Tennis Drop Step
Also known as: drop step footwork, drop step in tennis, moving back for deep balls in tennis, moving backward in tennis, retreating footwork, backpedalling in tennis
A drop step is the first move back for a deep ball or a lob. Step back with the foot on the side of the ball and turn your hips and shoulders in the same move. Then shuffle or cross over into position, so you can hit from balance instead of backpedalling.
Deep, high balls and lobs push you back. Backpedalling, running straight backward while facing the net, is slow and unbalanced. The drop step turns your body sideways in one move. For a deep ball to your forehand, step the forehand-side foot back and turn the hips and shoulders at the same time. This doubles as your unit turn. The racquet goes back with the body.
After the drop step, choose the next steps by distance. For a short retreat, shuffle back sideways. For a longer one, cross over and run, then use small adjustment steps to set up. The goal is to get behind the ball and move forward into the shot when you can. Hitting while still falling backward costs depth and control.
On a very deep ball you can either move back and let it drop into your strike zone, or step in and take it on the rise before it climbs. The drop step is the first move when you choose to go back. Against a lob at the net, the same drop step starts the turn for an overhead. Overhead footwork then takes over.
Tips by skill level
Practise without a ball. From the ready position, drop the right foot back and turn, shuffle twice, then step forward and shadow a forehand. Repeat on the backhand side.
Read depth early from the opponent's swing and the ball's height over the net. An early drop step lets you choose between hitting a ball that has dropped and taking it on the rise.
Example
A heavy, deep ball arrives at her forehand corner. She drops her right foot back and turns her shoulders in the same move, takes two quick shuffle steps and then steps forward into a balanced forehand. She no longer falls away from the ball.
Why it matters
Getting pushed back is one of the most common ways to lose control of a rally. A fast drop step buys time and keeps you balanced.
Common mistakes
- Backpedalling while facing the net
- Stepping back without turning the shoulders
- Hitting while still moving backward
- Moving back for every deep ball instead of sometimes stepping in to take it early
Frequently asked questions
How do I move back for a deep ball in tennis?
Use a drop step. Step back with the foot on the side of the ball and turn your shoulders in the same move. Then shuffle or cross over back, set up and try to move forward into the shot.
What is a drop step in tennis?
It is the first step back for a deep ball or lob. You step back with the foot on the ball's side and open the hips. That turns you sideways and ready to move back fast.
Why do I keep getting jammed by deep balls?
Often you react late or backpedal. Read depth early, drop step and turn, and move back far enough to let the ball come into your strike zone. You can also step in and take it on the rise.
Related terms
- Hitting on the RiseHitting on the rise means meeting the ball on its way up, soon after the bounce, instead of waiting for it to peak or drop. To do it, stand on or just inside the baseline, turn early, shorten the backswing, stay low and make contact out in front with a steady racquet face.
- Overhead Smash FootworkOverhead smash footwork is the adjustment steps and final scissor or step-in move that get a player under a lob. It lets them hit with power and balance.
- Crossover StepThe crossover step is the explosive first step after the split step, where the foot on the side away from the ball crosses in front of the body to generate maximum lateral acceleration.
- Sidestep / ShuffleA sidestep or shuffle moves the player sideways while facing the net. The feet never cross, so the player stays balanced and ready to load for a groundstroke.
- Unit TurnA unit turn is rotating the hips and shoulders together as one unit to prepare for a groundstroke. The arm does not take the racquet back on its own.
- Lob DefenseLob defense is using a high, deep shot over an approaching or net-positioned opponent. It buys time, resets the point, or forces a difficult overhead.
Related guides & benchmarks
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