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What is the Pickleball Drop?
The drop is most often hit from deep within the court after the ball has bounced. The drop is primarily used to transition from the backcourt (the area near the baseline) to the non-volley zone (NVZ) or as some kind of reset. The goal is to hit the ball so it lands just over the net, ideally within the kitchen. If hit well this neutralizes the ball and stops the opponent from attacking.
The drop is one of the harder shots to learn in pickleball. Not only does it require skill and accuracy of placement, but it is most often a shot that is hit under pressure making it extra difficult.
The pickleball drop can be hit at any point after a return of serve has been made but it is most often associated with the 3rd shot of the point (the second shot for the serving team after the serve). If hit well the 3rd shot drop enables the serving team to get up to the NVZ. It can often take several drops for you and your team to successfully advance to the net therefore the drop can be hit on the 5th and 7th ball and so on.
Now let's talk about the difference between the topspin drop and the slice drop and what each one offers to your game.
The Slice Drop
A slice drop is a softer, controlled shot with backspin, designed to make the ball land softly in the opponent’s kitchen. It often has an appearance of floating due to the effect of the backspin on the ball. The backspin can also make the bounce difficult to handle by keeping it low, often skidding off.
Advantages
Adding slice to the ball keeps it low and makes it difficult to reach. Perfect for use against taller players or those who are less mobile. Because of the slower pace, it can also throw off players who prefer a more attacking style of play.
Technique
To execute a slice drop, use a slightly open paddle face and cut down and under the ball, imparting backspin. It's best to use a continental grip. The flight path should lift after contact and peak as it travels across your own NVZ and then dip down into the opposing NVZ. This backspin causes the ball to stay low and often skids after bouncing, making it difficult for your opponent to attack. See the image below comparing topspin and slice.
Strategy
Here's a couple of examples of when to use the slice drop:
Defensive Situations: The slice drop is particularly useful when you're on the defensive and need to neutralize your opponent's power. The backspin keeps the ball low after the bounce, reducing your opponent’s options and making it harder for them to hit a strong return. Because of its slower flight path, it also gives you a split second longer to set yourself.
Changing Pace: If the rally has been fast-paced, a slice drop can disrupt your opponent's rhythm by slowing down the game and forcing them to hit an awkward, lower ball.
The Topspin Drop
A topspin drop is a shot that combines a medium to fast touch with topspin, causing the ball to dip quickly after it crosses the net. Applying topspin means you can be more aggressive with your drops and afford to hit them slightly faster than a slice.
Advantages
The Magnus Effect causes to ball to dip quickly, making it hard for opponents to anticipate and attack. The topspin makes the ball kick in deep around the feet area often forcing your opponent to step back.
Technique
Continental or Eastern forehand is best. To execute a topspin drop, you accelerate the paddle up the back of the ball to get it rolling forward. Here's a video demonstrating how to get topspin using the TopspinPro:
Strategy
Offensive Play: The topspin drop is often used as an offensive shot to apply pressure on your opponents. The extra pace you can apply with topspin cuts down your opponent's time and also can kick the ball into their feet after the bounce.
Creating Depth: The topspin allows you to hit a deeper shot into the kitchen while still maintaining control. This is particularly useful when you want to push your opponents back but still keep the ball in a safe, non-attackable position.
For an in depth guide about the difference in technique between slice and topspin you can read this article: Slice Vs Topspin In Pickleball: What's the Difference?
How the TopspinPro Can Help Your Game
The Pickleball TopspinPro allows you to practice your topspin and slice using a static ball = no pressure. It's all too common for people to try and implement a new skill in a game situation and then they get frustrated with the negative results. Isolating a skill enables you to practice with the correct technique enough times that you can build up required muscle memory and without getting distracted by the "outcome" (where the ball travels). You can also practice anywhere, anytime, with a fully foldable device and carry bag for transportation. Once you begin to master that skill you can start to add it into situations with a little more pressure such as rallying. Then ultimately into a game situation. You can even remove the panels on the TopspinPro to add in your forward swing and practice blending for different types of shots.
When to Use Each Drop
Slice Drop
Best used when:
- You need to neutralize an opponent’s power.
- You want to keep the ball low and force them to hit up.
- When you’re looking to change the pace of the game.
Topspin Drop
Best used when:
- To cut down your opponent's time and put them under pressure.
- To target a weaker player that can't handle more aggressive drops.
- To move your opponent back out of position.
Conclusion
Both the slice and topspin drops are essential shots in a pickleball player’s arsenal, each offering unique benefits depending on the situation. By mastering both, you’ll be able to control the pace of the game, keep your opponents off balance, and create opportunities to win points. Whether you’re playing more defensively with a slice drop or taking the offensive with a topspin drop, knowing when and how to use these shots will give you a strategic edge on the court.
FAQs
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What is the purpose of the pickleball drop shot?
The drop shot is used to transition from the backcourt to the non-volley zone (NVZ) and to neutralize the opponent’s attack. It aims to land the ball just over the net, ideally within the kitchen, making it difficult for the opponent to attack.
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What are the advantages of a slice drop in pickleball?
A slice drop, with its backspin, keeps the ball low and makes it difficult for taller or less mobile players to reach. The slower pace can also disrupt opponents who prefer a fast-paced game.
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How do you execute a topspin drop shot?
To execute a topspin drop, you accelerate the paddle up the back of the ball to create forward spin. This causes the ball to dip quickly after crossing the net, making it hard for opponents to anticipate and attack.
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When should you use a slice drop versus a topspin drop?
Use a slice drop to neutralize an opponent’s power, keep the ball low, and change the pace of the game. Use a topspin drop to apply pressure, force errors, and create offensive opportunities, especially when opponents are advancing toward the net.
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How can the TopspinPro help improve your pickleball game?
The Pickleball TopspinPro allows you to practice topspin and slice techniques using a static ball, helping you build muscle memory without game pressure. It’s portable and lets you practice anywhere, making it easier to integrate new skills into your game.
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