Hi everyone!

Here’s a solo drill that’s perfect for working on the drop shot–lob combination, a very effective tactical sequence to surprise an aggressive opponent who comes to the net.

The goal of this exercise is to master the transition between a touch shot (drop shot) and an aerial defensive shot (lob), while developing your forward–backward movement.

How to run the drill:

Set the ball machine to send, alternately, a first short and slow ball (for the drop shot), followed by a higher, deeper ball (for the lob), simulating a reply after your opponent has come forward, with a 3-second interval between the two feeds.

Place three cones near the net on the machine side to mark the drop-shot zone and the opponent you want to lob.

Position yourself behind the baseline.

On the first ball, move forward quickly and play a soft, controlled drop shot with the racket slightly open, aiming to make the ball bounce just behind the net. Try to hit a backspin drop shot from time to time.

Stay in motion, then immediately move back as soon as the second ball is fed.

Then hit a precise lob over the cones to reproduce a realistic defensive lob.

(Image created with the ETDM software – Download it here)

Do 5 full sequences, then give yourself 1 minute of rest.

Pro tip : Keep your footwork light and dynamic so you can switch quickly from moving forward to moving back. That control over your movement is the key to pulling off this combination.