Marc said:

Hi,

As for me, I’m a progressivist. My greatest challenge is always to improve my overall game. I’m very into researching tips for whatever I feel needs attention at the moment, and I always look at what’s successful (i.e. what works). If it comes from an top pro, that’s as good as it gets. I’m amazed that I didin’t find out about you earlier, Paul.

Anyways, I can’t always find what I’m looking for, and so I have two questions to present in this topic:

1) Backhand drop: My backhand crosscourt drop has gotten me out of trouble countless times and I’m as proud of it as I am of my backhand clear. But my straight drop worries me. I use the same preparation I would any overhead backhands, but my straight drop isn’t steep enough to really count. It can land past the front service line if I try to put some pace, or barely in front of it when I go for a slow drop (which usually loses me the point then and there anyways). I’m always wary of my footwork and take the shuttle in a straight arc over my shoulder and slightly behind my head. I’m not sure what else to put here, and I lack the video camera I would need to show you what I’m doing wrong.

2) Net drops: This one is a simple question. When performing a straight drop shot near the net, should I contact the shuttle on or near the sweet spot, or nearer the top strings? I know switching to the latter for my short backhand serves has done a tremendous amount of good for my game, but I can’t find any information on contact point for net drops.

I’m looking forward to replies, both from Paul and from more enlightened members.

 Hi Marc
Great questions!

Let’s tackle your backhand drop first. If you are taking the shuttle slightly behind you, how do you use your hands to hit the shuttle down? Ideally, you should take the shuttle slightly earlier at the side of you or slightly in front.

Make sure your arm is fully extended at impact point (usually I find this isn’t happening and players are hitting flat). That’s usually why there is no angle on the shot. It’s fine cross court because the shuttle is being played at an angle and with speed.

You can still slice the backhand straight drop which means you can hit with some pace and get the angle. The key here is to ensure you do not rotate your upper body until the shot has been completed.

Try these first and let me know how you are progressing.

It is a shame you don’t have a camera. Can anyone film you, even using a mobile phone?

With regard to the net shot, try first contact above the sweet spot, ensuring the racquet face meets the shuttle with a slight downward angle. This ensures the shuttle cannot bounce back and you’d need less forward momentum to send the shuttle over the net. If it works for you then stick with it. If not, go with the sweet spot.

At the end of the day, if you find a way to consistently play the shot then that’s all that matters. Sometimes, a slight variation on technique gets better results.

looking forward to hearing from you.

Paul

Marc

Let me know how you get on in training – I’m keen to help you get this right!

Paul