SHOTS · CHANGE OF HEIGHT
Volley, lob or drop shot? Choose by the opponent’s position
These shots change the normal baseline rhythm. The volley takes the ball early, the lob goes over a player near the net, and the drop shot brings a deep opponent forward.
Checked against the 2026 ITF Rules of Tennis · Updated 1 September 2026Each shot solves a different problem
- 01Volley: meet the ball before it bounces and take time away.
- 02Lob: send the ball high over an opponent who has moved forward.
- 03Drop shot: play softly and short when the opponent is deep.
INTERACTIVE SHOT CHOICES
See early, high and short on the same court.
Watch where each player stands before deciding whether the volley, lob or drop shot is the sensible option.
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BEFORE THE BOUNCEThe player closes toward the net and meets the ball out of the air with a compact action.
Drag to rotate · Double-click to reset01 / VOLLEY
Take the ball early with a small action
At the net there is less reaction time. Keep the racket in front and guide the ball rather than taking a full groundstroke swing.
A volley does not have to be a winner. A firm ball into open space often sets up the next shot.
02 / LOB
Look behind the player at the net
When an opponent moves close to the net, the open court may be above and behind them. A good lob clears their reach but still drops inside the baseline.
Too low and it becomes an easy overhead; too high and short and the opponent has time to move back.
03 / DROP SHOT
Use it when the opponent is already deep
A drop shot works because it contrasts with a deeper ball. Disguise the early preparation, soften the contact, and give the ball enough height to cross safely.
Using it from a poor position or against an opponent already near the net usually creates trouble for you instead.