how to play after you just hit a bad drop shot

[Reza]

I hit a lot of drop shots/short angles, etc when I get a short ball, esp. on clay. A few times a match (once or twice a set), I will hit a pretty bad drop shot that either goes too close to the service line or bounces a little too high. Pretty much everyone that I play is 4.5+, and after hitting a bad drop shot, I always lose the point. I think my problem (other than the shot I just hit) is in anticipation. Anyways, what is your best tactic after hitting a bad drop shot? It seems to me, faking one way and guessing the other is your best chance (since at a more advanced level, this becomes a pretty easy place for the opponent to win the point). Do you have any suggestions, or am I pretty much screwed?

 

[Cypo]

Fall down and scream pretending you've twisted you ankle - put up you hand and call a let - take a second ball out and put it into play - prayer.....

I think you're basically dependent on dumb luck at that point.

 

[JohnThomas1]

If it looks futile i just go one way or another just as they hit. If the ball is as deep or as high as you say they won't be dropping you back but hitting a solid groundie to the corner. Just try and pick em.

 

[perfmode]

When I hit a bad drop shot against a good player, I just turn my back, start walking towards the baseline and start fiddling with my strings. If the match is really close and I need the point like a crackhead needs a rock, I'll sprint back to no-man's-land and wait for the drop shot or winner.

 

[Rickson]

When you hit a bad drop shot, you'll have a little more time because the ball is looping as opposed to dropping so take those extra 2 seconds and back yourself up into a good return position.

 

[AndyC]

take a step/two backl (in case they fire it straight at u) and then I keep on my toes and try and anticipate where the shot is going.. that's all u can do really.. u'll get some back against the odds and sometimes that may well be enough to swing the match in your favor.

 

[kevhen]

If my dropshot is close to the net, I will move forward to cover a return dropshot. If it's too deep and too high, then I will stay back a little bit and maybe try to guess which side they will hit it too. Fake and go the opposite is a good play but the 4.5 guys I know can change direction on the ball in a split second, so you just have to go one way and force them to hit the winner the opposite way, or just stay centered and hope to get to the ball. Also cut back on dropshots if they aren't working too well.

 

[Anonymous]

Your opponent is probably thinking that it is an easy put away for him, so go to net and cut off the angles and put pressure on him to hit a passing shot. Besides you have nothing to lose.