When to Go for the Topspin Drop and When to Go for the Slice Drop in Pickleball

While playing pickleball, learning how to perform a topspin drop and a slice drop is essential. Knowing which dropshot to execute free up your control, options, tactics, and most importantly effectiveness on the court.

With guidance from Komodo pro Anderson Scarpa, here’s an illustration of what needs to be done when using these two vital shots and don’t forget to follow the pointers so you can be at the top of your game.

Topspin Drop: The Shot for depth and control

Whenever you have to get on the offensive, the topspin drop will do the trick, especially when you are replacing it at the back of the court. The downspin makes the ball fall after it’s been struck over the net which enables it to be evenly placed in kitchen while making interceptive shots tougher for the opponents.

How to hit a Topspin Drop:

Grip and Stance: Keep it loose, in this case lightly grasping the paddle with a slight tilt in the forward direction should be enough.

Swing Path: Initiate this stroke from your stomach and tilt upward on the ball at the end of the swing to achieve topspin.

Follow Through: Place the paddle head on its side and let it finally end above the shoulder for perfect controlled low striking.

Pro Tip: Due to its ability to cut through the wind when a topspin is applied, this shot is preferred when floating balls due to wind is a potential issue. Use it for achieving good backcourt positioning particularly while preparing to engage in a kitchen volley.

Slice Drop: The Shot for Finesse and Disruption

When you’re five feet from the net — which is about five feet away from the kitchen’s border, the slice drop is the shot to play. The entire slicing process allows the ball to spin backward which enables the ball to not advance too far, thus providing a great chance for the shooter to softly land it which results in it being hard for the opponent to strike back. But again, remember to consider the wind as it does have a tendency to amplify the slightly floating tendency slices feature.

How to Hit a Slice Drop:

Neutral Grip: Adopt fingers lightly and with the paddle face slightly open, angle it upwards with the shaft pointing neutrally.

Stance: a Low to a high tension stance swing “cutting” across the ball to give it a backspin.

Follow Through: Keep in a tight engagement at the end of the swing so that you remain in charge of the most desired section especially the midsection of the court.

Pro Tip: Use the middle of the court region and lessen the angle of your opponent’s shots thus avoiding any undue stress for yourself. The use of slice drops becomes easy every time you are resetting the point or have blistered volleys.

When to use specific shots

Topspin Drop: The best option and its placement from the baseline as well as backcourt serves as an aid due to the control and wind-resistance it provides.

Slice Drop: Best suited for mid-court or net play with it one is able to hit soft shots which cannot be attacked and help to reset the point so as to enable their opponents not to become comfortable.

By mixing the topspin and slice drops in your game you will be more versatile and your opponents will find it difficult to predict your next move. Practice these techniques diligently and soon enough you’ll have some armory of drop shots that will your opponents have a hard time beating you on the court.