Slow and fast drop shots

Setup

1. On the far side, mark a net zone about a metre deep from the net, and a fast-drop zone around and just past the short service line.
2. The hitter starts at base; the lifter starts in the middle of the far court.

How it runs

1. The lifter hits a high lift to the hitter's rear court.
2. The hitter alternates: a slow drop into the net zone, then a fast drop into the fast-drop zone off the next lift.
3. The lifter moves in and lifts each drop back to the rear court to keep the pattern going.
4. Ten drops each, then swap roles; score 1 for every drop that lands in the right zone.

Coaching points

• Same preparation as the clear: side-on, racket up, behind the shuttle, so the opponent can't read it early.
• Slow drop: slow the racket just before contact and guide the shuttle steeply down over the tape.
• Fast drop: keep the racket speed up and hit further in front, so it travels flatter and quicker.
• Contact high and in front for both; a late contact makes the drop float.
• Move forward straight after the drop: the reply is likely to come from the front court.

Common mistakes

• Slowing the swing early, so the drop is easy to read.
• A slow drop that rises over the net and sits up to be killed.
• A fast drop that lands deep in the mid-court, within easy reach.
• Staying at the back to watch where it lands.