Specialty Shots (Dip Drive)

The dip drive is one of those shots that everyone has in their arsenal but no one practices. It’s that moment when you played a good rally and the ball comes back and bounces high into the air. You are going to put this ball away. You line it up and take a big swing like they do on TV…….then the ball goes WAY OUT.

Venus Williams, the older William sister, knows how to finish
the points off with her dip drive

The shot you attempted is called a dip drive and you probably hit the ball way out because your wrist bent back. Three things to think about with the dip drive:

1. Start high finish low
2. Try not to put any spin on the ball.
3. lean forward

Here is my dip drive during a match and my 1 inch vertical in panel 10.
Personally, I like to keep my elbows in on a power forehand. I find that
it is mechanically easier. This one didn't come back.

Don’t overcook the shot if you aren’t strong enough to keep your wrist stiff. As a rule of thumb, I try not to hit dip drives hard from the baseline. If you do, make sure that you try not to do it during a point that matters. Otherwise, save your dip drives for when you are closer to the net. Also, if you can VOLLEY well then don't EVER hit the dip drive that hard. Only blast it if you don't want it to come back!!