In tennis what is a soft shot that drops just over the net?

In tennis, a soft shot that drops just over the net is called a drop shot. The player uses a short, controlled swing to take pace off the ball and make it land close to the opponent’s side of the net.

A drop shot is usually effective when an opponent is positioned deep behind the baseline. Instead of giving that player time to set up for a powerful return, the shot forces a sudden forward sprint. Skilled players may add backspin, which makes the ball bounce low and can cause it to slow or stop quickly after landing.

The shot is difficult to execute consistently because it must clear the net while still traveling far enough to land inside the court. If hit too high or too hard, it becomes an easy attacking opportunity. A drop shot can be played from either the forehand or backhand side and is often disguised to look like a normal groundstroke. It is different from a lob, which sends the ball high over an opponent.