Disguising this shot is the key to its success. To disguise it use a big upper body turn to make the opponent think a clear or smash is going to be hit. The purpose of this shot is to catch your opponent out and make them stretch when playing their reply, hoping to force an unbalanced weak reply.
Forehand Drop Shot
Although a really effective drop shop can be an outright winner. To execute the drop shot get behind and in line with the shuttle and turn side on to the net. Have the non-racket arm in front of the body and the racket hand should be up behind the head. To enable maximum disguise the racket/body preparation should be near as identical to how you would play a smash or a clear.
As the shuttle comes closer extend the racket arm and rotate the shoulders and hips round to face the net. With this shot make contact with the shuttle out in front of the body but when it is still high in the air. Make sure to direct the shuttle downwards as with a smash but to decelerate the racket head speed – as opposed to accelerating it through. This will ensure the shuttle will drop in the forecourt area.
Backhand Drop Shot
The drop shot is played from above the head in the same way as the clear except the drop shot is hit with a lot less power. If played correctly it should have just enough power to clear the net but then drop down to the floor.
This shot is usually only played when the player cannot play a ’round the head’ shot with the forehand. Disguising this shot is the key to its success although the strength of a players backhand clear and/or smash will largely dictate the starting position of your opponent i.e. if they are aware that you do not possess a strong backhand clear – as soon as you shape up for a backhand they will most likely move their base position forward in anticipation of a drop shot.