You know a strategy is good when it comes straight from the mind of a high-level player and coach. Nicholas Wade—our go-to source for sharp insights and match-tested tactics—recently shared one of his favorite plays: the Drop + Crash.
It’s aggressive. It’s calculated. And if you run it well, it’s downright point-stealing.
Whether you’re playing doubles or singles, this three-step strategy is built to help you take early control of a rally and apply pressure immediately.
Let’s break it down, talk about the “why” behind each step, and cover how to use it differently in singles vs. doubles.
The Drop + Crash (Step-by-Step)
- Big, Deep Serve
- Topspin Third Shot Drop
- Crash the Net and Attack the Next Ball Out of the Air
Watch Nicholas break it down and bring the strategy to life on court:
Step 1: Serve Big + Deep
The first piece of the puzzle is often overlooked. If you float your serve short, your opponent gets to step in and return aggressively—making your third shot drop way harder.
But if you drive it deep? You push them back and get a weaker return, setting up an easier, more predictable third shot.
Pro Tip: Aim for the back third of the court with a little pace or spin. Deep, consistent serves = more short returns = more chances to drop and crash.
Step 2: Topspin Third Shot Drop
The heart of this strategy is a well-placed third shot drop with topspin. Why topspin?
Because it lets you:
- Clear the net with a bit more margin
- Have the ball dip quickly into the kitchen
- Make it harder for your opponent to attack
The goal is not just to land the ball short—but to make them uncomfortable. If they pop it up, you’re already moving forward. If they try to counter, you’re ready at the line.
Visual Cue: Think of your drop as a setup, not a finish. Don’t just reset—set the trap.
Step 3: Crash and Attack the Next Ball
This is where it gets spicy. As soon as you hit your drop, crash the net with purpose.
If the ball pops up even slightly, you’re in prime position to take it out of the air and attack. You’re not waiting for a gentle rally—you’re taking initiative and dictating the pace.
Important: Keep your paddle up, weight forward, and your eyes on their paddle. Your goal is to take time away from your opponent before they’re set.
How to Use Drop + Crash in Doubles
In doubles, the key is communication and coordinated movement.
Here’s how it looks:
- Server drops and crashes
- Partner moves slightly left/right to cover the middle and poaches if needed
- If the drop is effective, you’re both at the net, ready to finish
Watch out for:
- Crashing too early and leaving the middle wide open
- Not communicating with your partner—this can leave gaps and lead to free points for your opponent
Bonus tip from Coach Wade: “Don’t crash if your drop floats. Stay back, reset, and try again on the next shot. The Drop + Crash is only dangerous if you’re in control of the ball.”
How to Use Drop + Crash in Singles
Singles is a different animal. You don’t have a partner to back you up—so the drop has to be solid, and your timing has to be sharp.
Here’s your flow:
- Big deep serve
- Wait for a weak return
- Hit a topspin drop to the corner or body
- Crash with full commitment
The goal is to cover the net quickly after the drop and take time away from your opponent. If they’re still recovering from the return, a quick volley from you can end the point outright.
Key differences in singles:
- You need to be fitter—you’re covering the whole court
- The crash is all you—so paddle discipline and body control are critical
When to Use the Drop + Crash
✅ You’re playing aggressive opponents who don’t like pace changes
✅ You’re confident in your third shot drop
✅ You want to take control of the net early
✅ You’re ready to move forward after a serve—not hang back
When NOT to use it:
- You’re tired or off balance
- You’re hitting your drops short or into the net
- Your opponent thrives off counterattacks
Controlled Aggression Wins
The Drop + Crash is all about controlled aggression. You’re not just attacking for the sake of it—you’re setting it up with a plan.
This strategy rewards players who can blend patience with power. You build the point with a deep serve, open the door with a spinny drop, and slam it shut by owning the net.
Thanks again to Coach Nicholas Wade for sharing this gem. If you want to get better fast, this is a killer strategy to drill and deploy.
🎾 Drop. Crash. Win the point.
Simple. Brutal. Effective.
