Any tips on training my body to be able to lunge forward to receive drop shots? I tend to be unable to move forward to receive them.
Do footwork drills and make sure you stay on the balls of your feet and don't ground your heel. Most people struggle coming forward as they are static with their heels planted on the floor, you cannot make sudden forward movement due to that. Also make sure you do your split step before moving, very important to loading the leg muscles ready for any movement. A tip I would give is bounce on the spot, that will enable to make sure you are lighter and help you move anywhere faster (as this action stops you grounding your heel). Kindest regards, -Ajay- Quote of the Day If at first you don't succeed, failure may be your style.
Why dont i move on drop shots. A lot of times when i serve to the back and the opponent hits a drop shot i dont move i just stand there.
Prepare yourself. for first time just do a standard preparation. I assume you're playing singles 1. Move to the centre and keep your body low. 2. Open your legs so they are a bit wider than your shoulders, keep your body low, a bit crouching 3. your racket leg(right if you are right handed) must be a bit on the front, 4. You hold your racket at the height of your waist. 5. Concentrate on the moment the shuttle is hit by your opponent and do the split step 6. Move to the shuttle. that's some basics. I think maybe you're hoping your opponent doing a clear so you back off too much or you are standing straight with your legs close to each other. Be ready from the start.
It's a mindset problem really. You must prepare and focus your mind on that moment for all kinds of replies. Once your mind is ready, your eyes will automatically focus on the opponent's movement. You will notice that he is making a drop shot. Once that happens, your leg will move fluidly towards the shuttlecock.
From what you said, it seems you are grounding your heels, so you cannot move anywhere fast, you need to stay on the balls of your feet and be ready to receive any shot, never have stationary feet and stand at any time unless serving or receiving serve. Your feet should be on the move all the time. Kindest regards, -Ajay- Quote of the Day I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.
[MENTION=122828]WhitePants[/MENTION] If you lean your bodyweight forward you will be able to move forward faster
As have already said you should train to be explosive from the very first step. That aside, there are several things you should also note that will make a big difference if you are not already doing this. 1. Stay low. Keep your centre of mass low will help you accelerate. 2. Split step - already said above, this will preload your muscles for launching. 3. Foot stance. Depending on whether you are referring to singles or doubles and the situation, the stance can be different. 4. Anticipate - focus and observe the moment the shuttle leaves the opponent's racquet and move at that very instant. In doubles, I usually expect a drop but anticipate for a smash. 5. Base position - ensure that your base position allows you to get to the more probable shots quickly, but if you have a particular weakness in getting to drops, could it be that you're standing too far back?
Split step probably is the most important element of footwork. You have to force yourself to always do it, and not to run until the shuttle is actually flying. If done right, it shouldn't be a problem to return an avarage drop (or any kind of shot if you didn't misplace it).
