Ryan Fu Pickleball Drop Secrets: Top pro Ryan Fu shared his secrets on how to hit three different types of drop shots in pickleball in a new video posted by Pickleball Playbook. In the video, Fu explained the slice drop, the cup (scoop) drop, and the topspin drop, giving tips on grips, body position, and swing technique to help players master this difficult but important shot.
Ryan Fu Breaks Down the Three Types of Drops
Ryan Fu explained that the drop shot is one of the hardest shots in pickleball. Players must be very precise because of the long distance and small margins for success. Fu introduced three types of drops: the slice drop, the cup (scoop) drop, and the topspin drop.
Fu said, “First is the slice drop, second is the scoop cup drop, and then we’re going to be going over the top spin drop.”
How to Hit a Slice Drop
For the slice drop, Fu recommends using a continental grip, similar to a tennis serve grip. He explained, “I use the continental grip because it’s easier to just kind of punch the slice drop.”
When hitting a slice drop, Fu advises players to get low to the ball and keep the swing small. He said, “Small motion… and I’m just pushing out and trying to get the ball to stay low in the court.”
He also warned, “You do not want the paddle to come behind your body.”
How to Hit a Cup Drop
Next, Fu explained the cup drop, which needs a loose wrist and a different motion. He advised, “You want to be loose, take your paddle slightly back and then push out slowly.”
Fu added that getting under the ball is very important. “You want to get as low to the ground as you can and get under the ball,” he said.
For the backhand scoop, Fu recommended using two hands. “With the left hand you have more control,” Fu explained.
How to Hit a Topspin Drop
Finally, Fu talked about the topspin drop. For this shot, Fu uses an eastern grip to add more spin. “I like the eastern grip cause it’s close enough to continental… but you can also get more spin,” he said.
He explained that players should not pull their wrist over the ball. “You want to keep the paddle face open throughout the entire shot and lead with your butt cap,” Fu said.
On the backhand side, Fu compared the topspin drop to an extended dink. “I’m always going to get the outside of the ball and push up,” he said.
Fu also emphasized the importance of a loose wrist and not squeezing the paddle too tightly.
Extra Tips and Giveaway Announcement
Fu reminded players, “Drops should not be landing in the kitchen every time. You want to miss with depth, you don’t want to miss with height.”
Pickleball Playbook also announced a giveaway for a one-year membership to the Pickleball Drills app. Viewers can enter by subscribing to the channel and commenting their favorite part of the video.
The Pickleball Drills app offers hundreds of drills taught by professional players to help users improve their game faster.
“Thank you so much. Let’s head back to Ryan,” the host said before returning to Fu’s lesson.
Why This Matters
Ryan Fu’s lessons offer simple, clear advice that can help players at all levels improve their drop shots. Mastering the drop shot can make players more competitive and confident on the court. Pickleball Playbook’s new “Learning from a Pro” series aims to speed up skill development with expert advice. More videos with pro players are expected soon.
News in Brief: Ryan Fu Pickleball Drop Secrets
Top pro Ryan Fu taught three key pickleball drops—the slice, scoop, and topspin—in a new Pickleball Playbook video. Fu shared grip tips, swing techniques, and body positioning advice. A one-year Pickleball Drills app membership is being given away to viewers who subscribe and comment their favorite part of the video.
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