What is a "drop shot" in volleyball?

A "drop shot" in volleyball refers to a skillful and strategic play where the player lightly taps or pushes the ball just over the net with the intent of landing it softly in the opponent's court. This technique is particularly effective when executed correctly, catching the opposing team off guard, especially if they are positioned further back to anticipate a stronger hit.

The purpose of a drop shot is to exploit the opponent's formation and to create a scoring opportunity from a position that may typically lead to a defensive response. By gently executing the shot, it can land in a spot that is difficult for the opposing players to reach in time. This move contrasts with more aggressive plays such as spikes, which are aimed at scoring through force rather than finesse, highlighting the strategy involved in effective volleyball play.