Carlos Alcaraz Forehand Drop shot, Illustrated

Does Carlos Alcaraz switch grips on his forehand dropshot?

Yes, Alcaraz changes from semi-western to continental when performing the dropshot.

In this clip from Volley Viper Tennis, we get a clean side view of Alcaraz’s forehand preparation and the moment he transitions into the drop shot slice. The grip change is subtle, but visible.

A. Initial Split
B. Forehand Preparation
C. Grip Change
D. Drop shot

We determine grip by where the bottom of the index knuckle lies on the grip. It sits on bevel 2, making it a continental.

US Open 2023, Forehand Drop shot from the baseline

For context, there are generally two schools of thought when it comes to hitting a forehand drop shot. They both involve starting off with your normal forehand grip. Where they differ is whether or not you perform a grip change to continental when executing the dropshot.

By switching to continental, you will have better feel and control for the slice, which should produce a softer, more precise drop shot. However, it may tip off your opponent earlier, giving them a split-second advantage to react.

The other approach is to stay on the forehand grip all the way through. This keeps the disguise intact until the last possible moment. But the tradeoff is feel. Using a semi-western grip for touch shots feels less natural and requires specific practice on the grip.

Both methodologies are valid and have trade offs, but in Alcaraz’s case, video footage shows that he does change grips — moving to continental just before executing the drop shot.