Drop Shot Domination: Mastering the Third Shot in Pickleball

The third shot drop is a fundamental shot in pickleball that can be used to control the point and dictate play. It is a soft, low shot that is hit just over the net and lands in the non-volley zone (NVZ). The goal of the third shot drop is to force the opponent to hit a weak or awkward shot, giving the player an advantage in the rally.

The third shot drop is a valuable shot because it can be used to:

• Control the net: The third shot drop is a great way to keep the ball in play and prevent the opponent from getting to the net. If the opponent is forced to hit a weak shot from the backcourt, the player can then advance to the net and put away the point.
• Dictate play: The third shot drop can be used to control the pace of the rally and keep the opponent off balance. If the opponent is constantly having to hit low, soft shots, they will eventually make a mistake.
• Win points: The third shot drop can be used to win points outright. If the opponent is not able to return the shot, the player will earn a point.

Here are some tips for hitting a good third-shot drop:

• Use a soft touch: The third shot drop should be hit with a soft touch so that it lands just over the net and bounces into the NVZ.
• Keep your eye on the ball: It is important to keep your eye on the ball at all times so that you can hit it with the correct amount of power and spin.
• Use a continental grip: A continental grip is the most common grip used for the third shot drop. This grip allows you to hit the ball with a smooth, fluid motion.
• Follow through: After you hit the ball, be sure to follow through with your swing. This will help you generate more power and control over your shot.
• Practice makes perfect: The third shot drop is a difficult shot to master, but with practice, you can learn to hit it with consistency and control.

There are many YouTube videos on the third shot drop worth watching. Here are three of my favorites:

1. “Make Your Shot Unattackable,” sponsored by Pickleball Channel with Dave Weinbach, who says that “One of the key concepts we try to teach in pickleball is to keep your balls unattackable.” He defines this as forcing the opponents to have to lift the ball.” That’s the goal of a third shot drop, to force the opponents to “lift the ball.” “If you can make your opponent lift the ball,” continues Weinbach, “and they lift it a little too hard, they will either hit it in the net or hit it a little bit too high or a little bit too hard, then your shot becomes unattackable. Then you can hit the ball on a descending track, and get the ball down at your opponent’s feet. If you can do that, you and your partner have a competitive edge.
2. “https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7Ok7IuhD-U.” In this video, Paranto uses a portable net to show how you can practice shaping the third shot drop so that it lands in the most advantageous area in your opponent’s kitchen.
3. “Basic Third Shot Drop — Building A Solid Foundation” with Sarah Ansboury. In this video Ansboury explains the purpose of the third shot drop: You want to drop an arced ball into the kitchen at your opponent’s feet which allows you time to come forward to the kitchen line. “It is a crazy hard shot. It is probably the hardest shot in pickleball,” says Ansboury.

The third shot drop is a difficult shot to master, but it is a valuable weapon in any pickleball player’s arsenal. With practice, players can learn to hit the third shot drop with consistency and control.

The information in this blog post comes from my research and experience playing pickleball and can be found in my books — HOW TO GET STARTED PLAYING and HOW TO IMPROVE FROM BEGINNER TO INTERMEDIATE IN PICKLEBALL — both are available on Amazon. I hope you learn something from this post that you can take onto the courts to help you improve your game.