The third shot drop is the most talked about and most important shot in pickleball.
This shot is a game winner that can turn the tables in your favor and give you control of the net and the pace of play.
Whether you’re a beginner or advanced player, mastering the third shot or drop shot is key to taking your game to the next level.
This article goes deep into the successful third shot drop shot, covering importance, mechanics, types, drills and common mistakes.
Let’s get into the details of this shot and how to use it.
1. What is a Third Shot Drop?
The third shot drop is a soft, controlled shot hit on the third shot of a rally (after the serve and return).
It’s purpose is to neutralize your opponent’s advantage after their return of serve, allowing you and your partner to get to the next shot in the opponent’s non-volley zone (kitchen line).
The ball is hit hard enough to land softly in your opponent’s kitchen, so they can’t attack. This shot gives you the opportunity to get to the net and take control.
2. Why is the Third Shot Drop Important?
Get to the Net: Pickleball games are won at the net. The third shot drop gets you from the baseline to the kitchen line safely.
Neutralizes Aggressive Returns: A good drop forces your opponent to hit up on the ball, reduces their attacking options.
Sets Up Strategy: The third shot drop slows the game down, gives you and your partner time to get into position. This strategic shot is key for advanced players to differentiate themselves, not just in execution but also in deployment during matches.
3. Mechanics of a Third Shot Drop
To hit a perfect third shot drop the ball you need to have proper mechanics to get a consistent drop. Here’s a step by step breakdown:
a. Grip and Grip Pressure
Use a continental grip for versatility in grip pressure and control. This grip allows you to adjust the angle of your paddle for topspin, underspin or flat shots.
b. Stance and Positioning
Start with a balanced athletic stance.
Get behind the baseline.
Bend your knees and stay low to get lift and control.
c. Swing Path
Backswing: Keep the backswing short and controlled.
Contact Point: Hit the ball in front of your body with a smooth upward motion.
Follow-Through: Get a gentle follow-through so the ball clears the net and drops in the kitchen.
d. Paddle Angle
Open the paddle face slightly for a soft arc.
Adjust the angle depending on the ball speed and trajectory.
4. Types of Third Shot Drops
There are three types of pickleball drops:
a. Straight Drop
Lands in the center of your opponent’s kitchen.
For opponents who attack quickly.
b. Crosscourt Drop
Hits the crosscourt kitchen.
More room for error and ball travels over the lower part of the net.
c. Spin Drop
Adds topspin or backspin.
Topspin makes the ball drop sharply after it crosses the net, backspin slows it down.
5. Drills
Repetition is key to the third shot drop.
Avoid a tight grip for better control and ball placement. Here are drills to work on proper shot technique, accuracy, consistency and confidence:
a. Target Practice
Place cones or markers in the kitchen and hit at them during practice.
Hit different spots to work on placement.
b. Wall Drills
Hit a third shot drop against a wall.
Mark a target area on the wall to simulate the kitchen zone.
c. Partner Feeding Drill
Have a partner feed balls from the other baseline.
Alternate between straight and crosscourt drops.
d. Transition Drill
Start at the baseline and hit a third shot drop.
Move forward after each shot and get to the kitchen line.
e. Random Shot Drill
Have a partner mix up their returns so you have to adjust to different ball speeds and spins.
6. Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Even experienced players make mistakes on the third shot drop. Here are the common mistakes and how to fix them:
a. Hitting Too Hard
Problem: Ball lands deep and opponent can attack.
Solution: Gentle upward swing and reduce paddle speed.
b. No Arc
Problem: Ball doesn’t clear the net.
Solution: Open the paddle face and aim higher over the net.
c. Bad Placement
Problem: Ball lands outside the kitchen or near the sideline.
Solution: Practice hitting specific areas of the kitchen.
d. Rushing the Shot
Problem: Poor execution due to rushing the swing.
Solution: Take your time and focus on mechanics.
7. How to Use the Third Shot Drop
Using the third shot drop is more than just technique.
a. Read Your Opponent
Watch your opponent’s positioning and habits.
Target weaker players or areas with less coverage.
b. Mix it Up
Alternate between drops, drives and lobs to keep them guessing.
Hit a drop shot after a deep aggressive return to neutralize their attack.
c. Communicate with Your Partner
Decide who hits the shot when the ball is in the middle.
Work together to get to the net after a drop.
8. When to Use the Third Shot Drop
While the pickleball drop shot, including the third shot drop, is a great tool, it’s not always the best choice. Here’s when to use it:
a. Good Situations
When opponent’s return is deep but not too fast.
When you have time to set up.
b. Don’t Use in High Risk Situations
When the return is low and fast and you can’t control it.
When your opponents are positioned to attack aggressively.
9. Advanced
Once you have the basics down, try these:
a. Spin Variations
Add topspin for downward curve.
Try backspin to make the ball bounce lower.
b. Drop and Drive Combo
Mix in some drives to keep them off balance.
Drive to get a weak return and then drop to transition.
c. Fake Drops
Fake a drop and hit a soft drive to surprise them.
10. Mental Approach to the Third Shot Drop
The mental is just as important as the physical.
Stay calm and focused during rallies especially when setting up for the third shot drop.
Patience: Wait for the right moment to hit the drop.
Confidence: Trust your technique even under pressure.
Adaptability: Adjust to different opponents and court conditions.
11. Equipment
The right paddle can help with the third shot drop. Look for paddles with:
Soft Core: More control and touch.
Textured Surface: More spin.
Balanced Weight: Precision without power.
12. Success Stories and Examples
Many pros use the third shot drop as part of their game. Watch matches to see how they do it and learn from them.
Example: Player A
Uses crosscourt drops to move opponents side to side.
Gets to the net and sets up easy puts.
Example: Player B
Mixes spin and straight drops to keep them off balance.
Shows great patience and shot selection.
13. Conclusion
The third shot drop is a basic skill every pickleball player should work on. It’s not just a shot—it’s a strategy that can turn the match in your favor.
By understanding the soft shot, practicing and incorporating strategy you can level up and own the court.
Just remember, practice makes perfect. Don’t get discouraged early. With time the third shot drop will be one of your go to’s.