The Third Shot Drop in Pickleball: 5 Keys to Winning Fast

On the court, one of the most vital shots to master is the third shot drop. After your serve is returned, you are left with the option of either executing a backhand third shot drop or opting for a drive. It’s important to understand that the third shot drop isn’t like a regular groundstroke, especially when hitting it on the backhand side.

Unlike a powerful full swing, it requires more control, precision, and a low-to-high motion. To make the most of this shot, ensure that you are stopped, set, and balanced before executing the shot, just like you would when dinking.

What Is the Third Shot Drop In Pickleball?

The third shot drop is one of the most important skills in pickleball, and mastering it can take your game to the next level.

In this article, we’ll break down five essential keys to executing the third shot drop with precision and confidence.

Whether you are a beginner level player or an experienced player, these tips will help you control the pace and improve your performance on the court.

Importance of Pickleball’s 3rd Shot Drop

The third shot drop is an important skill that separates beginners from advanced level players. The goal of this shot is to send the ball back to your opponent in such a way that allows you to move up to the kitchen line, giving you a better position to control the point.

It’s a key part of setting up your next move and controlling the flow of the game.

5 Keys to Third Shot Success In Pickleball

Here, we’ll dive into five essential tips that can help you improve your third shot drop, making it more reliable and effective on the court. Mastering these key elements will elevate your game and boost your confidence.

1. Form and Execution

One of the key components to a successful third shot drop is your form. The paddle face should start low, with the intention of lifting the ball smoothly and gently over the net.

The goal is to clear the net and get the ball to arc softly into the non-volley zone or kitchen. The motion resembles a push, not a swing.

You want to avoid using too much wrist or force, making sure your paddle stays stable with the face open toward the sky.

This will help you get the right trajectory and make the shot unattackable. Always make sure to contact the ball out in front of your body, keeping your eye on the ball to ensure accuracy.

2. Paddle Grip

Using the right grip and technique is essential for hitting a successful 3rd shot drop. For the backhand short, you’ll want to use a continental grip.

Hold the paddle slightly in front or beside your body and focus on a smooth motion to lift the ball without any unnecessary wrist flicking.

This allows for the ball to travel cleanly over the net without going too high or low. The key to this shot is ensuring you are not flipping your wrist but keeping everything steady, as a sudden flip could lead to an inaccurate shot.

3. Drills for Improvement

To improve your backhand third shot drop, start with backhand dinks right behind the NVZ line. After hitting two shots, take one big step back and repeat this drill from a deeper position. Keep moving back until you reach the baseline.

Once you hit that point, take a step forward and move back up to the NVZ line in a two-hit/one-step fashion. As you progress, you’ll notice a tough spot where it becomes hard to make that drop consistently.

Focus on this depth and court position to work on the drop from there. Once you have mastered this, begin to progressively take one step back at a time and work your way up until you can easily hit from the baseline. This modified approach helps refine your technique and develop control.

4. Low To High Motion

When executing a third shot drop, it’s crucial to focus on a low to high motion. Unlike a flat shot, which stays level, the arc of your shot helps ensure it has the necessary net clearance to drop right into the kitchen.

As you come through the ball, remember that this isn’t a power shot instead, you are guiding it with a controlled, smooth motion to give it the ideal trajectory. This technique is vital for making sure your shot stays unattackable and lands precisely in the right spot.

5. Forward Momentum

When hitting the third shot drop, it’s essential to ensure that all your weight and momentum are moving forward at the impact with the ball.

One mistake many players make is falling away as they try to hit their shot, especially after receiving a deep return.

In any racket sport, if you are falling away at the moment of impact, you’ll lose power and control, which will affect your consistency.

If you end up too back in the court, it will be difficult to reach the kitchen line in time, which is exactly where you want to be. That’s why forward momentum is so important for hitting a successful third shot drop.

When to use the third shot drop in pickleball

You should use the third shot drop when you want to control the pace of the game and shift the momentum in your favor.

This shot is particularly effective against opponents who love to attack and hit hard shots in pickleball, as it neutralizes their ability to make powerful drives or groundstrokes.

By hitting a soft drop shot into the kitchen, you take away their offensive options and set the stage for you to dictate the rally.

1. Baseline ball

In pickleball, there are moments when using a drop shot becomes your best option, especially when the ball lands close to the baseline.

When a deep return pushes you back, attempting a strong drive is often not ideal. At times like this, the third shot drop is an effective tactic.

It allows you to regain control of the point by gently dropping the ball, forcing your opponent to move toward the net. This strategic move can buy you valuable time to reset your position and attack.

2. When the ball doesn’t have spin

The lack of spin on the ball makes it easier to execute a successful drop shot. As you become more experienced, you’ll begin to sense the amount of spin the ball has, helping you decide whether it’s better to drop or drive it.

With no spin, the ball is more predictable, and it becomes much simpler to guide it softly over the net, creating an opportunity for you to catch your opponent off guard.

3. When you are not prepared for the shot

At times, you may not be fully prepared for a fast shot. When this happens, the drop shot can be your best choice, especially when the return is coming from the side or you’re barely able to reach it.

Even though a drop shot might not always win you the point, it gives you a better chance of avoiding a quick loss and keeps the rally alive, giving you a shot at regaining control.

Barely getting to the ball might not put you in the best position to attack, but it can provide an opportunity to avoid losing the point.

In Conclusion

The third shot drop in pickleball is a crucial skill that allows players to regain control of the rally by strategically placing the ball in the non-volley zone.

Mastering this shot requires control, precision, and proper form, with an emphasis on a smooth, low-to-high motion.

It’s essential for shifting the momentum in your favor, especially against opponents who rely on powerful drives.

With practice, this shot can help players dictate the pace of the game and set up future attacks, making it a vital component of any competitive player’s toolkit.