Introduction to the Third Shot Drop:​

Pickleball, often dubbed the fastest-growing sport in America, is a dynamic blend of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. However, a shot that is specific to the game of pickleball is the “Third Shot Drop”. A “third shot drop” is the third shot in the point sequence (after the serve and return) and is intended to allow the serving team to make their way into the kitchen. Having a good third shot drop in your pickleball tool belt allows you a better chance of getting you and your partner up to the kitchen line successfully. Mastering this shot requires finesse, precision, and strategic thinking. Here are three ways to hit a better third shot drop and dominate the pickleball court:

1. Focus on Soft Touch

The third shot drop is all about finesse rather than power. To execute this shot effectively, focus on developing a soft touch and precise control over the ball. Use a continental grip and keep your wrist firm* but relaxed. You want your thirds to have enough height to get over the net and land into/near the kitchen. However, you want to avoid excessive force/height so that your opponents don’t have a sitting ball to attack. To practice your touch and control, make sure to drill this shot with a partner. Have one partner at the kitchen while you’re back at the baseline and try to set a goal for how many thirds you need to land in the kitchen before moving on.

Click here for a pro tip from Federico Staksrud on wrist positioning while hitting your thirds.

2. Positioning and Footwork

Proper positioning and footwork are crucial for setting up a successful third shot drop. After serving, stay light on your feet and be ready to adjust your positioning based on the trajectory of the return. Make sure to avoid moving forward directly after the serve, otherwise you’ll be leaning back while hitting your third. While hitting your third, try to make content out in front of you, with your bodyweight going forward. If you’re leaning back or have your weight on your back foot, this may cause you to pop the ball up, or leave the ball short into the net. Good footwork allows you to maintain balance and stability, enabling you to execute the drop shot with greater accuracy and consistency.

3. Pick a Target

One last tip on hitting a successful third shot drop is to pick a target for your shot. Your target choice may depend on your opponent’s strength/weaknesses or their positioning on the court while you’re hitting. Additionally, you may want to choose a trajectory that is most beneficial to your shot. For example, if you are noticing that your drops are feeling too high, you may want to choose a target that is on a diagonal so that the ball has more distance to travel before dropping. Vice versa, if your drops are going in the net, you want to choose a closer target to increase your chances of getting the ball in play.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, mastering the third shot drop is essential for elevating your pickleball game to the next level. Practice these techniques consistently, and soon you'll be hitting better third shot drops with confidence and precision. Again, the best way to improve your third shot drop is through repetition and practice. Grab a partner and spend some time drilling this shot.