Mastering the Third Shot Drop: Hit Like Ben Johns
An In-Depth Guide to Perfecting Your Pickleball Drop Shot
Introduction
The third shot drop is a crucial move in pickleball, enabling players to transition from the baseline to the net effectively. Emulating the techniques of top players like Ben Johns can significantly elevate your game. This guide Shea Underwood breaks down the steps needed to master the third shot drop, providing insights and detailed instructions to help you replicate Ben Johns' precision and consistency. By the end of this guide, you will understand the necessary footwork, the detailed mechanics of forehand and backhand drop shots, and strategic tips to enhance your pickleball IQ.
In this guide, we'll start with foundational footwork after serving, then delve into the specifics of forehand and backhand drop techniques. We'll also explore strategic tips for aiming your drops and deciding when to advance to the net. By following these steps, you'll be able to simplify and perfect your third shot drop technique.
1. How To Hit A Third Shot Drop EXACTLY Like Ben Johns (0:00)
- Objective: Mastering the third shot drop.
- Key Points:
- Simplify your technique into repeatable steps.
- Focus on forehand and backhand drop techniques.
- Implement strategic tips for effective drops.
Ben Johns’ third shot drop technique involves a set of precise steps that, when mastered, can transform your pickleball game. The third shot drop is essential for gaining control of the net, setting you up for the rest of the rally. By following a 10-step process, you can hit third shot drops with the same accuracy and consistency as Ben Johns.
2. What To Do After The Serve (0:30)
- Objective: Optimal positioning after serving.
- Key Points:
- Take intentional steps backward after serving.
- Position yourself slightly to the left of the center line.
- Prepare to take the third shot with your forehand.
After serving, it’s crucial to position yourself correctly to prepare for the third shot. Ben Johns and Federico, top singles players, both fall slightly forward during the serve and then take quick steps backward to place themselves just left of the center line. This positioning allows them to take the third shot with their forehand, which is often more comfortable and effective. By mastering this footwork, you can set yourself up for a better third shot drop.
3. My Drop Technique Before This Video (1:36)
- Objective: Understand the evolution of the drop technique.
- Key Points:
- Compare old technique with the new 10-step process.
- Notice improvements in consistency and accuracy.
Before refining his technique, Shea Underwood’s third shot drop was less consistent. Through practice and applying the 10-step process, noticeable improvements were made. By comparing your current technique with the steps outlined, you can identify areas for improvement and work towards a more effective drop shot.
4. Erne Pickleball Machine (1:55)
- Objective: Utilize training tools for improvement.
- Key Points:
- The Ernie machine provides consistent shot practice.
- Enables six times more repetitions compared to normal gameplay.
- Improves footwork and shot consistency.
The Ernie Pickleball Machine is an invaluable tool for practicing drop shots. It allows players to hit a high number of quality shots in a short time, significantly increasing practice efficiency. The machine’s consistent feeds and random mode, which mimics a competitive game, help improve both footwork and shot precision.
5. 10 Step Forehand Drop Technique (2:38)
- Objective: Master the forehand drop shot.
- Key Points:
- Position the ball outside the right foot.
- Use a controlled motion with a locked wrist.
- Apply top spin with a low to high follow-through.
Ben Johns’ forehand drop technique involves a detailed 10-step process. The key is to position the ball outside the right foot and maintain a controlled motion with a locked wrist. The paddle starts around the right shoulder, and the follow-through is a low to high motion, ensuring the application of top spin to keep the ball in play and make it drop into the opponent’s court.
6. Backhand Top Spin Drop Technique (5:16)
- Objective: Execute a backhand top spin drop shot.
- Key Points:
- Use a sideways paddle position.
- Keep the wrist locked and weight evenly distributed.
- Finish with a low to high motion across the body.
The backhand top spin drop is less common but still effective. Ben Johns and Federico use a sideways paddle position, with the paddle head slightly above the wrist. The wrist remains locked, and the weight is evenly distributed. The motion is low to high, finishing across the body to generate top spin.
7. Backhand Slice Drop Technique (6:46)
- Objective: Utilize a backhand slice drop shot.
- Key Points:
- Paddle head above the wrist.
- Maintain a locked wrist and weight on the back foot.
- Use a skip or reestablish the right foot for forward movement.
The backhand slice drop, previously used by Ben Johns, involves a locked wrist and a paddle head above the wrist. The weight starts on the back foot, and the player uses a skip step or reestablishes the right foot for forward movement. This technique adds variety to your shots and keeps opponents guessing.
8. Where To Aim Your Drops (7:06)
- Objective: Aim drops for maximum effectiveness.
- Key Points:
- Aim 3/4 of the way between the middle and sideline.
- Place drops deep into the kitchen.
- Allow margin over the net to avoid errors.
Aiming your drops correctly is crucial for maintaining control. Ben Johns aims his drops 3/4 of the way between the middle and sideline, avoiding wide misses and reducing the risk of an Ernie. He also places drops deep into the kitchen with enough margin over the net to ensure consistency.
9. When To Come In Off Your Drop (7:40)
- Objective: Decide when to approach the net.
- Key Points:
- Recognize high drops and stay at the baseline.
- Move forward on good drops taken below the net.
- Split-step and be ready to react to the next shot.
Knowing when to approach the net after a drop shot depends on the quality of the drop. For higher drops, it’s best to stay at the baseline and prepare for the opponent’s return. For well-executed drops taken below the net, move forward to the middle and prepare to split-step. This readiness ensures you can react quickly to the opponent’s next shot.
10. My Drop Technique After This Video (8:32)
- Objective: Implement the 10-step process.
- Key Points:
- Position and contact point improvements.
- Maintain weight distribution and paddle angle.
- Follow-through with top spin application.
Shea Underwood’s drop technique improved significantly after adopting the 10-step process. Key improvements include better positioning, consistent contact points, and correct weight distribution. The technique emphasizes a controlled motion and top spin follow-through, leading to more effective and reliable drop shots.
Guide Summary
Mastering the third shot drop involves understanding and implementing a series of detailed steps. By focusing on correct positioning after the serve, using consistent techniques for both forehand and backhand drops, and strategically aiming your shots, you can enhance your pickleball performance. Utilizing tools like the Ernie Pickleball Machine can further refine your skills through efficient practice. By following the 10-step process and strategic tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to hitting third shot drops with the precision and effectiveness of top players like Ben Johns.
Timestamps
0:00 How To Hit A Third Shot Drop EXACTLY Like Ben Johns
0:30 What To Do After The Serve
1:36 My Drop Technique Before This Video
1:55 Erne Pickleball Machine
2:38 10 Step Forehand Drop Technique
5:16 Backhand Top Spin Drop Technique
6:46 Backhand Slice Drop Technique
7:06 Where To Aim Your Drops
7:40 When To Come In Off Your Drop
8:32 My Drop Technique After This Video
