Pickleball 3rd Shot Drop: How To Hit It Perfectly!

 

Mastering the Third Shot Drop in Pickleball: An Instructional Guide

An Essential Skill for Competitive Play

Introduction

The third shot drop is a critical skill in pickleball that separates novice players from the pros. Certified pickleball coaches Barrett and Danea Bass guide you through the techniques and drills needed to master this essential shot. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, learning the third shot drop will give you a strategic edge by allowing you to control the pace of the game and get to the kitchen line effectively. This guide covers everything you need to know, including specific drills for different skill levels.

1. Why is the Third Shot Important? (0:35)

• Understand the Strategy:
  • The third shot drop is crucial because it allows your team to move from the baseline to the kitchen line.
  • The goal is to hit an unattackable shot, forcing your opponents to hit up on the ball, giving you the advantage.
• Key Considerations:
  • Avoid hitting the ball hard, which often results in a high, attackable ball.
  • Focus on placing the ball in a way that buys you time to approach the net.
  • The team that hits down on the ball first with pace usually wins the point.

The third shot drop is pivotal in pickleball because it transitions your team from defense to offense. By hitting an unattackable ball, you force your opponents to hit up, allowing you to hit down. This positioning is advantageous, as it lets you control the pace and dynamics of the rally. Many beginners mistakenly hit the ball hard, leaving it high and vulnerable to attacks. Instead, focus on the third shot drop to create an opportunity to move to the kitchen line, the best spot on the court for offensive play.

2. Beginners Hit The Ball Hard (1:17)

• Common Mistake:
  • Beginners often try to hit the ball hard, thinking it’s an effective strategy.
• Consequences:
  • Hard shots are usually high, making them easy for opponents to attack.
• Solution:
  • Aim for a controlled, soft shot that lands in the kitchen, giving you time to approach the net.

Beginners often believe that hitting the ball hard will earn them points. However, this strategy usually results in high, attackable balls that opponents can easily capitalize on. Instead of focusing on power, beginners should aim for precision and control, particularly with the third shot drop. By placing a soft, well-aimed shot into the kitchen, players buy themselves time to move up to the net and prepare for the next rally, significantly improving their chances of winning the point.

3. 5 Tips (1:59)

• Overview:
  • Five essential tips to master the third shot drop.
• Tip 1: Keep Your Backswing Short and Compact (2:10)
  • Avoid a large backswing; keep it small and controlled.
• Tip 2: Contact The Ball In Front Of Your Body (2:46)
  • Ensure you hit the ball in front of your body to avoid pop-ups.
• Tip 3: Limit Wrist Movement (3:23)
  • Use larger muscle groups like your shoulders and legs for control.
• Tip 4: Contact The Ball As It’s Decelerating (3:45)
  • Hit the ball as it’s descending to ensure better control.
• Tip 5: Follow Through Towards The Net With Forward Momentum (4:26)
  • Your follow-through should guide the ball and help you move forward.

Mastering the third shot drop involves adhering to five crucial tips. First, keep your backswing short and compact, as a large backswing can lead to inconsistency. Second, make contact with the ball in front of your body to maintain control and avoid high returns. Third, limit wrist movement and rely on your shoulders and legs for stability and power. Fourth, aim to hit the ball as it’s decelerating, providing better control over the shot. Finally, follow through towards the net, ensuring your momentum carries you forward, positioning you closer to the kitchen line for the next play.

4. Keep Your Backswing Short and Compact (2:10)

• Technique:
  • Avoid taking a big backswing, which can lead to inconsistent shots.
• Focus:
  • Keep your swing short and compact to maintain control.
• Practice:
  • Work on reducing your backswing during practice sessions.

A short and compact backswing is essential for consistency in the third shot drop. A large backswing can cause you to overhit the ball, making it harder to control. By keeping your swing small and controlled, you ensure that your shots are more accurate and easier to place in the desired area. Practicing this technique regularly will help you develop muscle memory and make it a natural part of your gameplay, leading to more successful third shot drops.

5. Contact The Ball In Front Of Your Body (2:46)

• Technique:
  • Always hit the ball in front of your body to avoid getting jammed.
• Control:
  • This position allows for better control and precision.
• Practice:
  • Focus on positioning yourself correctly before making contact with the ball.

Making contact with the ball in front of your body is crucial for control and accuracy. When you hit the ball from this position, you have a better view of the court and can direct the shot more precisely. It also prevents you from getting jammed, which can lead to weak or errant shots. Practicing this technique will help you develop a consistent and reliable third shot drop, making it harder for your opponents to attack.

6. Limit Wrist Movement (3:23)

• Technique:
  • Use your shoulders and legs instead of your wrist to generate power and control.
• Stability:
  • Reducing wrist movement leads to more stable and predictable shots.
• Practice:
  • Focus on using your larger muscle groups during practice to develop this habit.

Limiting wrist movement is essential for stability and control in your shots. Using your wrist too much can lead to inconsistent and unpredictable shots. Instead, focus on using your shoulders and legs to generate power and control. This approach not only improves your shot consistency but also reduces the risk of injury. Practicing with a focus on minimizing wrist movement will help you develop a more stable and reliable third shot drop.

7. Contact The Ball As It’s Decelerating (3:45)

• Timing:
  • Hit the ball when it’s on its way down after the bounce.
• Control:
  • This timing ensures better control and placement.
• Practice:
  • Work on your timing to consistently hit the ball at the right moment.

Timing your shot to hit the ball as it’s decelerating after the bounce is critical for control and accuracy. When the ball is on its way down, it’s easier to manage and place precisely where you want it. This timing also helps you avoid taking the ball on the short hop, which can be challenging and lead to inconsistent shots. Practicing this timing will improve your ability to execute a controlled and effective third shot drop.

8. Follow Through Towards The Net With Forward Momentum (4:26)

• Technique:
  • Ensure your follow-through is directed towards the net.
• Momentum:
  • Use forward momentum to move towards the kitchen line.
• Practice:
  • Focus on your follow-through during practice to develop this habit.

Following through towards the net with forward momentum is crucial for effective play. This technique ensures that your shot is directed correctly and helps you move closer to the kitchen line, positioning you better for the next shot. Practicing your follow-through will help you develop this habit, making it a natural part of your gameplay and improving your overall performance on the court.

9. Beginner Drill (5:08)

• Drill:
  • Start with an underhand toss drill to practice form and technique.
• Focus:
  • Use your legs and core, minimizing wrist movement.
• Progress:
  • Gradually move back from the transition zone to the baseline.

The beginner drill involves practicing the third shot drop using an underhand toss. This drill focuses on form and technique without the complexity of using a paddle. Start in the transition zone, bending at your legs and using your core to toss the ball into the kitchen. Follow through towards your target, minimizing wrist movement. As you become more comfortable, gradually move back to the baseline, maintaining your form and focus. This drill helps beginners develop the fundamental skills needed for a successful third shot drop.

10. Intermediate Drill (6:24)

• Drill:
  • Use the slinky drill to practice from multiple locations on the court.
• Focus:
  • Hit several shots from each spot before moving back or forward.
• Goal:
  • Develop consistency and adaptability from different court positions.

The intermediate drill, known as the slinky drill, helps players practice the third shot drop from various locations on the court. Start at the kitchen line, hitting several shots before taking a step back. Continue this process until you reach the baseline, then work your way back up to the kitchen. This drill emphasizes maintaining proper form and technique from different positions, helping players develop consistency and adaptability. The goal is to ensure that you can execute a successful third shot drop regardless of where you are on the court.

11. Advanced Drill (8:10)

• Drill:
  • Practice drops from the baseline with a partner feeding you shots.
• Focus:
  • Work on footwork and precision, moving side to side.
• Challenge:
  • Increase difficulty by having your partner vary the shot placements.

The advanced drill involves practicing the third shot drop from the baseline with a partner. Your partner feeds you shots, and you focus on executing precise drops while moving side to side. This drill emphasizes footwork, precision, and adaptability, as you need to adjust to varying shot placements. To increase the difficulty, have your partner vary the speed and angle of the shots. This drill helps advanced players refine their skills and develop the ability to execute a successful third shot drop under more challenging conditions.

12. Important (8:56)

• Focus on Fundamentals:
  • Regardless of your skill level, always focus on the fundamental techniques.
• Consistency is Key:
  • Practice regularly to develop consistency and muscle memory.
• Stay Patient:
  • Improvement takes time and patience; don’t get discouraged by setbacks.

Regardless of your skill level, focusing on the fundamental techniques is crucial for mastering the third shot drop. Consistency is key, and regular practice will help you develop the necessary muscle memory. Stay patient and persistent, as improvement takes time. Setbacks are a natural part of the learning process, so don’t get discouraged. By continually working on your technique and practicing diligently, you’ll be able to master the third shot drop and elevate your pickleball game to the next level.

1. 0:00 Intro
2. 0:35 Why is the third shot important?
3. 1:17 Beginners Hit The Ball Hard
4. 1:59 5 Tips
5. 2:10 1) Keep Your Backswing Short and Compact
6. 2:46 2) Contact The Ball In Front Of Your Body
7. 3:23 3) Limit wrist movement
8. 3:45 4) Contact The Ball As Its Decelerating
9. 4:26 5) Follow Through Towards The Net With Forward Momentum
10. 5:08 Beginner Drill
11. 6:24 Intermediate Drill
12. 8:10 Advanced Drill