Susannah Barr’s Guide to the Aggressive Hybrid Drop That Breaks Ankles and Wins Points
Introduction:
The “drip”—a hybrid between a drive and a drop shot—is becoming a must-have weapon in modern pickleball. In this in-depth instructional session from Flying Pickle Academy, pro player Susannah Barr breaks down her signature shot. Combining top spin, pace, and tactical placement, the drip shot forces opponents into tough returns—or no return at all. Whether you're a seasoned player or learning new tricks, this guide provides time-coded instruction, technical tips, and strategic insights to master the aggressive drop that’s redefining third-shot play.
1) 0:35 — Susannah Barr Explains the Drip
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Also called a hybrid drop or ankle breaker
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Susannah has been using it for years
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It's her version of the standard drop shot
Summary:
Susannah introduces the "drip" as her longtime version of the drop shot. Known by many names—hybrid drop, aggressive drop, or ankle breaker—it’s a fast-dropping shot that looks like a drive but dives just past the net, making it hard to return. She sets the tone for the lesson by promising to show how it’s done.
2) 0:56 — Why the Drip is so Hard to Deal With
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Opponents misread it as a drive
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Drops fast after crossing the net
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Forces short hops and awkward returns
Summary:
The drip is difficult to defend because it disguises itself. Opponents think they can volley it out of the air, but the sudden drop forces them into low, off-balance returns. Its spin and speed make it a nightmare to counter.
3) 1:30 — Drive vs. Drop
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The drip is a shortened drive
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Still includes topspin and follow-through
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Starts closer to the net than a drive
Summary:
Susannah clarifies that the drip is essentially a drive without the backswing. It includes the aggressive follow-through and topspin of a drive but begins with a shorter stroke. The result is a ball that dips aggressively with spin.
4) 2:06 — The #1 Thing to Remember
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Add topspin for effectiveness
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Aggressive drops require pace
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Aim at the opponent’s feet
Summary:
The most important element of a successful drip is topspin. Without it, the shot won’t dip as intended. This isn’t a soft drop—it’s fast, spinning, and designed to land low near the opponent’s feet.
5) 2:27 — The Key to Drip Technique
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Drop paddle head
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Stay low and use legs
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Accelerate at contact with a windshield-wiper motion
Summary:
To execute the drip properly, players must drop their paddle head and stay low. The paddle face should stay steady and point toward the target. Acceleration at contact is critical, using a motion similar to wiping a windshield.
6) 3:17 — Footwork for Drops
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Get into position early
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Avoid reaching or being off balance
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Contact the ball out in front with forward momentum
Summary:
Proper footwork allows for control and consistency. The drip requires balanced positioning, with the paddle out in front and movement toward the ball. Good footwork ensures spin, accuracy, and offensive pressure.
7) 4:00 — Where to Target with the Drip
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Aim at opponent’s feet or kitchen line
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Avoid shallow or deep shots
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Maintain low net clearance
Summary:
Placement is key: not too short, not too deep. The ideal target is around the kitchen line or at the feet. Low trajectory ensures the opponent can’t volley it and must play off the bounce under pressure.
8) 4:21 — Dripping on the Forehand Side
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Use short, controlled follow-through
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Accelerate quickly at contact
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Keep ball low over the net
Summary:
On the forehand side, players should keep the paddle head low and snap through contact with a short whip-like motion. The goal is to keep the shot just above the net and dipping quickly.
9) 5:21 — Dripping on the Backhand Side
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Easier with two-handed grip
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Drop paddle head and keep it out front
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Rotate with the off-hand and accelerate through contact
Summary:
The backhand drip mirrors the forehand but requires strong use of the non-dominant hand for topspin. Stay low, lean forward, and focus on forward—not upward—momentum to make the ball skid low after the bounce.
10) 6:53 — Coach Dom Breaks it Down
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Traditional soft drops invite attack
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The drip keeps opponents on defense
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Forces eyes and hands low, giving you net control
Summary:
Coach Dom emphasizes that the modern game punishes soft, high drops. The aggressive drip keeps opponents from attacking and gives the hitting team control. When they look down, you move up and finish the point.
11) 7:24 — Where to Attack with the Drip
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Target the returner who is still moving
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Catch players out of position
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Hit toward seams and shifting feet
Summary:
Strategically, the drip is most effective when aimed at the player still transitioning from the baseline or one caught drifting out of position. These players are vulnerable to quick, dipping shots.
12) 7:47 — Drilling the Drip on the Forehand Side
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Practice controlled acceleration
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Use short follow-throughs
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Repeat to build muscle memory
Summary:
To master the forehand drip, players must drill it repeatedly. Focus on compact motion, spin, and precision. Practice builds consistency and confidence.
13) 8:36 — What to do After the Drip
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Partner should poach if popup occurs
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Be ready for midcourt replies
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Transition quickly to offense
Summary:
After hitting the drip, stay alert. Expect a weak return or popup and either you or your partner should capitalize. If they do get the ball back low, be ready to respond with a midcourt drive or another aggressive shot.
14) 9:25 — Drilling the Drip on the Backhand Side
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Same motion as forehand, reversed
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Let ball come to you
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Aim for net height and kitchen line
Summary:
Backhand drip drills reinforce balance, timing, and control. Players should practice staying down, accelerating through contact, and landing the ball low and deep with spin. Consistency here rounds out the offensive toolkit.
Conclusion:
The drip shot is a modern evolution of the third shot drop—faster, more aggressive, and harder to return. By combining proper footwork, paddle technique, and strategic targeting, players can add this game-changing shot to their arsenal. Whether you're looking to dominate rallies or simply break a few ankles, the drip is the drop that does damage.
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