Hey!
Did you know that upward of 60% of third shots during a professional pickleball match are drops?
If you can’t already tell, you need this shot to move toward more advanced levels. But don’t worry, we got you covered.
Let’s begin with what the third shot drop is. The third shot drop is a pickleball essential for players looking to take that step from beginner to more advanced levels. This fundamental pickleball technique blends together the strategy and control that pickleball players must deploy during matches.
Simply put, the third shot drop is a soft, controlled shot hit from the baseline that lands over the net and into the opposing teams non volley zone (kitchen), allowing time for the serving team to reach their own kitchen.
But in order to master the shot, you need to understand the different pieces that create it.
Pre – Shot Positioning
Before executing an effective third shot drop, proper positioning on the court is essential. This starts even before you serve. While we won’t dive into serving techniques today, one crucial aspect is serving from behind the baseline. Doing so ensures that after your serve, you’re positioned near the baseline, ready for the return shot.
But simply being at the baseline isn’t enough. You also need to be in an athletic stance, with your knees bent, prepared to channel your momentum into the third shot. This stance sets you up for success, giving you the stability and readiness needed to execute a controlled and precise third shot drop.
The Drop Trio
The Drop Trio is what I consider the three pieces that make the drop shot whole. Understanding each piece individually Is not enough, it’s the combination of the three that allows one to take that next step. Less is more when it comes to pickleball. The Drop Trios’s simplicity is what makes it the best method. Let’s dive in.
- The Grip
The paddle must be loose in your hand to start. A loosened grip allows the paddle to absorb more contact and return a more controlled shot. Playing with a looser grip ties in with The Location, which we will talk about in a moment.
Next time you grip a paddle, check to see how you grip the paddle. It’s likely you’ll need to loosen it!
- The Swing
The swing tends to be what people believe is the only important piece of the third shot drop. While the swing requires the most detail, remember it’s The Drop Trio that completes the shot.
To execute it properly, start by keeping the paddle in front of your leg always in your view, even during the backswing. This helps maintain control with a short, compact motion. The key is in the upward swing- think of it like tossing a corn hole bag. Remember, the shot is about finesse, not power. Keep it smooth and controlled, letting your forward momentum do the work.
- The Location
We all know the frustration of hitting the ball into the net or too high, setting up an easy smash for the opponent. The goal is to find that sweet spot—a perfectly balanced shot that drops just over the net.
This is where your loose grip and smooth swing come together to master the final set, The Location. Most often, you want to place the ball as deep in the kitchen as possible, but as we stated this typically doesn’t work out as planned. However, all you great learners out there remember the first two steps of The Drop Trio.
By absorbing the ball’s impact (The Grip) and hitting upward (The Swing), you can place the ball right in the opponent’s kitchen. Here’s a tip: aim for the ball to reach its apex just before it crosses the net.
For beginners, aiming slightly higher—about a foot or two—can help avoid errors and keep the ball in play.
Drop Shot Don’ts: Common Mistakes to Avoid
The Drop Trio isn’t perfect, and like anything else errors are always going to occur. This is a quick overview of common mistakes.
- Don’t bring the paddle back too far (keep it in view)
- Try to serve as far back as possible, and stay there!
- Don’t be standing straight up when you hit the ball! Be athletic!
I will be posting a blog post designated to third shot drop techniques, so if you are interested, check out our blog.
Final Thoughts
Look, you aren’t going to be the best drop shot hitter of all time after reading this article. However, if you do take the tips we have provided, and actively put them to use during your matches, I am confident that you will see progress. I wish you all the best, good luck!