The All-Important Third Shot Drop
If you know anything at all about pickleball, chances are you’re familiar with the concept of the third shot drop. Maybe you’ve seen it in action, but have no idea how to do it yourself. Or, maybe you’ve tried it, but you don’t understand why it’s so important. Either way, the third shot drop does have value and it’s worth your time to learn how to use it.
What is it?
The third shot drop is essentially just what it sounds like; it’s a drop shot that comes after the serve and return serve, hence the name “third shot drop.” This particular shot is intended to arch upward and then drop into your opponent’s kitchen, effectively bringing play closer to the net and evening the chances of winning the rally.
What’s the big deal?
The third shot drop is an important play for the serving team. After the serve and return serve, the serving team is typically still back at the baseline away from the net while the opposing team has had the opportunity to inch closer to the net. This third shot drop is a slow, arching shot that, if done correctly, buys the serving team enough time to meet their opponents near the net. The dropping effect also makes it more difficult for your opponents to smash the ball down in the kitchen, a move that could result in your team losing the rally. By moving your team closer to the net and lowering the level of play, you put yourself back in position to control the rally.
How is it done?
The third shot drop can take a lot of time and practice to master, but it will be worth your while. It might be helpful to think of it as a “long dink.” Be sure you’re consistent with your dink before you take on the challenge of the third shot drop. As you begin to feel more comfortable with your close-range dink, start moving back a few steps. Eventually, you’ll find yourself at the baseline of the court and you’ll see that your dink just needs more power and follow-through. Get low to the ground and stay there all the way through the shot; don’t come back up too early to rush up to the kitchen and ruin your shot in the process.
This video does a great job of demonstrating how to perfect the third shot drop with time and consistency.
Practice makes perfect, and the third shot drop is no exception. The more you play, the better you’ll get, and the more third shot drops you throw at your opponent, the more opportunities you’ll have to win the game.
