How to Hit a Third Shot Drop in Pickleball

ThatPickleballSchool

Photo by Bruce Yeung; IG:@yeungphotography

Hey guys, it’s Kyle from ThatPickleballSchool.

By the end of this guide, you’re going to know how to hit a third shot drop so smooth it floats like a butterfly in the afternoon sky, giving you the perfect setup to reach the kitchen and neutralize the point. In other words, I’m going to teach you how to hit a third shot drop with consistency and control.

What is the Third Shot Drop?

Before we dive into technique, let’s establish some context. The third shot drop (figure 1) is exactly what it sounds like—the third shot in a pickleball rally. Here’s how it plays out:

1. You serve the ball (first shot).
2. Your opponent returns it (second shot).
3. You hit the third shot, which can either be a drive or a drop.

(figure 1)

A third shot drive is when you hit the ball hard and aggressively. While this isn’t wrong, it lacks the strategic advantage of a drop shot. Many beginners rely solely on drives, making them predictable. Additionally, at higher levels, a pure drive approach won’t be effective.

Why is the Third Shot Drop Important?

The serving team starts at a disadvantage because both players are at the baseline while their opponents have one player already at the kitchen. After a return, the returning team advances, leaving you with two players back and them with two players up—giving them an edge.

The third shot drop allows you to neutralize this advantage. By hitting a soft, controlled shot that lands in the kitchen, you buy yourself time to move forward and level the playing field.

How to Hit an Effective Third Shot Drop

There are two main components to mastering the third shot drop:

1. Positioning
2. Technique

Positioning: Where to Stand

A common mistake players make is stepping into the court after serving (figure 2). Since you must let the return bounce, stepping in too early forces you to move backward, leading to pop-ups and weak shots. Instead, stay at the baseline after serving and move in only after the return, ensuring forward momentum for better shot execution.

(figure 2)

Technique: The Three L’s

Mastering the third shot drop comes down to three simple principles: Loose Grip, Less Swing, and Lift.

1. Loose Grip

A tight grip leads to less control and more pop-ups. Instead, hold your paddle with a relaxed grip. This allows better absorption of the ball’s impact, giving you more control over placement.

Try this experiment:

• Hit a few drops with a tight grip and notice how the ball ricochets off your paddle.
• Now, loosen your grip and feel the difference in control and softness.

2. Less Swing

One of the biggest mistakes players make is taking too big of a swing. This is especially common with tennis players who are used to bigger strokes. Instead, keep your paddle in front of your body and limit your backswing (figure 3).

Key tip: Your paddle should never swing past your leg. Keep your contact point in front to control the shot and reduce errors.

(figure 3)

3. Lift the Ball

Avoid a side-to-side swing. Instead, focus on a lifting motion to create a higher trajectory. This ensures the ball clears the net and lands softly in the kitchen.

The most important factor? The Apex.

• The Apex (highest point of the ball’s flight) should be on your side of the kitchen (figure 4).
• If the Apex is too close to the net, the ball is still rising when it crosses, making it attackable.
• If the Apex is too far, the ball loses momentum and may land short.

(figure 4)

(figure 4)

Additional Technique Tips

• Paddle Tip Down: Keep your paddle tip pointing slightly downward before hitting the ball. This improves control and consistency.
• Minimal Wrist Action: Use your shoulder as a hinge for smooth, controlled motion.
• Cornhole Analogy: Imagine tossing a cornhole bag—it’s a smooth, lifting motion rather than a swing.

Advanced Technique: The Topspin Drop

If you want to take your third shot drop to the next level, add topspin to create a more aggressive shot.

Why Use a Topspin Drop?

• It forces your opponent into a defensive position.
• It makes the ball dip quicker, reducing attack opportunities.
• It allows you to move forward more aggressively.

How to Generate Topspin

• Windshield Wiper Motion: Instead of a flat lift, use a subtle windshield wiper motion with your paddle.
• Loose Grip & Short Swing: Maintain the same loose grip and minimal swing while brushing up on the ball.

This small adjustment adds an extra layer of difficulty for your opponent, making it harder for them to counter.

Summary

1. Loose Grip – More control, softer touch.
2. Less Swing – Keep it compact, paddle stays in front.
3. Lift the Ball – Avoid side-to-side swings, use an upward motion.
4. Bonus: Topspin Drop – Adds more dip and makes your shot unpredictable.

Think you know pickleball inside and out? Challenge yourself with ThatPickleball IQ Test and see if you can score a perfect 10 out of 10! 

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