Stop Botching Your Third-Shot Drop: Quick Fixes to 2 Common Mistakes

The less your paddle moves before contact, the less can go wrong

If you ask Tanner Tomassi, most players are overcomplicating the mechanics of their third-shot drop.

In a recent breakdown, he highlighted the two primary culprits behind a failed drop. If you’re tired of getting punished for your transition game, it’s time to simplify.

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1. You Have Way Too Much Movement

The first mistake is what Tanner calls the "all-in-one" motion.

You know the feeling: the ball is coming deep, and you’re trying to judge the bounce, set your feet, and swing all at the same time. It’s chaotic. When you try to do everything in one frantic second, your timing goes out the window.

Instead, you need to get that paddle down early. The moment you see the ball heading your way, your paddle should already be in position.

Think of it like a pendulum. If the paddle is already low, all you have to do is lift with your shoulder. No extra backswing, no wristy flicking; just a smooth, controlled lift. It’s about removing the variables. The less your paddle moves before contact, the less can go wrong.

2. You’re Popping Out of the Shot

This one is a classic unforced error generator.

We get anxious. We want to see where the ball is going, so we stand up or "pop out" of our athletic stance right as we’re making contact. This sudden change in height kills your consistency. It’s the pickleball equivalent of a golfer lifting their head before they’ve even finished the swing.

Instead of rising up, you should stay at the same height throughout the entire stroke. It’s that low-to-high rhythm that creates the perfect drop. You start low, you stay low, and you let the shoulder lift do the work.

If you’re popping up, you’re essentially changing the geometry of the shot mid-swing. It’s the quickest way to dump a ball into the net or sail it long.

A Game of Fewer Errors

Pickleball is often a game of who can make the fewest mistakes rather than who can hit the cleanest winners. The third-shot drop isn't about power; it's about touch and discipline. By quieting your body and staying level, you turn a high-stress shot into a repeatable habit.

Next time you’re drilling, focus on that early paddle preparation. Don't let the ball dictate your movement; dictate the ball's path by being ready before it even bounces.