Master the Third Shot Drop: Your Key to Net Control

third shot droptechniquebeginnerstrategy
Master the Third Shot Drop: Your Key to Net Control

What Is the Third Shot Drop?

The third shot drop is arguably the most important shot in pickleball doubles. It’s the third shot of a rally (serve → return → third shot drop) and is hit by the serving team from near the baseline. The goal? Land the ball softly in your opponent’s kitchen (non-volley zone) with a high arc that gives you time to advance to the net.

Why Is It So Important?

A well-executed third shot drop:

  • Neutralizes your opponent’s advantage – The returning team starts at the net; this levels the playing field
  • Buys you time – The high, slow arc gives you and your partner time to move forward
  • Forces a weak return – When the ball lands softly in the kitchen, opponents must hit up on it, limiting their attacking options
  • Sets up the dink rally – Get to the net, and you’re now in position to control the point

The Technique: Step by Step

1. Get Into Ready Position

Stand behind the baseline with:

  • Feet shoulder-width apart
  • Knees slightly bent
  • Weight on the balls of your feet
  • Paddle out in front, ready position

2. Shorten Your Swing

Unlike a groundstroke, the third shot drop uses a compact, controlled swing:

  • Short backswing (half your normal stroke or less)
  • Think “lift” rather than “hit”
  • Keep your wrist firm and stable

3. Contact Point

  • Hit the ball 1-2 feet in front of your body
  • At waist height when possible
  • Use a low-to-high motion with an open paddle face

4. Follow Through

  • Guide the ball with a smooth, upward motion
  • Follow through toward your target
  • Paddle should finish at or above head height

5. Aim for the Kitchen

Visualize a target:

  • 4-5 feet beyond the net
  • Landing in the non-volley zone
  • Staying low after the bounce (unattackable)

Key Tips for Success

Clear the Net Safely

A high third shot drop that lands in the kitchen is better than one in the net. Give yourself 2-3 feet of clearance over the net.

Stay Balanced

Don’t rush the shot. Get set before you swing. Use small, quick steps to get in position.

Watch the Ball

Keep your eye on the ball through contact. Lifting your head early often sends the ball long or into the net.

Cross-Court is Your Friend

The net is lower in the middle, and the longer diagonal gives you more time to advance. Cross-court drops are often safer and more effective.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake Fix
Hitting too hard Shorten your backswing, think “soft”
Ball goes into the net Aim higher, clear the net by 2-3 feet
Ball bounces too high Check your paddle face – keep it slightly open
Can’t get to the net Hit higher and softer to buy more time
Inconsistent contact Focus on hitting out in front of your body

Practice Drills

The Toss Drill (No Paddle)

  1. Stand at the non-volley zone
  2. Toss balls to a partner using your shoulder motion
  3. Focus on a soft arc that lands at their feet
  4. This builds the “feel” without worrying about paddle control

Wall Practice

  1. Mark a line 34 inches high on a wall (net height)
  2. Mark an X 2-3 feet above that line
  3. Stand 15 feet away and practice lifting the ball toward the X
  4. Use short, controlled strokes

Progressive Back Drill

  1. Start at the kitchen line with a partner
  2. Hit two dinks, then take one step back
  3. Continue until you reach the baseline
  4. Work your way back forward

When NOT to Drop

Sometimes a third shot drive is better:

  • Your opponent hits a short return (5-6 feet inside the baseline)
  • The ball bounces high enough to attack
  • You want to mix things up and catch opponents off-guard

However, the drop should be your default 80-90% of the time.

Final Thoughts

The third shot drop takes time to master. Even pros miss occasionally. The key is:

  1. Practice consistently – This shot rewards repetition
  2. Stay patient – Better to hit a high, soft drop than try to be perfect and miss
  3. Move with purpose – The shot is only half the battle; getting to the net completes it

Master this shot, and you’ll transform your pickleball game from reactive to proactive. The net is where points are won – and the third shot drop is your ticket to get there.

Photo: Pickleball players in The Villages, FL (Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA)

Ready to practice? Grab a partner and spend 15 minutes on third shot drops before your next game. Your win rate will thank you!