Third Shot Drop in Pickleball [Technique, Strategy, and Training]

Pickleball looks easy—until you're sprinting for a drop shot, paddle in hand, figuring out how to outsmart opponents who live at the net. The third shot drop isn't just a technique; it's your ticket to flipping the script, gaining confidence in your game, and taking control of rallies. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to master the third shot drop, including key techniques, practice drills, and the best gear to fine-tune your game. 

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What is the Third Shot Drop

Third shots are always executed by the serving team.

The third shot drop is a soft, high-arching shot hit by the serving team after the return, aimed at landing in the opponent’s kitchen to force a bounce and shift them into a defensive position.

This gives you time to move up and take control of the net. And in pickleball, the team that controls the net controls the pace of the game and has the best shot at winning the point.

To fully grasp this play, it’s essential to understand the non-volley zone—aka "the kitchen"—and pickleball kitchen rules that play into the third shot drop strategy. It’s also important to understand what is dinking in pickleball, because the 3rd shot drop is essentially a long dink looking to land inside of or as close to your opponent’s kitchen as possible.

Why It Matters in Pickleball Strategy

The first two shots in pickleball—the serve and the return—are all about setting the rally in motion while following the double bounce rule. That means the receiving team has to let the serve bounce before returning it, and then the serving team has to let that return bounce before hitting it back. Because of this rule, the serving team actually starts each point at a bit of a disadvantage.

Why? They’re stuck back near the baseline while the other team gets to move up to the net faster—and in pickleball, owning the net is everything.

This is where the third shot drop comes in. This soft, strategic shot is designed to land just over the net and into the kitchen, forcing your opponents to play defensively. If you hit it right, they’ll likely pop the ball up, giving you and your partner the perfect chance to move in, take control, and maybe even smash the next shot.

How to Execute the Perfect Third Shot Drop

Lazy mechanics will leave you frustrated—sending shots sailing long, popping them up for easy put-aways, or hitting the net more often than not. Perfecting your third shot drop comes down to paying attention to your technique in order to consistently hit your target in your opponent’s kitchen.

Ready to master the third shot drop? We’ve got tips to help you nail the technique. In the next section, we’ll break down exactly what you need to focus on when it comes to:

• Body Positioning
• Paddle Handling 
• Footwork Patterns
• Trajectory Considerations

Contact Point and Body Positioning

Start with a balanced, athletic stance—feet shoulder-width apart and one foot slightly forward to stay stable and controlled. From this semi-closed position, aim to make contact with the ball just in front of your body for optimal precision.

Stance: Adopt a semi-closed stance with one foot slightly forward.​

Contact Point: Make contact just in front of your body.​

Weight Transfer: Shift weight from back to front foot smoothly.

Paddle Handling and Angle

Making delicate third shot drops that dot the kitchen with precision comes down to holding the paddle correctly and making sure that you have the right angle as you make contact with the ball. Also be aware of the way that you grip your paddle, its face angle as you hit, and how you engage your wrist.

Grip: Use a continental grip for versatility.​
Wrist: Keep it firm but not rigid—avoid flicking.​
Swing: Initiate from the shoulder, not the wrist. And always follow through completely. 

The Continental grip is when the hand is placed so the index knuckle is on the second bevel of the handle. Think about how you would hold a hammer or how you would shake hands. In other words, turn your wrist slightly counterclockwise for right-handed players and slightly clockwise for left-handed players.

Footwork Patterns

Footwork is key to getting your body in position for an effective third shot drop. In doubles, constant movement is the top tip from coaches on how to support the partner in pickleball—stay off your heels and ready for the next shot. Here’s what to focus on:

Split Step: Stay on your toes to react quickly.​

Lateral Movement: Align with the ball’s flight path.​

Forward Advance: Move toward the net after the shot.

Trajectory Considerations

Executing a perfect third shot drop comes down to creating the right arc. The apex of the shot should be about halfway between your position and your target inside your opponent’s kitchen. Aim for it to clear the net by just 1–3 feet so it drops softly into the kitchen, making it tough for your opponent to attack. Adding some spin depends on where your opponent is located. 

Arc: Aim for a gentle arc that peaks on your side of the net.​

Spin: Use topspin for higher bounces; backspin to keep it low.

Top 5 Mistakes in the Third Shot Drop

The third shot drop is all about precision—there’s not much room for error. Avoid these five common mistakes by sticking to the fundamentals we’ve just covered:

1. Aiming Too Low: Results in the ball hitting the net.​
2. Overhitting: Sends the ball too deep, giving opponents an easy attack.​
3. Incomplete Follow-Through: Leads to inconsistent shots.​
4. Incorrect Paddle Angle: Causes the ball to pop up or dive into the net.​
5. Faulty Weight Transfer: Reduces control and precision.

Drills to Improve Your 3rd Shot Drop in Pickleball

The only way to improve your third shot drop is through consistent practice—and the good news is, you can do some of these without a partner and even practice pickleball at home!

The smallest mistake on a third shot drop gives your opponents an opportunity to take control. The faster you build muscle memory with third shot drop drills, the more confident and effective you'll be on the court.

Target Practice Drills

Target practice drills reinforce muscle memory and shot placement without having to rely solely on power. Mark sections on the court to aim for or get some dedicated targets like these—Champion Sports Court Markers.

Setup: Place markers or targets in key areas of the kitchen.

Objective: Aim to land your drop shot within these predetermined zones to build accuracy.

Solo Wall/Rebound Drills

Rebound drills help you practice shot mechanics even without a partner, reinforcing the timing and control needed for effective drop shots. Use any wall or practice with a dedicated pickleball wall kit like this—Pickleball Practice Rebounder Net. Drill pickle even makes a magnetic solid fiberglass panel to put on a garage door. 

Setup: Use a wall or rebound board to practice repeated drop shots.

Objective: Focus solely on the soft touch and proper technique.

Partner Drop Drills

Drop drills enhance your understanding of how shot mechanics change with court position. These are very easy to practice before a game during warm ups with a partner.

Setup: Begin close to the kitchen. As you build consistency, gradually step back as your partner remains in the same position.

Objective: Maintain accuracy and gentle drop trajectory while increasing distance.

Drill Your 3rd Shot Drop Like a Pro | Catherine Parenteau

Partner Feed Drills

In order to provide real-time feedback and help simulate in-game pressures, try out some partner feed drills. Practice cross-court third shot drops to mix things up a bit once you get the hang of shots from straight on.

Setup: Practice with a partner who feeds balls simulating opponent returns.

Objective: Work on timing, footwork, and shot consistency under realistic game conditions.

Third Shot Drop or Not? Comparing Your Third Shot Options

You are not limited to a third shot drop; there are several different third shot options. Picking the right third shot really depends on where you and your opponents are located on the court. The third shot drop is usually your best play to even the odds since the returning team already has the advantage of being closer to the net. 

Sure, you could try lobbing the ball over their heads or going for a power slam, but both come with risks. A lob might give them time to set up their own slam, and a hard-hit shot can be easily blocked right back into your kitchen. But in certain situations, the reward of taking these shots outweighs the risk—especially when your court positioning gives you the advantage.

Third Shot Drive or Drop? Advanced Third Shot Strategy from a Pro

Third Shot Drive

If you are in the middle of the court moving forward with plenty of time to hit your third shot, send them a third shot drive. There are several scenarios to consider using a third shot drive as opposed to a third shot drop.

• Windy Conditions: Drops are harder to control in the wind, so opt for a drive.
• Opponent’s Weak Volleys: If they prefer dinks, a drive catches them off guard.
• If You are Slow to the Kitchen Line: Drive it to their feet to keep them back.
• High Bounce Return: Attack high bounces to gain control.
• Nervous/Tense Opponent: Driving is effective if they seem under pressure.

Third Shot Lob

The Third Shot Lob is a defensive shot used when opponents are well-positioned at the net. It sends the ball high and deep, giving you time to reposition. While it’s effective in certain situations, it’s a less commonly used third shot option.

In rare cases, a well-placed lob will be your best defensive option when forced into a tough position by your opponent’s return. However, be cautious—if you’re up against an opponent eager to pounce on a weak lob, you will just be setting them up for an easy slam.

Best Gear & Equipment for 3rd Shot Drops

All of this information is useless unless you have reliable gear that will enhance your shots instead of working against you. If you are a beginner and looking to get to the next level, it’s time to get rid of that wooden paddle that you started out with. 

From paddle weight and core materials to grip size and ball type, there are several technical aspects that can be fine-tuned to enhance your execution. We’ve put together some of the most important features to consider when selecting a paddle that’s going to go hand in hand with your strategy.

When it comes to selecting a pickleball to use during a match, you want to make sure that you are using indoor balls and outdoor balls in the appropriate settings. Indoor balls have 26 holes and have a more predictable flight path. Outdoor balls have 40 holes, leading to a little less predictable trajectories comparatively. 

Paddle Weight and Balance

Paddle weight plays a huge role in nailing that perfect drop shot! A well-balanced, midweight paddle gives you the finesse you need while still keeping things stable. The pros recommend paddles in the sweet spot of 7.5 to 9.1 oz for third shot drops.

Want extra touch and quick hands? A lighter paddle boosts maneuverability and sensitivity, making those soft drops feel effortless. Prefer more stability? A heavier paddle steadies your stroke but slows down your wrist action. Finding the right balance is key to leveling up your drop shot game!

For a deeper dive into the best pickleball rackets for beginners, we’ve already got it covered. Here are a few paddles from 7.5-9.1oz that we would recommend for when you are stepping up your game and mastering third shot drops: 

• Selkirk Amped Pickleball Paddle
• Gearbox G2 Elongated Paddle
• Volair Mach 1 Forza Paddle
• JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion Pickleball Paddle

Grip Size and Pressure

A grip that’s too big will make your paddle feel clunky and limit your wrist action, while a grip that’s too small leaves you overcompensating and losing control. The sweet spot for most players falls between 3.875 inches and 4.375 inches in circumference, offering the right balance of comfort and flexibility. A properly sized grip allows for smoother shot execution, better maneuverability, and, most importantly, the finesse needed for a killer drop shot.

Grip pressure also plays a huge role in shot precision. If you grip too tightly, your shot will be stiff and lack the delicate touch needed to land the ball perfectly in the kitchen. Instead, aim for a relaxed grip pressure of about 3 to 4 on a scale of 10. This lighter hold allows for subtle wrist action, giving you better control and a softer, more accurate drop. Think of it like holding a tube of toothpaste—firm enough that it won’t slip, but not so tight that you squeeze out all the contents.

Paddle Face Texture and Core Materials

Your paddle’s design plays a crucial role—especially the face texture and core material. A textured paddle face adds extra friction between the paddle and the ball, making it easier to generate controlled spin. This is a game-changer, allowing you to add just the right amount of backspin to keep the ball low or topspin to make it bounce higher when needed.

But what’s inside your paddle matters just as much! Polymer cores are widely favored for third shot drops because they provide a soft, controlled touch—ideal for precision play. Carbon fiber paddles, on the other hand, offer more power and stiffness; but they are less forgiving when it comes to finesse shots. If your goal is to develop a reliable, consistent drop shot, the consensus among players is that a polymer core is your best bet for that buttery-soft feel and control needed to land the ball perfectly in the kitchen.

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