The Ultimate Pickleball Third Shot Blueprint (THE NEW WAY)

Summary

This video breaks down the four essential third shots in pickleball—slice/shovel drop, roll drop, the drip, and the drive—explaining when, how, and why to use each. It emphasizes the true goal of the third shot: get you and your partner to the kitchen line to control the rally, not necessarily to hit winners. Clear technical cues (footwork, paddle face, wrist control, and spin) and tactical targeting principles (attack the weaker player, use the middle, prep for the fifth shot) are provided, plus a tip on using your serve to manufacture easier returns. Practical, high-percentage advice to win more points immediately.

Takeaways

• 😀 The third shot is crucial in pickleball, as it sets the tone for the point. A well-executed third shot puts you in control of the rally.
• 😀 The main goal of the third shot is to get to the kitchen line, moving from a defensive to an offensive position on the court.
• 😀 Most third shots are not designed to end the point but to buy time, gain position, and set up future shots.
• 😀 The slice drop (shovel drop) is the most reliable third shot, providing control and a safe way to neutralize aggressive returns.
• 😀 To hit an effective shovel drop, focus on getting behind the ball with your legs, using an open paddle face, and keeping the ball on your paddle as long as possible.
• 😀 The roll drop is an aggressive top-spin shot that pushes the ball forward and is effective against slower opponents or short returns.
• 😀 The roll drop requires a brushing motion with minimal wrist movement and is aimed at creating pressure while still allowing you to reach the kitchen line.
• 😀 The drip shot is a hybrid between a drop and a drive, offering a deceptive and effective way to catch opponents off guard, especially when they are transitioning.
• 😀 The drive is often misunderstood and is more about setting up the next shot than trying to win outright. It should be used to get an easier fifth shot or create a short return.
• 😀 Targeting weak players, the middle of the court, and not rushing the kitchen line after a poor third shot are key strategies for effective third-shot placement and control.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of the third shot in pickleball?

The primary goal of the third shot is to move yourself and your partner up to the kitchen line, shifting the rally from a defensive position to an offensive one.

Why is the slice drop considered the safest third shot option?

The slice drop is considered the safest because it takes pace off the ball, making it easier to control. It also provides more time to move up to the kitchen line and neutralizes aggressive returns.

What is the key to executing a successful shovel drop?

To execute a successful shovel drop, focus on getting your outside leg behind the ball, using an open paddle face, and keeping the ball on the paddle for as long as possible to maintain control.

How does the roll drop differ from the slice drop?

The roll drop is a topspin shot that has a quicker, more aggressive trajectory and stays lower, while the slice drop is a softer, floating shot designed to give you more margin for error and time to move up.

What is the 'drip' shot, and when is it most effective?

The drip shot is a hybrid between a drive and a drop shot. It’s aggressive but with reduced pace, aimed to catch the opponent off guard, especially when they are still transitioning. It is most effective when the opponent is not fully set at the kitchen line.

Why is the drive considered a misunderstood third shot?

The drive is misunderstood because many players treat it as a winner attempt, but at the highest level, it’s typically used to set up an easier fifth shot rather than to end the point.

What is the main strategy behind using a drive as a third shot?

The drive is used strategically to aim low over the net, forcing a shorter return from the opponent that sets up an easier drop shot for the next shot, helping you transition to the kitchen line.

How can you improve your third shot setup with your serve?

By serving strategically, you can influence the opponent's return. For example, serving deep to their backhand can force a shorter return, allowing you to set up a favorable third shot.

What targeting principles should you keep in mind when hitting your third shot?

You should aim for the weaker player or the one running in off the return, target the middle to cause confusion, avoid rushing the kitchen after a poor third shot, and always prep for your fifth shot after hitting the third.

Why is the drip shot considered riskier than the roll drop?

The drip shot is riskier because it has a smaller margin for error. It requires precise execution to reduce pace and induce a low ball that lands at the opponent’s feet, which can be difficult to pull off consistently.