Mastering the Third Shot Drop: Step-by-Step Tutorial

What is the Third Shot Drop? The third shot drop is a soft, arcing shot hit from the baseline that lands in your opponent's kitchen (non-volley zone). It's one of the most important shots in pickleball, allowing you to transition from the baseline to the net.

Source : Pickleball Lessons

Step-by-Step Technique:

1. Positioning and Preparation

Stand ready at or near the baseline after your serve return. Keep your knees slightly bent and weight balanced. Hold your paddle out in front with a continental or eastern grip.

2. Forward Momentum

Begin moving forward as you prepare to hit. You should be falling forward with your body weight shifting toward the net. This forward momentum helps you follow your shot to the kitchen line. Don't plant your feet statically, stay dynamic and moving.

3. Contact Point

Hit the ball out to the side of your body, not directly in front. Make contact when the ball is around knee to waist height while moving forward. Keep your paddle face slightly open (tilted upward).

4. The Stroke

Use a smooth, lifting motion rather than a hard swing. Think "push" or "lift" rather than "hit." Follow through upward and toward your target. Keep your wrist firm but not locked. Let your forward momentum carry through the shot.

5. Aim and Trajectory

Aim to hit the ball so that it's falling into the kitchen, dipping from your court into theirs. The ball should arc up and over the net, then drop down. Target a spot just past the kitchen line.

6. Practice Drills

Start by practicing the motion without a ball. Have a partner feed you balls from mid-court. Focus on consistency over perfection initially. Practice the footwork of moving forward through your shot.