How to hit a third-shot drop, with drills
What the third-shot drop is, why it matters, and three drills to make it consistent from the baseline, from beginner to 4.0+.
For players rated 3.0+
When to use it
The serving team starts every point at the baseline while the returning team gets to the net first. The third-shot drop is a soft arcing shot from the baseline that lands in the opponents' kitchen, giving the serving team time to move forward.
Use it when the return is deep and your opponents are at the net. If the return is short or high, a drive is often better (see the third-shot drive under Drive).
1.Drop ladder
With a partner2.5–3.0Builds the drop from short range out, so you learn the lift before the distance.
- Your partner stands at the kitchen line and feeds you balls.
- Start just behind the kitchen line and hit soft drops into the kitchen.
- After 5 in a row land in the kitchen, take two steps back. Keep going until you're at the baseline.
Reps: Work up to the baseline twice, then switch
2.Drop and follow
With a partner3.5Trains moving forward after a drop and stopping to split-step, as you do in a game.
- Start at the baseline; your partner feeds a deep ball from the kitchen line.
- Hit a drop and move forward. Split-step as your partner hits.
- Your partner dinks or blocks back at your feet; play the ball and keep moving in until you reach the kitchen line.
Reps: 10 balls, then switch
3.Drop or drive
Four players4.0+Trains choosing the right third shot under game pressure.
- Play points from a serve, but the serving team must win the point from their third shot onward.
- On a deep, low return, drop. On a short or high return, drive and follow it in.
- Score only the points where the serving team reaches the kitchen line.
Reps: Games to 11, rotating serving team
Watch it
Common mistakes
- Hitting it flat and hard. The drop peaks on your side of the net and falls into the kitchen.
- Swinging with the arm only. Lift with your legs and a long, smooth follow-through.
- Admiring the shot. Move forward as soon as it leaves your paddle.
- Charging to the net through a bad drop. If the drop sits up, stop and get ready to reset.
What to work on at your level
| 2.5–3.0 | Learn the lift from mid-court before trying it from the baseline. |
|---|---|
| 3.5 | Land it in the kitchen more often than not, and follow it in. |
| 4.0+ | Disguise the drop and the drive with the same set-up; drop to the backhand of the weaker player. |
Paddles that help
Drops are touch shots from far back, so a control paddle with a big sweet spot and a softer response helps the ball land short instead of floating long.
Best Pickleball Paddles for ControlCommon questions
- Why is it called the third-shot drop?
- It is usually the third shot of the point: serve, return, then the serving team's first shot, which is when they most need time to get to the net.
- Where should the third-shot drop land?
- In the kitchen, ideally toward the backhand of the player who is less comfortable, or in the middle so the opponents have to decide who takes it.
- Is a drop or a drive better on the third shot?
- Mix both. Drives work against short or high returns and opponents who aren't at the net yet; drops work when the return is deep and the opponents are set.
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