How to Hit a 3rd Shot Drop in Pickleball

[@thatpickleballguy]

Hope you enjoyed this video! To go a step further, challenge yourself & take ThatPickleball IQ Test to see how well you really know the game. VERY FEW get 10/10. I dare you to try: 😊 thatpickleballtest.typeform.com/to/YuHaz4N6

[@jameshenderson4205]

Hi, I’ve just turned 68 and have been playing pickleball for a very short time. I have been searching KZbin for the basics and tips and techniques to help me understand the game more and hopefully help me improve. Your explanation and demonstration of shots are excellent which makes it a lot easier to understand. Thank you for posting these instructional videos. Playing sports is all about having fun, you certainly capture that.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad they are helpful and you enjoy watching! Have fun out there!

[@Warren_L.]

Just wanted to say, as an enthusiastic beginner (my wife says "obsessed"!), I've watched a LOT of pickleball videos from a lot of different creators. For me, yours are the best. Very clear explanations (even when they include Newtonian physics!), very helpful tips, things I can really apply (or at least try to!) in my next game, and fun video editing. Thank you very much!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Absolutely! Thanks for the kind words.

[@karenk5472]

I agree 100%! His videos are the BEST

[@ehlai1676]

This will be $70/lesson with some drills, with a non pro in Naples, FL

[@charlieyokomoto8610]

😱 😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@cherylr.8914]

I agree!

[@johncraig7548]

Your videos are by far superior. Thanks for really taking the time to explain.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching!

[@dannycarollo546]

Kyle I’m also a certified instructor, I just watched this video of the third shot drop and it’s almost identical to the way I teach. You’re extremely gifted teacher, your knowledge of the game, your explanation breaks it down basics. But lastly you can tell you love teaching, it’s your gift! This is my first time seeing you on video but I’ll definitely be adding you in with the others. I was very blessed to become friends with Simone Jardim I was able to get private lessons. Tony Roig another friend that I think does a wonderful of the game. So I’m adding you to the list and I’ll be passing this on to my students! Great job!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@robbayuk]

Well said! And I throughly agree!

[@arizonakaren]

I've been working with a coach, and drop shots from the baseline and mid court have been so difficult. Everything you're demonstrating in this video is consistent with what my coach is doing, but your tips, along with the added visuals, are immensely helpful. I have a tennis background, and backswinging is a hard habit to break. Thank you for making this video.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Thats awesome your working with a coach. And thanks for the kind words.

[@athios55]

Great video and demonstration. Couple things I tell my students: if the swing ends above the net the ball will go over the net. I also tell students that if they consider their lower body, (the legs and hips) acts as a steering wheel, helps in direction....and hit as if there are 3 balls in a row. I also say the tighter the grip the more mass is behind your paddle...so yes, lose grip. Great stuff.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Thanks for watching!

[@tombarca100]

3 weeks into pickleball--your videos are great. Especially doing things like L1 L2 L3... makes it easy to remember. Keep them coming. I"m a tennis player, but loving the similarities AND differences with my new sport!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Fantastic! Glad its helpful. Thanks for watching

[@spark4719]

I have been watching the 3rd shot drop over and over again. It helps me to clearly understand the third shot as a beginner. Thank you!

[@thatpickleballguy]

You're welcome :) Glad it's helpful!

[@eha11oran]

Thanks for the pointers. I think you said it right about grip pressure - if you hold the grip tightly the paddle acts like a springboard. If you hold it loosely it acts more like a trampoline or bed. The ball stays in contact with the paddle face longer and so you have more control.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Oo thats good!

[@AlKu-kq9iz]

Light grip: pretend holding a live bird. Just enough pressure so it won’t fly away but not too tight to choke it

[@thatpickleballguy]

Oo i like that!

[@MorphousInfinity]

What if my name is Lenny? 😢😂

[@wolf-xf6hf]

Bro I came here to comment exactly this. Are you a fellow card mechanic or just heard it somewhere else

[@jennifernguyen9600]

what kind of bird? swallow or ostrich?

[@patriciomartinez6330]

Vager Vance used the same analogy for holding a driver.

[@jeffhogan2766]

Been playing about a year and a half and this is the best pickleball video I've ever watched! Thank you so much

[@thatpickleballguy]

Wow, thanks!

[@Pafemanti]

Starting with the paddle down has been incredibly key for me. On the backhand side moreover, on many shots when I remember to angle my wrist downward before the shot I get a much better result. I have great topspin threat from both sides.

[@ThomasNudd]

Kyle, I really like how you set up your instruction. The animation helps tremendously to reinforce your explanation on these skills. Unfortunately, my time to play is down to only Saturdays now, and being able to go back to the videos for a refresher is so great. Keep them coming. I swear I learn something new every single time.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Amazing!! Thanks for the kind words :)

[@arjunnath2896]

This is the perfect 3rd shot video ever made! I have watched a million of them!! Thank you

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad it helped!

[@buddhstyle]

Finally, good quality content that has definitions and clear examples. Very well done my friend.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad you liked it!

[@nadiacretzman90210]

Giving us other examples to really understand what you’re saying like the cornhole sand bag was seriously a game changer and so helpful! Thank you!!

[@thatpickleballguy]

So glad that helped :)

[@barbaraburica765]

Loved the corn hole analogy!!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad it helps!

[@wtang7]

This is the best video I have seen about how to hit soft shot and the strategy behind third shot drop.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MarkSofia-j7y]

Great point by your aide. I have been trying to figure out what the arc of the ball should be on a drop shot and have never been able to find a definitive answer. Now I know the apex should be on my side. Thank you thank you.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad it helped!

[@kathleenvitello6233]

Wow! great explanations. I like that you broke it down into several component parts AND defined what a third shot drop is. Thank you.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Thanks for watching. Glad it helped!

[@dnurse1910]

This was so helpful. I've had 4 lessons and I will try out these techniques today

[@thatpickleballguy]

Fantastic!

[@michaellechmanik4122]

Kyle, I really enjoy your videos and always recommend them to my students. At the beginning of each beginner session I tell the students that they are holding an egg in their hands.Every time I touch their hands and change a grip or explain how to hit a forehand I can always tell when they broke their egg.

[@thatpickleballguy]

That is awesome! Thanks for sharing the videos! Glad you enjoy them!

[@ytv2779]

I think it's super hard to explain these things that for most seasoned players is mostly intuitive. I know how to do this stuff based on my feel for the game, but being able to articulate how I'm doing it to beginners has been a challenge. I think you nailed it with the looser grip and also the removal of the back swing!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Thank you!!

[@michaelnealy-v9j]

Great video. Your explanations are right on. Thanks

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching

[@joysonmenezes2158]

As always, great tips! Could you make a video on your Pball journey as a beginner to Pro?

[@thatpickleballguy]

I need to do more stuff on this! I agree. Its in the works

[@georgelopez8678]

I found this video very, very helpful and useful. My only critique is when discussing the height of the ball (or the apex) of the shot, it was difficult to see the ball how "high" it went against the backdrop of the white wall.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Ahh! Good feedback. I'll do a better job with that next time!

[@kathleenholguin2138]

Love your videos!! I'm super new to the game of PB and as a tennis player of many years, your explanations make sense and translate really well.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Awesome!! Glad it worked out

[@dariensmith2833]

90 days into this great game. I really enjoy your approach and method of instruction! Thank you!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Thank you!

[@paininthepatoot]

Great video. Liked a number of points but especially where you explain what a successful drop is ( opponent has to hit up on the drop).

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@korinneemi2732]

Omg youre whole intro 🤩👏 literally taking the words out of my mouth that i tell my Introduction classes!! Get out of my head! And keep making great videos!! Great articulation, makes so much sense for me!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Love it!!

[@bedhedted]

4:51 This may have been answered, but I think another way to say this is the tension in your grip turns into energy i.e. power. Less tension, less power, and (like you said) softer hands.

[@TeenaSuzuki]

Great video! Now to practice what you preached. LESS IS MORE. Three little words that I struggle with on the PB court. Thanks!!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Less is more. Amen!

[@Bee-of5xz]

My second time watching this, you are hilarious Kyle!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Thanks :)

[@VasiaLachinov]

Love the 3 Ls! It gives me 3 simple things to remember when I am executing the 3-rd shot drop. And that's what I call a good teaching video! I am still not very clear how to add spin with a loose grip... But maybe those 2 things can't be done together... But maybe that is a separate topic. Great video!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@robertwray6004]

Best step-by-step re 3rd shot drop technique I've seen. Grazie!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad it helped!

[@peggyleung5520]

LOVE your demos and explanations!!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@clintroberts1]

All good stuff...a little top spin will keep the ball bouncing lower as it shoots the ball forward (an added bonus to it bouncing lower).

[@KathyLovesLife]

Some of us use headphones or ear buds while watching your videos. 🎧👂🙉 😬 Any who how. Love your lessons. You guys are Awesome. 💙💙

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad you enjoy them!

[@mikefolz3765]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Your videos are so informative and helpful. I've posted this before and maybe it's just happening on my browser (Safari) but whenever you point up and say click this video I never see anything appear up there. Just wanted you to know. Are you at any tournaments in or near Ohio this summer/fall? Would love to come to see you play live.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Thanks for letting me know!! I Had to correct this on a few previous videos. I messed it up. On this specific video. The video I reference actually comes out in the next couple weeks! ahh. Sorry. So it will show then. KZbin is kinda funky. sometimes. Still getting better at it.

[@scottconger9631]

Thanks for the clarification, I too was looking for that video.

[@terilearned3794]

Kyle, your videos are truly wonderful. You explain things so well, very thorough and detailed to help us really get what you are saying. And you are also very entertaining too! Thank you. Keep up the great work.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching!

[@Samrb1]

Great video and detailed instructions, thank you!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@HowardSommers]

Love your videos! You cut to the chase....been playing about 3 years after playing tennis many years. Don't need a lot of hand holding, just why i am i getting lit up by better players on certain days in certain situations... Where can i put this shot in this situation? What do i need to master to improve? etc. You spell it out in 18 days with good humor....BRAVO!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@HowardSommers]

Love the signage for the facility...been there a few times☺@@thatpickleballguy

[@shargogo8876]

great video! do you have a video about the backhand drop?

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad you enjoyed it! Check out this video kzbin.info_tsLCLgnp9s

[@michaelgreenia1890]

Great video!! Thanks!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad you liked it!

[@8246st]

ANOTHER great video. Great teacher hitting on nuances that are essential to learning, and for me, x-tennis guy, pinpointed at where I always fail (swing side to side when I should be lifting). So thanks for the.......GREAT LIFT. :).....made my mrning !

[@thatpickleballguy]

Awesome!! Glad it was helpful

[@miatafunrun3078]

Great instruction and the animation showing the ball trajectory adds so much value to understanding. Subscribed!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for subscribing!

[@recuerdos2457]

Thanks so much, this video has answered so many of my questions:) and your explanations are top notch 🏅

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad theyre helpful!

[@shalpher844]

Again, fun and informative with good, actionable tips. Keep it up! Also, love seeing you on the Arizona PBL!!!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad it helped!

[@pickleballer555]

These are wonderful instructions and illustrations! Thank you!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michaelcarney8530]

clearest explanation of TSD technique I've seen. Thank you!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@thinkboro8378]

The apex comment gave me such a useful visual to work on! Thank you!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad to hear it!

[@alangoudie2299]

Thank you for an excellent easy to follow lesson.

[@thatpickleballguy]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@texasscot6669]

Your corn hole bag analogy was very illustrative.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TheMary0831]

I love your channel! this is great! Thanks for the thorough explanation.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Absolutely! Thanks for the kind words

[@andrewgedman1214]

That Guy has lots of enthusiasm and I think it adds good flavor to the videos. There's levity with sound instruction - lots of fun. Anyway - these drop shots feel weird at first - some feel like they won't go over the net - other times it feels like you are giving them an easy shot. You really have to hit a lot of them to remove that weird feeling. With my backhand, I want to slice through the ball instead of lift - that's a bad habit I'm working on.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Thanks! I like levity :) And keep working at it. It doesn't come overnight!

[@howardjuliewiley5629]

That was a great instructional video on the 3rd shot drop. Your teaching style is easy to follow, clear and concise and provides an easy one, two, three model to remind us of what to remember when we are on the court drilling our 3rd shot drops. BTW, the training video doesn't pop up on the screen. I'm sure that it is coming though. 😉

[@thatpickleballguy]

thank you! And yep, coming today or tomorrow! Had to get it through editing, so week delay on that :)

[@Bee-of5xz]

Thank you for the thorough explanation! I’m a new subscriber. Just started learning to play pickleball without any sport background. Got any tip on beginner more affordable paddle?

[@thatpickleballguy]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching!

[@kelleyheiland5863]

Good stuff ,, very helpful . Can always pick up something I can use .

[@DerekBraid-m1q]

Consider. A soft grip absorbs the power from the incoming shot and the slow (from the shoulder) response uses the large muscles to accurately push the ball over the net. Similar to putting in golf. The large muscle groups bring repeatability and consistency.

[@triciaportugal6081]

Great and clear instructions in an indoor facility which makes it great for filming. So many people film outside and way to much noise.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jwon414]

as a tennis player trying to break tennis habits this video was fantastic. Thanks!

[@thatpickleballguy]

You're welcome! Glad it was helpful!

[@libbyannstew8775]

Great video - you’re a gifted communicator and teacher. Thanks so much. You’ve gained a subscriber!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Thank you :)

[@felicitymoss6783]

I love your videos. They are very informational and easy to understand. And FUN.....

[@thatpickleballguy]

Thank you!!

[@frank88ster]

Great tips again. Adding top spin is for later, after you have consistently hit third shots IN and without high bounce. Third shot top spin needs tons of drills as initially you will find your shots going into net due to miss timing your shots. And using an 'eastern grip, if not familiar adds to problems ' hitting away from target.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Thanks for watching! Glad it was helpful!

[@patrickmcpatrick]

Great info - thank you for posting! Gonna work on my third shot drop!👍👍

[@thatpickleballguy]

Love it!!

[@SailCamaraderie]

Beautifully done job and super graphics too! I really like your "never lose sight of the paddle" tip.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Thank you very much!

[@arabrera]

Awesome instructional mats here! What kind of selkirk paddle you are using here?

[@thatpickleballguy]

I currently use the power air!!

[@thatpickleballguy]

This one in the video is the 002. Discontinued tho

[@welovetennis9151]

I like your video and explanation much better some video from other coaches I like the fact you actually demonstrate these shots together during talking and very clear! Thank you!

[@thatpickleballguy]

You're welcome!

[@deanmay338]

Exceptional instruction. Thank you!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jen-freedom-and-peace]

I learned that you can think of the grip on a scale of 1-10. One coach told me like for being up at the kitchen and returning a fast ball that comes right to your chest, hold the paddle at a 3 grip so it drops right over net - a reset. So maybe a 3rd shot drop same? It really helped me because if I held the paddle with a 10 drip on that reset shot - it instead flew right back to the back line even if I had no swing and just held the paddle. The loose grip helps!

[@thatpickleballguy]

yeah that's really good!! Thanks for sharing.

[@steve-i1095]

Love the graphics. Great explanation. Thanks

[@roman2011]

Great breakdown. Love the graphics too!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Thanks!

[@jeffreinardy7570]

You keep it direct, with great remedial paddle actions that make sense. New guy but your videos are the best, Keep them coming!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Thanks Jeff! Glad they're helping.

[@thomasfl1]

Thank you for the video! Excellent explanation.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nmac2439]

Thanks for the video, Kyle. I'm a huge fan. I'm only about 2 weeks into playing Pickleball and working on implementing your tips. Today, I used your punch technique with much success!! I was hitting the ball out a lot initially, and today the punch shot worked like a charm. Thanks again!!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Fantastic!! yeah that's one that can really help early on.

[@JournaloftheScotts]

I just love this video, wish everyone starting out would watch this.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@Dheny601]

Love your videos! Loose, less and lift! Got it :)

[@angeloramz]

Awesome vid! I always learn something from your vids!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad to hear it!

[@boringlyfactual6368]

Muscle control and “touch” is mediated by repetition/muscle memory over the long term and by muscle tension and focus in the short term. Less tension = more feel and control; tension presents a barrier to be overcome so that control can be exerted. Any accomplished athlete knows this for sure. Great video.

[@ShawnMarieMcKinley]

Going to practice this in the morning 🙏☮️Thank you

[@thatpickleballguy]

Love it!

[@lry76]

I'm a golfer, and the whole "less grip" principle applies there also. It really comes down to feel. That whole "buttery" shot is a feel shot. Butch Harmon had the best advice ever when gripping a golf club, and I wonder if its the same for a pickle ball paddle. He said that you should grip your club as hard you can for a few seconds, let it go, then go back and grip it normally. That's the grip tension you should have.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Great input!

[@adamdonovan5633]

FAN F*****G TASTIC!! Great demo on this shot! Very very useful.....

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad it was useful!

[@nonibrooksbank5306]

Loved this game, it’s addictive.

[@thatpickleballguy]

It's the best!

[@S2kDude36]

Really good video filled with useful tips and techniques!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@catherinevelazquez5940]

Thank you for being very thorough. Great video!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Absolutely! Glad it helped!

[@MrLouisjB]

Great tutorial. Thanks.

[@deepblue7771]

Excellent video, thank you!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@amzros]

Great explanation of 3rd shot drop. Other videos show you how to do it but not why.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad it helped!

[@nyionic8423]

A good way to articulate it is talking about how a ball can be absorbed when your wrist is looser. There is more flex in what is happening at the point of contact rather then if it’s a firm grip it will essentially act with no elasticity and come right off😊

[@thatpickleballguy]

That's well said. Thank you!

[@LacuzziJ]

I never thought about it this way! Thank you for the tips now im ready to grip n rip (slightly grip lol) 😆

[@haivu573]

What grip u using for third shot topspin? Eastern grip?

[@infomercialguy]

you are fantastic. i notice something - (because i do the same) your right foot it in front of your left - and, i find that EASIER for drops. Heck, sometimes I feel like i hit it more square on a drive too. Do you? Also, thanks for how you explain things. thanks for keeping it FUN too !!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Gosh i made this video a long time ago. I still believe in dominant foot in front. But have also have been experimenting lately with some alternative footworks like Being square. But some of that is dependent on what ball im receiving and

[@thatpickleballguy]

Also thanks for the kind words :)

[@cindysonnenberg1200]

You asked about how to describe soft hands...." it's like catching a water balloon" "it's like holding a baby bird" Love your videos! i aways laugh out loud when i watch them and I learn a great deal. i think you are a very good teacher!! Rock on!

[@thatpickleballguy]

Thank you! Glad you liked it!

[@lisanlin9955]

Excellent video. Looking forward to the suggested drills.

[@thatpickleballguy]

Fantastic!

[@pannylife]

Good video! Thanks for sharing. 👍😍

[@thatpickleballguy]

Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@lengoodhand4886]

Regarding soft grip, I always reference Jack Nicklaus (greatest golfer of all time with 18 major wins and 117 tournament wins). He described holding the golf club as "cradling a baby bird". I tell my beginners, imagine your paddle hand is holding a baby bird. Good videos, keep it up!

[@thatpickleballguy]

OO that's really good!

[@NeilJefferson-v5o]

I love your videos. May I suggest that you use an orange ball? The yellow ball is hard to see in the videos. Alternatively you could be at a court that has darker colored walls. Cheers!

[@BethNSethCares]

so informative and inspiring.. thank you for sharing ; - We love pickle ball

[@thatpickleballguy]

Thanks for watching. Glad it helped!

[@cpadurar]

Great, I just switched from tennis and I am passing shot a lot at 3.5 level, great tips, I'll become a pusher in PB, more is less and less is more :)

[@thatpickleballguy]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@namlnh2258]

which grip should we use when we to the drop shot? thanks