Master the 4th Shot: Doubles 4th Shot Tips 101

[@johncincolapickleball]

How do you normally deal with 4th shots?

[@e4mon]

Perhaps this is different in other cities but I see way more 3rd drives (or drive-drops/drips) into 5th drops at the 4.0ish level. I think maybe you underestimate how much and how quickly the amateur "meta" follows what people see the pros doing. I honestly can't remember the last time I saw someone hit a classic drop from the baseline... I just expect them to drive it and look for a shorter ball to, as you said, do a more linear drop on the 5th.

[@elliottfletcher4830]

A lot of 3.0 to 4.5 players often have weak high drives or relatively poor drops and I'm only 5'8" so I often just get low and scorpion!! 😂

[@stevenbond6576]

Smooth and easy to understand complex strategies

[@afterthesmash]

This is the perfect lesson for me at the perfect time for me to begin using the technique in every game. I've just finished mastering the assessment process from both roles on the side executing the 3rd shot. Knowing the difficulties and thought process on the other side will make this an easy next step.

[@brianrutherford2379]

Excellent video presented in an easy to follow format. Vast majority of his videos are worth watching several times. What does John think of the 007 paddle?

[@yukuhana]

Explanations are nice and clear. I also agree with your 4th shot tips. Thanks!

[@johncincolapickleball]

thank you!

[@tomski1111]

I literally just started doing this. A friend of mine has really aggressive drops and I couldn’t safely take them out of the air. I started to compensating by taking a step back from the kitchen and then hitting the ball. Didn’t realize this is what pros do. Wow!

[@johncincolapickleball]

you are already on the right track! than you for subscribing

[@ronwilliams5111]

I started using the step back recently and it’s really improving my game. Great video!

[@johncincolapickleball]

Keep it up

[@Prince_Gordon]

Ooooh! I’m excited to try this!

[@johncincolapickleball]

go for it

[@rdwilander]

The more I play pickleball & watch your vids the more I realize how much more there is to learn.....great vid on strategy/shot selection, thanks for the help you give us.

[@johncincolapickleball]

Glad to help, keep on learning!

[@seamuscuddihysculpture]

Great video and excellent advice, as usual. Thanks John.

[@johncincolapickleball]

Thanks 👍

[@AnnMitt]

Fantastic video 🙌

[@johncincolapickleball]

Glad you liked it!

[@maggiebarrett3376]

Thanks for this video. I’ve been struggling with 4th shot decision making, especially with guys with quality 3rd drops

[@johncincolapickleball]

glad it is helpful and thank you for subscribing!

[@weswes5876]

Awesome advice. The step back drive is a great weapon!

[@johncincolapickleball]

yes, add it to your arsenal

[@susunmor]

I learned the most from you

[@markjanzen5527]

Great video. I’m guilty of the half volley and looking forward to trying the step back.

[@johncincolapickleball]

You can do it!

[@mex5341]

During one of the PB clinics we were told that we shouldn't take a step back, because the opponent will have more time and will already be ready for your shot ... but after your video I doubt that ) Thanks!

[@123BV8]

Another great lesson!

[@johncincolapickleball]

Glad you liked it!

[@ralphparker]

I've been working with a group and while doing a midcourt reset drills, I'd try to encourage them to take the ball out of the air and "pounce" it back at them. We also do a drill we call "push and reset" where you take a high bouncing dink or you can step back and push that shot to the partner and he has to slow it down. Now where I need work is to keep from wearing out the net by pushing balls that are too low to push. But that will come. I like your observations to make to anticipate the step back shot or to take it out of the air shot.

[@johncincolapickleball]

great comment thank you!

[@dmelotti]

John. Great video! I live out in the country and don’t have many opportunities to practice with a partner. I got a Titian machine to help me (thanks for the code!) get some practice in. Did u do this video with the help of the Titian? If u did I sure would like the QR code for it. Much thanks!

[@johncincolapickleball]

that is awesome! can find all the titan video on my website johncincola.com/titan-one-ball-machine/

[@LearnWithMePickleball]

I like the advice about not being afraid a fire fight because they will be in the mid court… Maybe just committing to being aggressive on fourth shots is the best.

[@johncincolapickleball]

you go it

[@LearnWithMePickleball]

I’m commenting during the video seems like some quality tips are given thanks

[@johncincolapickleball]

Always!

[@Qpyx196xn]

Love your videos

[@johncincolapickleball]

gracias

[@draw1022]

It's interesting............i love it.

[@johncincolapickleball]

awesome thank you

[@jpbrnaz]

Thank you great tips. 😎

[@johncincolapickleball]

Glad it was helpful! thank you for subscribing

[@tricia3114]

The step back is very helpful. More time = better placements.

[@johncincolapickleball]

you got it

[@JJ-bp1ju]

Great video, thanks

[@johncincolapickleball]

No problem 👍 thank you for subscribing

[@susunmor]

you are the best

[@JackHarley-ef2uo]

Thank you, The overall instructions were helpful. A big shout out to the editor tho! Who edited this video?

[@johncincolapickleball]

you are welcome! i know a guy (check description)

[@btreese7]

I’ve been using this and it’s very effective even though I have a really good cross-court half volley drop, coming from tennis. This results in more points. I think the key to this shot is not over hitting it. Usually I’ll hit a 30-40% roll to their feet vs a more aggressive topspin drive that brings the net into play. On the backhand side I like to slice to their feet and they end up dumping the ball into the net most of the time.

[@johncincolapickleball]

that is great! thank you for your awesome comment! the tennis background is great

[@billwilhelm8646]

Great video. I see better players doing this and has changed my third shot being more drives than drops. I feel I hit a good drop only to have opponents step back and catch me coming up

[@johncincolapickleball]

thank you! do what works for you

[@CPRSquared]

This is amazing. My 4th is usually only aggressive if I can roll it from the air. Silly me that being able to be aggressive was just one step (back) away. BTW, great meeting you in Dallas. Cheers!

[@johncincolapickleball]

hahaha good pun and thank you for subscribing

[@CPRSquared]

@@johncincolapickleball "One step" is especially punny since I'm missing a left foot.

[@GeorgeMoeakiola]

Tutorial on a volley back hand slice please.

[@johncincolapickleball]

thanks for the suggestion!

[@brianwilson1845]

best videos in the sport!

[@johncincolapickleball]

awesome thank you!

[@openskyphotography]

Ironically some people I play with tell me to never do a step-back, but the tennis player in me finds it very natural to make a touch of space, allowing for a bit of topspin, placement, and a bit more aggressive contact. Foot's back at the line in a second, anyway, not giving up kitchen. Half-volley never feels good, like, "here, take the wheel."

[@johncincolapickleball]

yes great point

[@bryanyee7]

For the backhand slice drops that don't bounce very high and stay relatively low (bouncing about half way up the net level), is there a way to hit those aggressively or is that not wise?

[@johncincolapickleball]

depends on how high the ball coming in is. if you have to play a defensive shot its not the end of the world. if it has alot of backspin will have to get under the ball a bit more to spin it over the net

[@LearnWithMePickleball]

Volleying for me feels very instinctive. But I feel I’m too aggressive on some shots off the bounce. Any advice? I feel smarter just trying to drive it to their feet… the short hop half volley seems to work well when they hit a drop with too much pace that I wouldn’t have time to back up and I’d give up too much space.

[@johncincolapickleball]

focus on placement and spin. not so much power

[@donnettewand6197]

Try to use these often. Placement over power is so important.

[@johncincolapickleball]

go get them

[@LearnWithMePickleball]

But recently I feel like I make too many errors with fourth shots so I’m trying to be less aggressive. I would step off the line and try and drive but would miss too much

[@owenallenaz]

Miss where and how? As John says, the stepback isn't a full drive. You're already at the kitchen so its nearly half the distance of a normal drive. Focus more on spin and placement over power. The goal, especially for us regular folks, isn't to rip this, it is to put a nice, paced, challenging ball as opposed to being passive and just dinking.

[@johncincolapickleball]

great reply! placement > power

[@nonamesl3f7duuude]

Errbody driving 3rd

[@johncincolapickleball]

errbody driving 5th? if they drop the 5th the same principles apply

[@deatonsports8629]

if they recognize you doing a step back couldn't someone just run up and counter that ball?

[@johncincolapickleball]

yes but as obi wan said " I have the high ground". you are at the kitchen and can target their feet