Pickleball 3rd Shot Drop: How To Hit It Perfectly!

The 3rd Shot Drop is considered the most important stroke to master in pickleball and the tool that separates beginners from more advanced players.
It’s called the Third Shot Drop because it’s hit by the Serving Team from the baseline after the Serve (1st Shot) and Return of Serve (2nd Shot) and it “drops” into the opponent’s Non-Volley Zone (NVZ) aka Kitchen, like a long dink [ • How To Dink In Pickleb... ].
Read the full article here: www.playpickleball.com/pickle...
The purpose of the Third Shot Drop is to hit an unattackable ball that forces your opponents to hit UP on it while giving you the TIME you need to get up to the Kitchen Line and into the point!
Certified pickleball coaches Barrett and Danea Bass walk you through every aspect of hitting a successful 3rd Shot Drop from your baseline into your opponent’s kitchen. Learn the tips and techniques to master a consistent 3rd Shot Drop and give your team the best chance of getting to the NVZ Line to go on offense.
We show third shot drop drills for Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced Players with a focus on forehand and backhand drops and getting to the Kitchen Line in PlayPickleball.com’s Ultimate Guide to the 3rd Shot Drop.
Enter the giveaway here: selkirk.com/ppb-1

[@josec4790]

Great presentation. One of the best videos I have watch on the 3rd shot drop.

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Thanks so much for your feedback! Super glad you’re apart of this community!

[@hinguyen9584]

Very clear and detailed instructions. Thank you!

[@rhondacalabro867]

Love the advanced drill. Going to add it to our practice. Thanks.

[@norascrafford1989]

Thank you for the lesson drill for all skill levels! I want more.

[@Barry-R]

Thanks, guys! Awesome lesson! I've finally realized the importance of this shot. I'm about a 3.0 player trying to get to 3.5. I've improved from none of these drop shots going in to about half of my attempts going in. I'm going to get it. Thank you for these valuable tips!

[@anngoodspeed5271]

Thanks you guys!!! Very helpful

[@andregelinas4642]

Merci beaucoup, très intéressant😀

[@goldenchildtheater]

“We’re giving away 1000 dollars worth of store credit split evenly between 5 people” is a really weird way to say “we’re giving 5 people 200 dollars worth of store credit!”

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

We are currently budgeted to give out $1000 per month, But yes you are right, it is 200 per person!

[@Tracysixtyfive]

Hi there. Please put me in the cue !!🙋

[@user-iz2eo4nf2g]

Nice game. My favorite 3rd shots. Thank you for your time to share this basic training. God bless 🙏🙏🙏

[@debbiebowen5991]

Well done! Very informative. I recognize that court too.

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Thanks so much for your feedback!!!

[@TLWAnatolian]

I just found your channel. Excellent tips and your explanations are spot on. Saving for continual reference. THANK YOU!

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Great to hear! We will see you on the next video :)

[@jaynorth5594]

Great job. Good tips. Thanks

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Glad it was helpful!

[@neeleshshah]

Very good drills. Thank you

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching.

[@user-sb7bz4ky2o]

Great drill!!

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

It’s one of my favs!!!

[@JimSoderborg]

I've been teaching these techniques for over 6 years. You are the first video to finally comprehend properly, all you have offered. Keep it up!

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Great! This is music to our ears!… Thank you for watching and for your kind feedback.

[@dineshshah1891]

EXCELLENT tips. Hard to get it right , but will keep trying as I am a beginner and you have given the best lessons. Wish you were physically here to run classes. Thank you again.

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Thank you so much! Wishing you the best as you progress in your pickleball journey!

[@clintchamberlain1339]

Great video and awesome tips keep up the great videos thank you

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching

[@PassionPlans]

Thank you for the 3rd shot drop breakdown. The slinky drill is a good concept I look to put inplay ASAP

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Love that it was helpful! Thank you for feedback

[@mikeslice1063]

Great video. Loved the drills.

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Thanks for watching, Mike!

[@BobPayne-1]

Well done!

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Thank you!

[@johannb170]

New to pickleball. Thanks for the video. I clearly played with people with me above my level. They I was on the winning team I need to level up.

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dmills7375]

Great video. The tip about hitting the ball after it starts to descend is golden. It will revolutionize your game. You just have to watch out for your partner rushing in to take the shot while you wait. 😀 In an aside, I love your PB court. How cool would it be to have a court in your own driveway?Just wonder how much time you spending searching for balls in those trees/bushes.

[@dawng540]

Great video. I didn't know to hit the ball at the deceleration point. I feel like I smack it right at the bounce upward. I can't wait to practice all of the tips! Thanks

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Awesome! Glad it helped. :)

[@andyapsay8220]

Good stuff. Thank you. Subscribed.

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Thanks for the sub! Stay tuned for more.

[@patriciacosgrove9702]

Thank you for this demonstration as I understand better now how important it is to use my big muscles and my legs vs the wrist while taking the ball as it comes down. Perfect🎉

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Thank you for the positive feedback 😃

[@m.malouf6830]

Thanks - our drill group is reviewing and will use your drills next meetup!

[@pilarrodiguez]

Thank you! I’m a beginner and this helps a lot

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

So glad the video was helpful. Our goal is to put out one high-quality video per week. Stay tuned!

[@huntbb21]

Great job guys 🎉😊

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Thank you Hunter!!! Hope you are doing well!

[@toppersunglasses9288]

This is great

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Thank you for your feedback :)

[@kathrynmorelli5226]

thanks that was great!

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@johnshi05]

Thank you so much and I love the setting of your court! May I ask where roughly is that located? maybe I can go and play some day 🙂

[@daveforsythe7272]

9:30am. I'm a beginner. One of the best videos.

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Love to hear it!

[@BrianCheng-il4zg]

GREAT DRILL

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Yes!!!! Thank you

[@loblandmarks]

Brilliant tutorial on hitting the perfect 3rd shot drop in pickleball! 🌟 I've been practicing this shot for a while, and your tips are game-changers. It's such a crucial skill for setting up the point and transitioning to the net. I'm curious, do you have any specific drills or exercises that you recommend to improve consistency with the 3rd shot drop? Also, how do you adjust your technique for different types of balls or court surfaces? Would love to incorporate your advice into my practice routine. Thanks for sharing your expertise!

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Thank you! We are going to be doing some more videos on the drop soon :)

[@loblandmarks]

Can't wait @@PlayPickleballCOM

[@mrbojangles4155]

the underhand toss drill actually is a good idea to help visualize what youre trying to do.

[@karenbarker9158]

Good video

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Thank you for watching!

[@viro50]

Got It !

[@jamesp.6811]

Excellent!!! Subscribed/Liked/Sharing with my pickleball partner. We’re headed to our first 2 tournaments as partners and this will help us get in sync!! Much appreciated 👍🏼

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Thanks for watching and goodluck in your tournament!!!!

[@stella4travel]

Great video. Would you please make one on 3rd shot drive and 5th shot drop?

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Love this idea! 💡 adding it to our list!

[@zengzijian]

How do you keep topspin drop low and unattackable? I find that backhand slice drop or forehand cut drop are relative more flat and low for me but I want to make topspin low too. Slow pace topspin drive is another option for me.

[@kawser75]

loves game

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Awesome!

[@karenk5472]

That house & pickleball are beautiful! Is that your home? In what state? Thank you for these great tips, & especially the last 2 drills!!

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Thank you for watching:)

[@mohanchandrasekaran869]

I need tips on how to handle backhand return , back hand drop and in general improve backhand shots.

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Great idea! We will add it to the list!

[@mohanchandrasekaran869]

@@PlayPickleballCOM Thanks, btw the above was a great video..

[@joebrown5039]

I am having trouble with my grip pressure. I know I should have a loose grip at times but I find that when under pressure as a result of an aggressive shot hit to me and I have to move quickly to return the shot I instinctively squeeze the grip hard when reaching for that shot. Is there a tip or drill to help with that?

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

This is very common!,,,It is very easy to tighten up your grip in the heat of the moment. Something that helped me is thinking about quieting my upper and lower extremities. If you remain "loose" in the rest of your body, it can help for you to not tighten up your grip. But it takes practice.

[@Shadow91507]

4:08 *descending Thank you!

[@sharifmunshi]

Any drills to use shoulders, less back swing and less wrist.

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

The first drill demonstrated in the video is a good one. Other than that it can be helpful to find a coach or friend to watch you and give you feedback, as you get more and more reps. Practice less back swing in a drilling session! Best of luck, you are going to crush it!

[@digitalreporter]

0:00 Intro 0:35 Why is the third shot important? 1:17 Beginners Hit The Ball Hard 1:59 5 Tips 2:10 1) Keep Your Backswing Short and Compact 2:46 2) Contact The Ball In Front Of Your Body 3:23 3) Limit wrist movement 3:45 4) Contact The Ball As Its Decelerating 4:26 5) Follow Through Towards The Net With Forward Momentum 5:08 Beginner Drill 6:24 Intermediate Drill 8:10 Advanced Drill

[@chessdude1977]

I would say more in doubles not so much in singles

[@vincepmayne1877]

It's in the playbook

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

WOOOHOOO!! Lets' gooooo!!

[@user-lk9qc3rx7y]

Very good video on the technical issues in hitting the 3rd shot drop. However, it has too many details on how to hit the ball over the net for anyone to remember them all. It reminds me of a golf lesson I once took.....and it took me a while to cleanse my mind of all the details. And the video never addressed an important item....how high do you hit your 3rd shot drop? We've developed a DIY high jump type bar made out of PVC pipes which can be set at different levels. The better you get at hitting the third shot, the lower the bar goes and the narrower the side pipes get. Great for drilling your 3rd shots.

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Love this idea! Thank you for you input!

[@kategrace3812]

How to be consistent with serve & return

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

GREAT SUGGESTION! We’ll keep this in mind!

[@sallypalmer1617]

I bought the Selkirk Epic- it’s not working for me and i’m using too much power and hitting out - a lot. I just have a tight grip and in the heat of the moment cannot hit easy

[@vincentw6051]

I might just be weird, but i grip forehand shots with pointer finger straight up the handle so I'm pressing on the lower middle of the paddle. It keeps me from flopping wrist which adds control and limits power. I also get good top spin and paddle stability. But don't be like me you will probably get laughed off the court.

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Yes, its very easy to tighten up your grip in the heat of the moment. Something that helped me is thinking about quieting my upper and lower extremities. If you remain "loose" in the rest of your body, it can help for you to not tighten up your grip. But it takes practice.

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

It is perfectly okay to find a style that works for you. I know great players that slide there finger up!

[@wandv25]

Two handed backhand lesson please

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Yes! We will add it to the list!

[@FireinTheBowl]

I think a 3rd shot lobe could be effective as well.

[@SDPBALLCOACH]

This was actually a good video on Drop Shots.. Love that you didn't call it "3rd- shot" drop, it's just a "drop shot" 3rd, 5th, 22nd, no matter.. I disagree COMPLETELY at 4:10 the guy talks about hitting a "falling" ball!!?? NO, NO, NO!! Never hit a falling ball in any racket or paddle sport. Hit at the APEX or PEAK of bounce!! I understand what he's saying about the ball falling , sloooly.. but hitting that ball always forces you to hit UP!! hit the Apex n you'll get the ball at a neutral point of flight...

[@HalShoenfield-fs3bp]

There's nothing wrong hitting a ball up IF you can drop it over the net and into the NVZ

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Hitting the ball at the apex is great, but allowing the ball to decelerate is a great way to ensure solid contact. It is actually the way Ben Johns teaches the drop shot. That being said, you don't want to let it fall too far and contact it when it's barely off the ground. You have to find the sweet spot at RIGHT when it begins its descent. So you bring up a great point!

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Very true!

[@kevinbacon7514]

@@PlayPickleballCOM Right, but i'm only saying that the apex IS the point at which the ball is/has decelerated the most. i guess two ways of going about the same idea...Maybe if i was 23 yrs old again i'd follow Ben's advice...:)

[@frankstark3036]

I don’t have drop shot, I keep popping it up no matter what I do or where I am on the court even when I’m dinking

[@HalShoenfield-fs3bp]

As a Alternative strategy instead of a 3rd shot drop how about a high lob to get one of my opponents away from the NVZ while me and my partner are at our NVZ. It would be an easier strategy.

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

When hitting a third shot lob, it is a low percentage shot because you are back and your opponents are up at the NVZ already. But if you can still execute it, it can be very effective. I agree, its best to lob when all 4 players are at the line. We will have a lob video coming out in a few weeks!

[@HalShoenfield-fs3bp]

@@PlayPickleballCOM might be even better when your opponents are at the NVZ and you and or your partner are not!

[@jeffriechel]

Well, just to be picky, an object that’s falling is accelerating not the opposite.

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

🤔

[@user-my2jh7dv5e]

Show don’t tell!

[@derrick031072]

I never saw any ping pong players use 2 handed backhands… In tennis I understand. But PB? Really that’s a super light paddle. 😂😂😂

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Try it out! A lot of pros are turning to it for extra topspin from their non dominant hand!

[@derrick031072]

@@PlayPickleballCOM No need, I am playing with my « Pete Sampras » one handed backhand in PB, works fine. 😂😂😂

[@cgong415]

The background music is not necessary 😊

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

As in you prefer no music? Or a different type of music?

[@cgong415]

@@PlayPickleballCOM most of the pickleball teaching KZbin channels don’t use background music. I found the music you use distracts me from listening to the speech. If you have to use music probably consider slower, quieter ambient music that’s not standing out and competes for attention. That’s just me :)

[@Largecanyondog]

There are a myriad of things you can do besides “drop” and “drive”. The formulaic approach is just silly

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Interesting thoughts! What are some other things besides dropping and driving you commonly see on the third shot?

[@robertcuomo7084]

@@PlayPickleballCOMlobs. I guarantee beginners and intermediate players will have a higher rate of success with opponents making errors with that than trying to drop a third shot and missing short or too far with the opponent whacking the latter. A tip? Lob to the weaker player.

[@Largecanyondog]

@@PlayPickleballCOM lob. Sabr. Passing shot down to the backhand side of opponent. Dipping topspin down the middle line. Sabr (saber) is an acronym Sneak Attack By Rodger) Federer pioneered it. You simultaneously block/slice the ball while crashing the net without any split step. It’s great for neutralizing the advantage returners have in PB.

[@HopWeiForever-ss4xw]

What do these people know? Lol

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Lol

[@ReikiRandy]

ugh. cannot watch…the music is too distractingly loud

[@RobShaffer]

It took 2 minutes to get to the tips. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

We will keep this in mind moving forward. Thank you.

[@user-jw8hy5bv8u]

This is terrible. Everything starts with good foot work. Nothing mentioned about that. A drop shot from the baseline is not a good idea, unless the serve return is short. The goal always needs to be a deep service return and then that makes this a super bad idea. This video is junk

[@CWK090]

When I am at the NVZ and my serving opponents are back near the baseline, I love it when they choose a drive over a drop. I hope they drive it right at me. A drop into the kitchen from the baseline is a much better choice IF you have the skill. Better because it is not attackable. I understand mixing up your shots but generally speaking, why give your opponent an attackable ball when you are way back and your entire court is open?

[@MichaelAMcDermott]

SERVE AND STAY BACK!!! Tips 4 & 5 are TOTALLY based and dependent upon Court Position. When I am working with new Student Players, i STRONGLY emphasize, SERVE AND STAY BACK!!! Simone Jardim has a good video that illustrates Serve and Stay Back, "Serve and Stay," kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4m1g32AlLxmf6csi=T8h7UF2Z0mwQbR5Y Achieving and executing the techniques of Tips 4 & 5, again, TOTALLY DEPEND ON COURT POSITION!!! TOO MAY PLAYERS HIT THE SERVE AND START "DRIFTING" into the Service Court, in front of the Baseline. TERRIBLE HABIT AND TERRIBLE TECHNIQUE!!! Serve and Stay Back. Additionally, I use vinyl discs, on the Court, to show the Student Players where to stand after Serving. I suggest 1 and 1/2 Steps BEHIND the Baseline! 😉 Also, as Stephanie Lane taught me, "Lower and Lift," AND while hitting Dinks, HINGE FROM THE SHOULDER! NO Wrist, NO Elbow bending while executing Dinks...

[@PlayPickleballCOM]

Great insight! Thank you for your feedback.

[@CWK090]

When she says your momentum should take you toward the net, she is talking about the 3rd shot/dropping the ball in the kitchen. This video is not about the serve