The UNTOLD Truth About 3rd Shot Drops in Pickleball

Have you struggled with your technique for a third shot drop? Zane explains how the third shot drop is really nothing more than a long dink!
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[@peterusaw6898]

I'm probably around a 4.5 level player and the biggest difficulty I've encountered with the third shot drop is when there is significant pace or spin on the "feed" shot. When this is the case, it seems that the third shot is less like a dink and MUCH tougher to hit successfully. When the "feed" shot is slow I can hit great thirds all day HOWEVER it doesn't seem to happen very often, as I move up in the skill levels. Just two cents. Respectfully...

[@seankays7059]

Good point. Hard returns make the 3rd shot drop tougher. Saw a video by John Cincola (sp?) that talked about how pros are going to those harder returns because of the difficulty of making a decent 3rd shot off of a hard return.

[@lindajohnson1984]

Keep your paddle in Your Vision to avoid backswing, genius thank you

[@ZaneNavratilPickleball]

It's simple enough but good advice!

[@jordanmossprojects]

This is super helpful!! Been working on my drops and having such a hard time, but this is such a great way to think about it

[@contourman6692]

You do want to put some top spin on the drop shot though

[@jordanmossprojects]

@@contourman6692 definitely... I usually put a little spin on my dinks too.

[@ZaneNavratilPickleball]

Thanks! I appreciate the feedback!

[@ZaneNavratilPickleball]

Yes, but not until you've mastered the flat drop. @@contourman6692

[@rdwilander]

Now thats a great explanation...look forward to using this thought at next drilling session

[@ZaneNavratilPickleball]

Glad it was helpful! Give it a whirl!

[@maheshsankaran7981]

Great video. As a beginner, every time I have to hit a third shot I freak out, because I am thinking about how difficult a third shot drop is supposed to be to execute.Your technique and thought process around the third shot drop are very helpful. Thanks for making the video,

[@edgardocapinpin-ut4wi]

You are 100% correct, so I just shared your video to my pickleball that needs to improve their drop shots

[@ZaneNavratilPickleball]

Love it! Thank you!

[@vincentlindenmeyer6728]

I enjoyed you mix of basketball metaphors and dad jokes. Very relatable. Great stuff!

[@nategaluza6700]

Excellent advice

[@terrihoang6182]

Love your videos Zane 👍👏

[@ZaneNavratilPickleball]

Thank you!!

[@noelrosario7020]

this ones a banger for sure, cant explain it any better

[@ZaneNavratilPickleball]

Lol

[@LenoreS430]

Good stuff!

[@ZaneNavratilPickleball]

Thanks Lenore!!

[@angelomazzuca6244]

Yes, my technique stays the same no matter the distance as long as I wait for the ball to reach its apex at the point of contact.

[@patricksnyder3446]

3rd shot drops have been one of the biggest boondoggles in pickle ball. Many players have figured out the opposite and drive the ball on 3rd shots especially at the opponent trying to work their way to the net. Hit it hard with top spin try to land the ball at their feet hit the ball hard with backspin trying to just clear the net hit the ball hard with side spin once again HARD or the famous offensive lob if they are over 1/2 way to the net.

[@mrpeterpumpkin48]

Can I ask you what ball you prefer for advanced play? Thank you

[@ZaneNavratilPickleball]

I practice with duras because that’s what the tournaments use, but they’re an awful ball

[@mrpeterpumpkin48]

@@ZaneNavratilPickleball Ok. That’s interesting. Thanks for the response.

[@ZaneNavratilPickleball]

@@mrpeterpumpkin48👊🏽

[@yasim9435]

It does not like the same shot , just look at the finish point of the stroke . When it is from baseline paddle finishes above your head, but at the kitchen it finishes just above the waist

[@3.99atBest]

Shout out to sly guy CB

[@ZaneNavratilPickleball]

Who dat

[@3.99atBest]

the guy feedin ya balls in the vid =D@@ZaneNavratilPickleball

[@tm171717]

Here's the problem. If I hit a dink like you show in your video's it gets ripped back at me. People will say, "oh you're not do it right" But I am. Exactly like shown in the video's. No video's out there show how to make an effective drop shot that can't be pounded back at you. I used to drive the ball all the time and everyone told me I had to develop the dink and drop shot to move to the next level. I've done that. But I find that it is no more effective than a drive down the middle most times. I believe PB strategy needs to be rethought.

[@ZaneNavratilPickleball]

It takes tons of reps and drilling and it will be worse before it gets better. I can personally review your game through this app, if you're interested! www.myjourneypickleball.com/?_branch_match_id=1173370760948098500&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXz8nMy9bLrczKLy3KS60syEzOzklNSszJ0UvOz9UPsIz0zAzy9rR0SgIAL8KwCzAAAAA%3D

[@jazpwr8613]

Yes I agree with the above comment. Zane's example of a drop shot on this video would've been driven right back to me. Really have to perfect the feel of an effective drop shot that the opponent cant drive right back at you.

[@AnnMitt]

3rd shot drop failure makes me want to quit pb

[@charlesmosquera6279]

Video summary: Control.

[@ZaneNavratilPickleball]

Keep it compact. You can always accelerate more!