To Drive or To Drop? The Debate of the Third Shot

The third shot in pickleball is one of the most important and misunderstood shots in the entire game, especially in doubles play. After a solid serve and return, what happens next often determines who controls the rally.

Many players, particularly newer ones, fall into the trap of blasting a hard drive from midcourt, assuming that power equals control. Unfortunately, this often backfires. A fast third shot keeps you and your partner stuck at the baseline while your opponents seize the net and dictate the point.

A smarter strategy? Master the third shot drop, a soft, controlled shot that arcs gently over the net and lands near your opponents’ kitchen line. The goal isn’t to hit a winner; it’s to reset the rally. When your drop lands softly in the kitchen, it forces your opponents to hit upward, giving you and your partner the chance to move forward and take control of the net.

This shot is all about placement and consistency, not speed. When executed correctly, the drop changes the rhythm of play, turning defense into offense and allowing you to dictate the pace of the rally.

If you’re playing with a partner who’s still developing their game or prefers a less aggressive style, the third shot drop becomes even more valuable. A well placed drop toward the middle of the court gives both players time to advance together and establish position at the kitchen line, the most dominant spot in doubles pickleball. Think of it as the bridge between defense and offense.

To truly elevate your doubles game, make third shot drop drills a regular part of your training. Focus on controlling height, depth, and trajectory. Practice moving forward right after your shot, this transition is just as important as the drop itself.

Over time, you’ll notice a difference: rallies will feel calmer, your movements more coordinated, and your points more strategic. All because you learned how to slow the game down when it matters most.