Pro pickleball player Paula Rives has one of the best topspin roll shots in the game today. In this video, Paula walks Coach Tony Roig through how to hit it — from the kitchen line, cross court, and finally from the baseline as a full third-shot drop roll.

Here’s what you will learn in this video:

✅ What the third-shot drop roll is trying to accomplish.
✅ The proper grip pressure.
✅ How to drop the paddle face and brush up through the ball.
✅ Why margin over the net is your friend, not your enemy.
✅ The footwork that makes the shot repeatable under pressure.
✅ A simple drill you can use to start building this shot today.

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The third shot drop roll is a more advanced shot, so make sure you have a solid foundation before adding it to your game. Once you do, it is a powerful tool for taking control of the rally.

Follow Paula Rives on the PPA Tour and on Instagram to keep up with her play and her coaching.

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If you’re looking for more insights into high-level pickleball, the Better Pickleball Academy has you covered. You’ll also gain access to their easy to use “BP Play Guides” including middle dinking patterns and more. Use code “KITCHEN26” at checkout for a special offer just for Kitchen community members (3 months for the price of 2).

Tony Roig is a nationally-recognized coach, Sr. Pro Player, developer of “Respect the X” on the In2Pickle YouTube channel, and the voice behind the Pickleball Therapy podcast. Visit BetterPickleball.com for information on coaching from Tony and the BP team through their Camps, Academy, and No. 1 online training program: The Pickleball System.