Drop vs. Drive: Choosing Your Third Shot in Pickleball
Last Edited
Jul 16 2024
Category
Instruction
One of the most critical decisions you'll make on the pickleball court: choosing between a drop or a drive for your third shot.
The third shot decision can set the tone for the rest of the point. Should you execute a delicate drop shot, inviting your opponents to the kitchen line, or should you unleash a powerful drive to keep them on their heels?
To help you navigate this crucial choice, we turn to the insights of pro player Catherine Parenteau.
When to Drop the Third Shot
One of the most basic pieces of advice we can give you: if both opponents are at or nearly at the kitchen line, it's time for a drop.
That isn't a hard-and-fast rule, but it presents the highest-percentage chance of you making it another point.
Obviously, this presumes you've taken the time to drill your third shot drops. You want your drops to land short and low into the kitchen, right after the net - the opposite placement of what you'd call "aggressive dinks," which target the outside kitchen line.
When to Drive in Pickleball
If your opponent isn't able to make it to the kitchen by the time your third or fifth shot comes around, it's time to drive; specifically, at their feet, since they're still in transition and it'll be harder for them to return without popping the ball up.
By keeping your opponents back, you open up more offensive angles and opportunities. You can move them around at your whim. YOU dictate the point (until they hit an unattackable ball back to you).
You should also drive if your opponents are executing a stack, targeting the person who is transitioning closer to you to minimize the time they have to react.
For Tournament Players
Playing in tournaments can be very rewarding...but it can also be incredibly nerve-wracking.
No matter how many drops and drives you practice, it's important to know going in to tournaments what shots are more likely to be successful based on your specific strengths.
For most people, that means driving more in early-round matches and strategically incorporating drops as they get warmed up. It is much easier to hit drops when you feel relaxed and loose.
Read Next: Transition Zone Tips: What to Do AFTER Your 3rd or 5th Shot in Pickleball
There are some weather-related concerns during outdoor play which may affect your third shot decision making, specifically wind. If it's windy, the drive is a higher percentage shot than the drop.
Don't be afraid to switch it up depending on your success rate on any given day. Some days, your 3rd shot drop is just not working as you would like, and that's ok!
Maybe drive a few more that game and practice later to hone-in on what went wrong.
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