The pickleball "drip" shot: A hybrid 3rd you should master
Last Edited
Mar 06 2025
Category
Instruction
Pickleball is evolving fast, and so are the shots that define high-level play. Enter the drip shot — a hybrid between a third-shot drive and a drop that’s designed to keep your opponent off balance.
It’s not about raw power; it’s about placement, spin, and deception. If you’re looking to improve your transition game and create offensive opportunities, this is the shot to add to your arsenal.
What is the drip shot?
The drip shot (a blend of "drive" and "drop") is a low, dipping ball with topspin.
Unlike a standard third-shot drive, which is often hit with full power, or a traditional drop, which prioritizes placement, the drip shot is struck with controlled pace and aggressive topspin.
The goal: to make the ball dive at your opponent’s feet as they approach the kitchen, forcing weak pop-ups or awkward fourth-shot responses.
Check it out during this point:
Why it works
- Punishes slow movers – If your opponent isn’t sprinting to the kitchen, a well-placed drip shot will make them pay.
- Creates pop-ups – The topspin-heavy dip forces opponents to hit up, giving you (or your partner) a chance to attack.
- Adds deception – Since it looks like a drive until the last second, it keeps opponents guessing.
- Reduces unforced errors – A full drive can sail long, but a drip shot lands safely while still applying pressure.
How to hit it
- Start like a drive – Set up as if you're going for a powerful third-shot drive. This disguises your intent.
- Drop the paddle tip – Lower the paddle head below the ball to generate the necessary topspin.
- Brush up, not through – Use a windshield wiper motion (forehand) or a compact flick (backhand) to add spin while keeping the shot controlled.
- Aim for the feet – Target the opponent who's still in motion, ideally 4-5 feet beyond the kitchen line.
- Follow your shot – Move forward immediately to capitalize on a weak fourth-shot return.
When to use it
- Against opponents who return deep but move up slowly.
- When playing mixed doubles, where your partner can crash the net.
- To break up predictable drive/drop patterns and keep opponents off balance.
The drip shot isn’t just a flashy new trick — it’s an essential tool for controlling the tempo of a game.
If you find yourself struggling with third-shot consistency, or you want to create more offensive chances, start practicing the drip. Your opponents won’t know what hit them.
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