Finding yourself on the losing side of your matches? If you trying to rack up more points, one of the best places to start is the pickleball third shot. Known for making or breaking games, this shot is essential for setting you and your team up for the rest of the rally. Done well, this shot can make your opponents to set themselves up and give you an easy opportunity to score. But without strategy, you can just as easily set them up for an easy (and embarrassing) smash.

Pickleball Third Shot

The third shot in pickleball is the servings team first chance to hit the ball after the serve and the first opportunity to set momentum for the rally. The team that hits the third shot can either hit a ‘drop’ shot to place the ball short, or a ‘drive’ shot to place it deep.

Why is the third shot important?

Think of it this way — the third shot is the first time in a rally where anyone can hit the ball. Obviously there is a designated server (first shot) that has to hit it to a designated side of the court with a player that returns it (second shot). After that second shot, any player can hit it making it a much harder shot to defend and return.

Even when playing singles, the third shot holds a similar significance. It’s the first time that either player can now hit the ball anywhere on the court.

The third shot is the moment where the game really opens up. Players now have a chance to score by placing the ball based off where their opponents are on the court. Professional pickleballers know how to use this shot to hit hard-to-return balls that require dynamic movement from the opposing team.

the pickleball third shot Drop

This might be the most talked about hit in pickleball. Done correctly, this forces your opponents to charge up to the kitchen, and attempt to return a low ball.

The third shot drop works by hitting the ball lightly enough so that it lands just on the other side of the net in the no-volley zone (kitchen). Since players can’t volley from the kitchen, they are forced to wait until the ball bounces often creating a low and hard shot.

But the drop shot comes with it’s fair share of risk — if you hit the ball too hard and it ends up clearing the no-volley zone, you might create an easy opportunity for the opposing team to absolutely crush it back at you. Results here can range from a really challenging shot you have to return all the way to icing a pickleball shaped bruise on your butt.

High risk, high reward.

the pickleball third shot Drive

This get’s a little less love than it’s drop counterpart, but there are a lot of advantages.

The third shot drive works by hitting the ball with more force aiming to place it as close to the back line as possible. If your opponents have already moved up, this can make them have to return while backpedalling and create a sloppy shot. This shot is also easier for beginners as it gives you more court to work with.

Like the drop shot, it has its downsides. Drive shots are often easier for players to return as they travel across more of the court and allow players to move up to the ball. Players also can volley it (hit it before it bounces) which can make your next shot challenging. And if you’re really trying to get to that backline, there’s a chance you’ll overshoot and cost yourself the rally.

When to choose drive or drop

Getting comfortable hitting these is one thing, but knowing when to hit them is a whole other. With adrenaline pumping and the excitement of a game surrounding you, it might be a lot to process in the moment. But understanding a few rules-of-thumb might make it a bit easier.

Hit a third shot drop when:

1. A return is deep
2. A return is low

Hit a third shot drive when:

1. A return is short
2. A return when the ball bounces to the waist or higher
3. The ball has spin

Wrapping it up

Your third shot in pickleball is one of the most important. Getting good with this can make your game lethal and help you run your local courts. Of course, if you really want to play like a pro, this is just one piece to master. Your serve, variety of shots, and body movement are all equally important parts of the equation as you get more competitive.

But for now, get out there and give these third shots a try! We’ll see ya on the court.