Third shot drop or drive in pickleball: when to use each
A third shot drop is a soft arc that lands in the opponent's kitchen, and a third shot drive is a fast groundstroke hit off the bounce. Drop the third shot when both opponents are already set at the kitchen line and the ball is below the net. Drive it when the ball sits above net height, when the return is short, or when one opponent is still moving up and you can hit at their feet. The drop is a good default, but it is a default, not a rule.
Why is the third shot hard in pickleball?
The two-bounce rule makes the serving team start behind. The receiver must let the serve bounce, and then the serving side must let the return bounce before anyone can volley. By then the returning team is usually walking up to the non-volley zone, a 7-foot strip on each side of the net, while the serving team is still near the baseline. The third shot has one job: get you to the net without handing them a high ball to attack.
When should you hit a third shot drop?
Hit the drop when both opponents are set at the kitchen line or the ball is too low to drive. A third shot drop is a soft arc that lands in the opponent's kitchen. A bounced ball in the kitchen forces the opponent to lift it or play it neutrally, and it buys you time to walk forward. It is the safest choice when you cannot hit the ball down.
Choose the drop when:
- The return is low and you would have to lift the ball to drive it.
- Both opponents are already set at the kitchen line.
- Your opponents are strong volleyers or like pace.
- Your partner is already moving forward.
When should you hit a third shot drive?
Drive when the ball is above net height, the return is short, or one opponent is still moving up. A third shot drive is a fast groundstroke hit off the bounce, usually when the return sits at waist height or higher. The goal is rarely a clean winner. TopSpinPro describes the aim as rushing the opponent into an uncomfortable block that lands short or pops up, which sets up an easy fifth shot. Pickleball Effect makes the same point: expect good players to hit it back, and use the drive to set up the next ball.
Choose the drive when:
- The ball is above net height, so you can hit it flat without lifting it.
- One opponent is still moving through the transition zone. Drive at their feet.
- The return is short and high, and your partner can move in to clean up.
- One opponent has weak hands or reacts slowly.
A quick decision table
| What you see | Best choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| One opponent still moving up, ball at or above net height | Drive at the feet | A player who has not stopped is the hardest to handle at their feet |
| Ball above net height, both opponents set | Drive, aimed at the weaker volley | A free ball is wasted on a soft drop |
| Ball below net height, both opponents set | Cross-court drop | Any drive would have to rise, and the cross-court arc gives the most room to land soft |
| Short, high return | Drive, cross-court toward your partner's side | Sets up your partner's put-away |
How often do pros drop or drive the third shot?
In one count, pros dropped the third shot 66 percent of the time and drove it 34 percent. Pickleball Effect's author watched more than 250 doubles rallies from the men's and women's gold medal matches at APP Open tournaments and counted the third shot. Drives won 53 percent of points and drops won 45 percent. Treat that as a small hand count, not a study, and remember that drives were chosen at good moments. The takeaway is that driving is a normal part of high-level play when the ball allows it.
What are the most common third shot mistakes?
The most common third shot mistakes are driving a low ball, swinging too hard, hitting at the best volleyer and standing still after the shot.
- Driving a low ball. TopSpinPro calls driving a ball below knee height the most common mistake it sees below the 5.0 level. It goes into the net or sits up.
- Swinging too hard. It suggests about 80 percent of your maximum pace.
- Aiming at the best volleyer. Target the weaker side or the middle.
- Standing still after the drive. Move forward right away, ready for the fifth shot.
How do you read the third shot in two seconds?
Check three things: their feet, the ball's height and your partner.
- Look at their feet. Is anyone still moving up?
- Look at the ball. Is it above the net when you hit it?
- Look at your partner. Are they moving in, and which side are they on?
Feet and ball height settle most third shots.
How Third Shot helps
Third Shot is an iPhone app that trains this choice. Each ball puts you on a first-person 3D court with all four players' feet and the ball, offers four shots, then replays your shot against the right one and names the principle behind it, such as dropping when the opponents are set or driving at the player who is not. Positions are generated, and 15 graded balls a day are free. It is independent and not affiliated with any rating system or governing body, and shot selection is coached opinion, so the app states the system it grades against.
Frequently asked questions
Should I drop or drive on the third shot?
Drop when both opponents are set at the kitchen line and the ball is below the net. Drive when the ball is above net height, the return is short, or one opponent is still moving up and you can hit at their feet.
Why is the third shot so hard in pickleball?
The two-bounce rule makes the serving team let the return bounce, so the returning team usually reaches the net first. The third shot has to avoid giving them a high ball to attack while you move forward.
How often do pros drive the third shot?
About a third of the time. In one author's count of more than 250 doubles rallies from APP Open gold medal matches, players drove the third shot 34 percent of the time and dropped it 66 percent. It is a small tally, not a formal study.
Where should I aim a third shot drive?
At the feet of an opponent who is still moving, at the weaker volleyer, or at the middle. Avoid hitting hard at the player with the best hands.
What is the non-volley zone?
The non-volley zone, or kitchen, is the 7-foot area on each side of the net. A player cannot volley the ball while standing in it or touching its lines.