Pickleball Coach Dave

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Basic Third Shot Drop Progression

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To develop the fundamental technique for hitting a soft third shot drop that bounces in the opponent's kitchen, allowing the hitting team to advance to the NVZ.

SkillThird Shot Drop
LevelBeginner to Intermediate
Players2

Equipment

  • Pickleball paddles
  • Pickleballs
  • Pickleball court

How to run it

Player 1 serves, Player 2 returns deep. Player 1 then hits a third shot drop aiming for the opponent's kitchen. Focus on a contact point around knee level, paddle face moving forward towards the target, and body weight transferring forward. Practice hitting crosscourt and down-the-line drops.

Coach Dave’s cues

Let the ball fall and decelerate before contact. Use legs and finish towards the target. Ensure body momentum comes forward. Aim for the ball to bounce in the kitchen. Focus on a low-to-high swing path.

Watch for

Dropping the paddle head and coming back up sharply. Rushing the shot. Hitting the ball too high or too deep, making it attackable. Not letting the ball drop enough before contact.