To practice executing third shot drops effectively while moving both forwards and backwards, thereby simulating the dynamic transitions encountered in game play. The player works their way from the baseline to the kitchen and back again, focusing on maintaining the quality of their drop shots from varying distances.
Equipment
- Pickleball paddles
- Pickleballs
- Pickleball court
How to run it
Both players begin by dinking at the kitchen line. Player 1 (the Dropper) executes two third shot drops or resets, then takes two steps backward. Player 1 continues this sequence—hitting two drops and moving two steps back—until they reach the baseline. A key objective for Player 1 is to hit drops that force Player 2 (the Feeder, positioned at the NVZ) to make contact with the ball below knee level. Once Player 1 has successfully executed drops from the baseline, they reverse the process, working their way forward two steps at a time after every two successful drops, until they return to the kitchen line. Player 2 then performs the drill.
Coach Dave’s cues
Concentrate on allowing the ball to fall and decelerate before striking. Utilize the legs for power and ensure the follow-through is directed towards the target. As the player moves further back, the follow-through may need to be slightly longer to achieve the necessary depth and arc. A critical measure of a "perfect" third shot drop is that the practice partner (Feeder) is making contact below their knees.
Watch for
Failing to adjust the shot's trajectory and power for varying distances from the net. Rushing either the movement or the execution of the shot. Hitting drops too high, especially when positioned further back from the kitchen.