Mastering Aggressive Third Shot Drops: Pickleball player Tanner Tomassi shared a fast, effective strategy for handling aggressive third-shot drops in a recent YouTube video. His tips focus on paddle angle, footwork, and shot direction. These simple adjustments help players control tough shots and avoid pop-ups during competitive rallies.
Keep the Paddle Angle Sideways
Tomassi explained that a sideways paddle angle is key when responding to low third-shot drops. “Notice I have my paddle completely sideways, scooping it off the ground like this as opposed to having my paddle tip down,” he said.
Keeping the paddle sideways helps players keep the ball low and close to the net. A downward-facing paddle tip often causes the ball to pop up, making it easier for opponents to attack.
Use a Cross-Step for Better Control
Tomassi emphasized the importance of using the body to manage spin rather than just relying on the wrist.
“I’m using my inside foot to cross step to get my entire body involved to help handle the spin,” he said. “If you keep your feet square, it’s very hard to handle that spin with just your wrist.”
This cross-step technique allows for more stability and control, especially when the ball has heavy spin or is dropping fast.
Don’t Change the Ball’s Direction
As a final tip, Tomassi advised players to return the ball in the same direction it came from.
“You never want to change the direction of the ball,” he said. “So if that player is hitting the drop this way, I want to scoop that ball back the way it came. I don’t want to change the direction—it will cause it to pop up.”
Returning the ball in its original direction keeps the shot simple, controlled, and less likely to give the opponent an easy put-away.
Tomassi’s Tips Aim to Raise Skill Levels
Tanner Tomassi’s breakdown offers helpful advice for both beginner and intermediate pickleball players. His clear step-by-step approach simplifies one of the hardest shots to defend: the aggressive third shot drop. By focusing on paddle angle, footwork, and direction, players can stay in control and keep rallies going.
News in Brief: Mastering Aggressive Third Shot Drops
Pickleball player Tanner Tomassi shared three key tips for returning aggressive third shot drops: keep the paddle sideways, use a cross-step with your inside foot, and don’t change the direction of the shot. These techniques help reduce pop-ups and improve control during high-pressure points.
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