Pickleball 3rd Shot Drop Strategy: Pickleball player and coach Tanner Tomassi recently shared important tips on what players should do when their partner is hitting a third shot drop. Speaking directly to amateur players, Tomassi explained how proper movement and positioning can change the outcome of a point.
Common Mistakes Players Make
According to Tanner Tomassi, many new players are wrongly taught to stay in one spot while their partner hits the third shot drop.
“The common mistake amateur players are taught is they’re taught that you should be tethered to your partner like you’re on a rope. Meaning they’re hitting the third shot drop, you should just stand here and watch them.” – (Tomassi)
Tomassi made it clear this approach is incorrect and shared a better way to play.
How to Move During the Drop Shot
Instead of standing still, Tanner Tomassi advised players to move forward slightly and watch closely as their partner prepares to hit the drop shot.
“Instead, the second you see the ball is going to your partner and they’re going to hit that drop. You want to creep two steps in while looking at them to see the type of ball that they hit.” – (Tomassi)
Tomassi explained that if the drop looks like it will land in the kitchen, the player should run forward.
“If their drop comes off of their paddle and it looks like it’s going to land in the kitchen, that’s when you want to run and approach the net to put pressure on the opponent.” – (Tomassi)
When to Step Back and Defend
Tomassi also described what to do if the drop is too high.
“On the flip side, if you’re two steps in and you see the drop he hit comes off his paddle very high, then you would step back and prepare for defense.” – (Tomassi)
He said that being two steps in gives the player the chance to act quickly and even score a point.
“The luxury of being two steps in gives you the opportunity to potentially poach and steal a free point if he hits a good drop.” – (Tomassi)
Applies to Drops and Drives
Tomassi explained this movement strategy works for drop shots and drive shots.
“This goes for both drops and drives. With the drop, you have more time to react because the ball is going slowly through the air. When your partner is driving it, you can still do it, but since the ball is so much faster, you have to be able to read the situation quicker.” – (Tomassi)
Why These Tips Matter
Tanner Tomassi’s advice helps players make smarter moves on the court. Instead of just watching their partner hit the ball, players can take action based on what they see. This helps with teamwork, defense, and scoring. His tips give players a better idea of when to attack and when to defend.
These simple changes in movement could help new players gain an edge during games and become more confident in high-pressure situations.
News in Brief: Pickleball 3rd Shot Drop Strategy
Tanner Tomassi shared clear tips on proper positioning during a third shot drop in pickleball. He advised players to move two steps in, observe the shot, and either move forward or step back depending on the shot quality. His advice helps players play smarter and react faster in games.
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