Pickleball Mixed Doubles Third Shot Drop: Professional pickleball players and coaches Susannah Barr and Dominic Catalano recently shared tips on how to use the third shot drop effectively in mixed doubles. In their lesson, filmed on court, the pair explained how both men and women can work together to build trust, apply pressure, and win more points using this key shot.
They emphasized that the pickleball third shot drop is not just important—it’s essential in mixed doubles. Susannah Barr said the move is often used by female players since they frequently receive the return serve. A strong third shot from the woman gives her male partner more freedom to move up and take control at the net.
Women Must Develop a Strong Third Shot
Susannah Barr explained why women must focus on this shot. “Ladies, we need to develop a good third shot drop, okay, even more so than the men. I’m just going to put that out there. Why? Because a lot of times, especially at the lower levels, they’re hitting that return to you.”
A successful drop shot gives the male partner time to move forward. “If they trust you to hit a good third shot drop, they’re able to actually approach and put pressure on the opponents,” she added.
She also shared her ideal mixed doubles plan: “My ideal mixed double situation or scenario would be where I’m actually going to take most of the thirds because I want my male partner to be able to go up and approach on the other side.”
Dominic Catalano agreed with this strategy, highlighting the importance of trust. “You need to have that confidence that they’re going to hit a good drop and put you in a good position. And it’s not your job as the male partner to come over, she misses one, and tell her, okay, get out of the way. I got the next one. That’s not the strategy. Let her hit another one. Let her hit her way out of it.”
How to Move as a Team on the Court
Susannah Barr and Dominic Catalano explained how partners should move during the third shot. If the female player is hitting the drop from the baseline, the male should move forward carefully.
Dominic Catalano explained, “I can be in that middle third, so I’m one third ahead of her… If she does make a mistake and pop a ball up, I have a target on my chest. I’m going to get hurt. But if I’m a third ahead of her… I’m going to read it. If it’s good, I’ll continue to push up and go.”
Susannah Barr added that she prefers to hit the drop crosscourt, in front of her partner, which gives him more chances to get involved. If the male opponent starts moving too far over, she changes her shot direction.
“If I see him start to creep, I want to again drop behind him… and just keep him honest. Right? We talk about keeping the male player honest,” she said.
Smart Shot Choices to Pressure Opponents
During their on-court practice, Susannah Barr and Dominic Catalano showed what happens when the female player hits a successful cross-court drop. It often forces the opponent to return the ball in a predictable way, allowing the male partner to take charge at the net.
“If I can develop this shot here as the female player and I can take more of that middle, it actually allows again that male partner to get a little bigger,” Barr explained.
She also showed how to mix up targets. “We don’t want to avoid the male opponent. Most of the time we’re going to be going crosscourt to the female… but I don’t want to avoid the male completely.”
Dominic Catalano agreed, reminding players that strategies are always changing. “Susanna makes a great point… don’t think that the male is unhittable in mixed doubles because a lot of times that is the spot you want to go.”
Why This Strategy Matters
The pickleball lesson showed how using the third shot drop smartly can help both partners play better in mixed doubles. It builds teamwork and helps players stay in control during rallies. As the game continues to evolve, the ability to mix strategies and trust your partner will be key to winning more matches.
News in Brief: Pickleball Mixed Doubles Third Shot Drop
Susannah Barr and Dominic Catalano taught the value of the third shot drop in mixed doubles. Barr said women must develop this shot to allow their male partners to pressure opponents. Trust, smart movement, and changing shot direction are key parts of this strategy.
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