Pickleball Pros Reveal the Secret Formula: A new breakdown of third-shot strategy in pickleball shows how players can win more games by choosing between drop shots, drives, and hybrids based on timing, opponent positioning, and skill level. By watching hundreds of points from the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) tour, a pickleball instructor shared the smartest ways to use each shot.
Pros Choose Drops 70% of the Time
After reviewing many pro-level pickleball matches, the analysis found that players use a hard third-shot drive only 30% of the time, while they rely on softer shots—like drops and hybrids—70% of the time.
“There’s specific times where going for these shots makes a lot more sense,” the instructor explained.
In many cases, even when a return is difficult to handle, pro players go for a third-shot drive just to set up a smoother drop on the fifth shot. This play is called the “drive-drop combo.” In fact, when a professional hits a drive, they follow it with a drop 80% of the time.
Depth, Speed, and Paddle Power Matter
The return’s depth and difficulty play a big role in deciding the shot. Short balls are easier to hit hard, while tough or neutral returns are often better for drops. But the modern game includes more powerful paddles, which makes it easier for players to hit drives even when the ball is hard to handle.
“If you struggle with drops on challenging shots, I recommend going for a drive on the third shot and then using a drop on the fifth shot,” the coach advised.
At the recreational level, where players are slower to react, drives can be more effective. Players might increase drive usage to 50% or even 60% in casual games.
Positioning and Shot Type Go Hand-in-Hand
One of the clearest times to use a drive is when the return lands in the middle, especially to the left-side player’s forehand. This is a common choice because the middle is the shortest distance across the court.
“A lot of the pros almost exclusively drive from their forehand,” the instructor said.
Drops, however, should be practiced on both forehand and backhand sides. While most players only drive from the forehand, being able to drop from both wings makes a player stronger.
Opponent Position Changes Everything
Whether to hit a drop or drive also depends on where the returning team is positioned. Usually, one pickleball player is already at the kitchen line, but the other is running in. If that second player is still far from the net, it’s a good chance to hit a drive or hybrid at their feet.
“A hybrid is where she kind of goes for an offspeed drive at my feet like that,” the coach said.
If the returning player is already at the net, then drops are smarter, since drives or hybrids could get attacked.
Adjust Based on Skill and Strategy
Choosing a third-shot strategy depends not just on the opponent’s skills, but on the player’s own strengths. If someone has a reliable drop shot, they can use it more often, even in tough spots. If their drop is weak, drives may be more consistent.
“Your goal is to make your opponent play,” the instructor said. “If you’re missing, you’re not making them play.”
Also, if an opponent has slow hands or struggles with hard shots, more drives may be effective. On the other hand, if they have strong volleys or tennis backgrounds, drops are usually the safer bet.
Flexibility Is Key to Winning More Games
Every game is different. Every opponent has strengths and weaknesses. That’s why players shouldn’t follow the same plan every time. Good third-shot choices come from reading the game, knowing your own skills, and adjusting as needed.
“You never want to have a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to your third-shot strategy,” the instructor advised. “Tailor your strategy to what best suits you that day and you’re going to win way more games.”
News in Brief: Pickleball Pros Reveal the Secret Formula
Pickleball pros use drops 70% of the time and drives 30% when hitting third shots. A coach explains how players can decide based on return depth, opponent positioning, and skill level. Recreational players may benefit from more drives, but drops remain key to long-term success and winning more games.
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