Pickleball third Shot Drive Strategy: Pickleball instructors are now encouraging players to use a third shot drive followed by a fifth shot drop instead of immediately attempting a third shot drop. This new approach makes it easier for most players to move forward safely during a rally, improving their chances of success at the net.
Why the Change Matters
In many clinics, when players are asked to work on third shot drops, most hesitate. It’s a hard shot to master. As one coach explained, “When I tell them you don’t have to hit a third shot drop, they are so happy.” Instead, they are taught to drive the third shot and drop the fifth, a simpler and more reliable method for many.
A third shot drive is not an attempt to win the point. It’s a low, controlled shot that begins the player’s movement to the kitchen line. “It’s the start of your progression in,” the coach said. For most players, it’s a higher-percentage option than a third shot drop.
Learning Through Practice
In one lesson, a player claimed to have strong third shot drops. But after being fed 10 balls, he missed nine. Even the ones he landed were easy to attack. “So it’s just a difficult shot,” the coach explained, making the drive-drop combo a better choice for most players up to the 4.5 or 5.0 level.
Professional pickleball is also evolving. “If you watch pro pickleball these days… you’d be surprised how it’s changed,” said the coach, noting more pros are now driving the third shot than before.
Getting to the Kitchen Line Safely
The main goal of this strategy is to reach the kitchen line without rushing. “Do I need to get to the line on two shots? No,” the coach said. “If it takes me three, four, even five, that’s okay.”
Driving gives the player more time to react and look for the right moment to advance. “I want to make sure I can play the ball in front of my body,” the coach explained, noting that players should avoid getting caught too far forward with balls at their feet.
Reading the Opponent’s Shots
Not every ball after a drive should be driven again. If the opponent returns a soft ball, the player can attack it. “If I get a little cupcake on that next ball… I can go ahead and drive that one,” the coach said.
Sometimes players get stuck and can’t move up right away. But with patience, they find the right shot to help them advance.
Seeing the Court from Different Angles
Where players stand on the court changes how easy the drop shot looks. “When you’re standing back here and you look at the kitchen, it looks really small. It looks really hard,” said the coach. But once closer, the target appears larger and easier to hit.
This explains why using a fifth shot drop is often more successful—players are closer to the net and more confident.
Making Progress, One Step at a Time
The coach compared this strategy to taking a road trip in an RV. “You want to get here. This is your vacation spot. But you might have to stop along the way,” the coach said. Stops don’t matter; the goal is to reach the net safely and at the right time.
News in Brief: Pickleball third Shot Drive Strategy
Pickleball coaches now recommend a third shot drive followed by a fifth shot drop to help players advance more safely and with greater success. This approach boosts confidence and consistency while keeping rallies under control. It is effective for both amateur and competitive-level players.
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