Roscoe Bellamy Third Shot Strategy: Pickleball coach Roscoe Bellamy has revealed a new way to master the third shot—one of the most important parts of the game. In his instructional video, he explains how players can use four specific shots to move forward to the kitchen line and take control of the point. His strategy focuses on when, why, and how to hit each third shot, helping players win more rallies.
Bellamy breaks down four key shots: the slice drop, the roll drop, the drip, and the drive. He also shares one bonus tip used by top players. His approach is designed to reduce confusion and help players of all skill levels understand the purpose and execution of the third shot.
Why the Third Shot Matters
Roscoe Bellamy starts by explaining why the third shot is so important. “Your mission with the third shot is to get you and your partner up to the kitchen line where you can control the rally and build the point on your own terms,” he says.
Players who stay at the baseline remain under pressure. The third shot is not meant to end the rally—it is used to buy time, gain position, and set up the next move.
Bellamy also mentions that even the third shot drive, often misunderstood, follows the same goal. “The majority aren’t designed to end the point. They’re designed to buy you time, gain position, and set the stage for everything else that comes next.”
Shot 1: Slice Drop / Shovel Drop
The first shot Bellamy discusses is the slice drop, also called the shovel drop. He calls it “your bread and butter.” This shot is slow, soft, and reliable—helping players get to the kitchen line safely.
Bellamy explains how to hit it: “So, for the shovel drop, the first thing we need to make sure we’re doing is trying to get behind that ball. So, I want you to get your outside leg behind that ball, no matter where it is.”
He adds more tips: “Second, we want to make sure that we’re coming underneath that ball with an open paddle face. And the last thing I want you to really focus on…is trying to keep the ball on your paddle for the longest period of time.”
He emphasizes control and simplicity: “I just feel like I can’t really miss this one because it’s so simple.”
Shot 2: Roll Drop
The second shot is the roll drop. This one adds topspin and moves faster than the slice drop. It travels in a straight line and puts pressure on opponents who are slow to move up.
Bellamy explains: “This is going to be a simple push forward. And rather than hitting under the ball so much, I want you to think of trying to get the back of the ball and then brushing up a little bit.”
He adds one key tip for consistency: “Try and keep your wrist locked here…I’m literally just pushing forwards with a little brush motion.”
This shot helps take away time from the opponent, giving the hitter more control.
Shot 3: Drip
The third option, called the drip, mixes power and control. Bellamy says, “Think it’s like a drive, but with 40% pace that lands short and low.”
It looks like a full-speed shot but is slower and dips at the opponent’s feet—especially useful when they’re still moving.
Bellamy explains its purpose: “The genius of the drip is that it looks like a drive, which forces a reaction, but it’s not actually a drive.”
This shot is harder to pull off but can be very effective if timed well.
Shot 4: Drive
The last shot is the third shot drive. Many players believe it should be used to hit winners, but Bellamy corrects that idea.
He says, “Most players think that the drive is about ripping winners or forcing airs. But at the highest level, that’s not what it’s used for.”
Instead, he advises players to use the drive to get an easier fifth shot. “It’s not about hitting through your opponent. It’s about creating a short, soft reply that makes your next shot easier.”
Bellamy suggests driving at 80% power and aiming low over the net with some topspin. “Make sure you have a little bit of top spin. It’s just going to help bring that ball down and it’s going to give us a little more margin.”
Strategy and Shot Placement
Beyond the types of shots, Bellamy highlights how important it is to target the right spots on the court. “Smart thirds aren’t just about execution. They’re about positioning, pressure, and setting up that next shot.”
He recommends several tips:
- Hit to the weaker player or the one running up.
- Aim for the middle to cause confusion.
- Don’t rush forward after a poor third shot.
- Always prepare for the fifth shot right after the third.
Bonus Tip: Use the Serve to Set Up the Third Shot
Bellamy shares one extra strategy that many players overlook—using the serve to get the third shot they want. “You have a shot right before you hit that third shot called the serve that you can use to set up an easier third for you.”
He gives an example: “If I serve deep to his backhand there, and I want to get a return, a short return right here, I know that I’m going to have to put pressure on his backhand.”
Serving smart helps control where the ball comes back, making it easier to choose the right third shot.
What This Means for Players
Roscoe Bellamy’s blueprint gives a step-by-step way for players to improve one of the hardest parts of the game. By keeping things simple and understanding each shot’s purpose, players can take more control and win more points.
He also points out a key stat: “At a recent pro event, over 90% of third shots landed in play. This is one of the most missed shots at the amateur level, but pros keep it simple, consistent, and intentional.”
Players who follow this plan can expect to play smarter, move up faster, and build better rallies.
News in Brief: Roscoe Bellamy Third Shot Strategy
Roscoe Bellamy shares a four-shot pickleball third shot strategy to help players take control of rallies and move up to the kitchen line. The shots include the slice drop, roll drop, drip, and drive, plus a bonus serving tip. The approach focuses on consistency, smart positioning, and simplified shot selection.
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