How Callie Jo Smith Mastered the Third Shot Drop: Professional pickleball player Callie Jo Smith recently shared a helpful Instagram video offering advice on a shot that often challenges players, particularly beginners: the third shot drop. Known for her tactical approach on the court, Callie Jo Smith emphasized the importance of going back to the basics when struggling with the shot or just learning it for the first time. In her video, Callie Jo Smith offered a step-by-step guide, focusing on how players can simplify the process and gradually build up their skills.
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The Dink: A Starting Point for Success
For players just starting out with the third shot drop, Smith’s first piece of advice is to start small and work up to more complex movements. She suggested practicing the dink, a basic but essential skill, before progressing to the third shot drop. “A third shot drop is basically the same as a dink, just with a longer follow-through,” she explained. This foundational drill, where players move up to the kitchen line (non-volley zone) and practice soft, controlled shots, allows players to build consistency and control. Smith’s advice highlights how starting with simple shots can build the foundation for more advanced skills.
Step by Step: Moving Back Gradually
As players begin to feel comfortable with the dink, Smith advised they slowly move further from the net to practice the third shot drop with a longer follow-through. “You’re going to drop it in front of you, move a couple steps back, same shot,” she said. This incremental approach, where players take a few steps back each time, helps them adjust to the longer distance, building muscle memory and better control over the ball. Smith emphasized that the further away from the kitchen line a player stands, the longer the follow-through should be to maintain the shot’s accuracy.
Longer Follow-Through for Greater Control
A crucial point Smith highlighted was how the third shot drop requires a low-to-high motion with a longer follow-through as players move farther from the net. “Notice as I step further back, I have a longer follow-through or push out to my target,” she noted. This extended follow-through is key to making the shot effective, ensuring that the ball drops softly into the opponent’s kitchen area. By gradually lengthening the swing, players can develop a feel for the shot and refine their timing, making it easier to control the ball and achieve the perfect third shot drop.
Mastering the Third Shot Drop with Consistency
Smith’s approach to mastering the third shot drop is about repetition and steady progress. By practicing the shot from closer range and slowly backing up, players can gain a better understanding of their contact point, their shot mechanics, and how it feels to execute the shot correctly. Smith’s method is an excellent reminder that mastery in pickleball, as in any sport, is achieved by starting with the basics and building up through consistent practice. For those looking to perfect their third shot drop, Smith’s advice offers a clear and practical roadmap.
News in Brief: How Callie Jo Smith Mastered the Third Shot Drop
Professional pickleball player Callie Jo Smith shared valuable advice on mastering the third shot drop in a recent Instagram video. She recommended starting with the dink in pickleball, a basic shot, to build consistency before progressing to the third shot drop in pickleball. Smith emphasized the importance of gradually moving away from the kitchen line while extending the follow-through for better control. As pickleball players step back, they should lengthen the swing to maintain shot accuracy. Her step-by-step approach focuses on repetition and incremental improvement, helping players build muscle memory and confidence to execute the third shot drop effectively.
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