Rob Nunnery’s 3rd Shot Hybrid in Pickleball: Pickleball professional Rob Nunnery recently disclosed an in-depth tutorial on perfecting the 3rd shot hybrid, a strategic shot designed to combine topspin with precision. In his Instagram video, Nunnery emphasized simplicity in technique and detailed how to execute the shot effectively, ensuring consistency and control while aiming to dip the ball at the opponent’s feet.
Mastering the Mechanics
Rob Nunnery began by breaking down the mechanics of the hybrid shot, focusing on a straightforward approach that minimizes error. “The way we hit this is dropping the paddle tip straight down and coming right up on the ball,” Nunnery explained, stressing the absence of wrist or elbow movement.
Unlike a windshield-wiper motion, this technique relies solely on the shoulder to drive the shot. “The less variables, the better,” he added, noting that locking the wrist and elbow reduces the chances of mistakes. By keeping the mechanics simple, players can achieve consistent results without overcomplicating their motion.
The Ideal Contact Point
Key to the 3rd shot hybrid, according to Rob Nunnery, is making contact with the ball just below knee level. This position allows players to generate the upward brushing motion necessary for effective topspin. “I’m basically squarely behind the ball,” Nunnery said, demonstrating his open stance.
By avoiding a sideways position, players can maintain better control and keep the shot steady. The brush-up motion, combined with an open stance, helps achieve the lift needed to land the ball sharply at the opponent’s feet, a crucial element in applying pressure and forcing errors.
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The Role of Topspin
Topspin is at the heart of the hybrid shot, and Rob Nunnery detailed how to generate it without overcomplicating the swing. By focusing on a clean upward motion, players can create spin that causes the ball to dip sharply, making it difficult for opponents to return aggressively.
“Hitting the ball out in front of me at knee level or below gives me the lift I’m looking for.” – (Rob Nunnery)
The result is a sharp topspin shot that is controlled and deceptive, adding strategy to a player’s arsenal.
Simplified Technique for Consistency
Throughout the tutorial, Rob Nunnery stressed the importance of limiting moving parts in the swing. By isolating the shoulder as the primary driver and locking the wrist and elbow, players can reduce errors and focus on clean contact.
“You might leave it high or not hit it perfectly, but it’s going to be consistent because there’s not a lot of moving parts.” – (Rob Nunnery)
This simplicity ensures the shot remains reliable even in high-pressure scenarios.
News in Brief: Rob Nunnery’s 3rd Shot Hybrid in Pickleball
Pickleball player Rob Nunnery shared a tutorial on mastering the 3rd shot hybrid, a pickleball strategic combination of topspin and precision. He emphasized a simple, consistent technique driven by shoulder movement, minimizing wrist and elbow involvement to reduce errors.
Key elements include making contact below knee level with an open stance and focusing on a clean upward motion for effective topspin. Rob Nunnery’s approach highlights simplicity and control, offering players a reliable shot to dominate play and apply pressure on opponents.
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