The Third-Shot Drop: How to Hit It and When Not To
The third-shot drop is a soft shot hit by the serving team that lands in the opponents’ kitchen. Its job isn’t to win the point: it’s to make the ball bounce low and short so the other team can’t attack it, while you and your partner move from the baseline up to the net. As DUPR’s guide puts it, “The goal is not speed, but placement.”
Why does the third shot matter so much?
Because of the two-bounce rule, the serving team has to let the return bounce before hitting it. That means the third shot of every rally is usually hit from near the baseline, while the returning team has already moved up to the kitchen line.
The drop is how the serving team catches up. DUPR describes it as the shot that “gives the serving team time to advance to the net”:
- A drop that lands in the opponents’ kitchen bounces low, so it’s hard for them to attack.
- While they deal with it, you and your partner move forward from the baseline.
How do you hit a third-shot drop?
DUPR’s step-by-step version:
- Get set behind the baseline. Stay low and balanced, with your paddle up, while your partner serves.
- Read the return. A deep return needs more touch; a short one gives you more margin for error.
- Use a continental grip, with a firm but relaxed wrist.
- Lift with the shoulder, not the wrist. Use a gentle upward motion that arcs the ball just over the net.
The common thread is control. You’re not trying to hit hard; you’re trying to land the ball softly in a small target, low enough over the net that it doesn’t sit up.
What does the physics say?
A 2024 study by researchers from the University of British Columbia and Jericho Hill Pickleball School modelled the ball’s flight to find what a successful drop needs:
| Shot | Launch speed | Launch angle |
|---|---|---|
| Down the line | about 10.9–13 m/s | about 15.5°–22.5° |
| Cross-court | about 13.3–16 m/s | about 12.5°–18° |
Three takeaways for players:
- The windows are narrow. Small changes in pace make the difference between a good drop and one that floats or finds the net, which is why the shot takes practice.
- Spin is secondary. The authors found speed and angle matter much more than topspin or backspin, so get consistent pace first.
- Aim for the apex before the net. Experienced players and coaches agree that a good drop peaks on your side of the net and bounces in the far part of the opponents’ kitchen.
The study used a small experimental sample, so treat the exact numbers as a guide rather than a rule.
When shouldn’t you hit a drop?
The drop isn’t always the right third shot. DUPR suggests:
- When you’re off-balance or running: a third-shot drive may be the better choice.
- When the return is short: you’re already closer to the net, so a soft dink may work better.
Choosing the right shot for the situation matters as much as technique.
How should I practise it?
Without a coach, the simplest way is repetition with a partner:
- One player stands at the kitchen line and feeds balls deep to the other.
- The baseline player hits drops, aiming for the kitchen, and moves forward a step after each good one.
- Swap roles after a set number of balls.
Hong Kong’s free LCSD courts work well for this kind of drill. Bring throw-down lines if your court doesn’t have the kitchen marked, so you can see where your drops land.
Frequently asked questions
What is a third-shot drop in pickleball?
It's the serving team's third shot of the rally, hit softly so it drops just over the net into the opponent's non-volley zone (the kitchen). Because it bounces low and short, it's hard to attack, which gives the serving team time to move up to the net.
Why is it called the third shot?
The serve is the first shot and the return is the second. Because of the two-bounce rule, the serving team has to let the return bounce, so their next shot, the third, is usually hit from near the baseline while the opponents are already at the net.
Should I use topspin or backspin on a third-shot drop?
Spin matters less than you might think. A 2024 physics study of the shot found spin is of secondary importance compared with launch speed and angle, so beginners should focus on consistent pace and a gentle upward swing before adding spin.
When should I drive instead of drop?
When you're off-balance or on the run, a third-shot drive may be the better choice, and if the return is short you may be better off with a soft dink. The drop works best when you're set behind the baseline and the return is deep.