How to Hit a Third Shot Drop in Pickleball

What is a third shot drop?

The third shot drop is the third shot of a rally — after the serve and the return — hit softly so it drops into the non-volley zone, or "kitchen." Its purpose is simple: give the serving team time to move from the baseline up to the net, where points are won.

Here's the mechanism. When you serve, you're stuck at the baseline while the returning team gets to rush the net. That's a losing position. A correctly weighted drop neutralises their advantage without handing them an easy attack.

Close-up of a player's low-to-high paddle swing path on a drop shot — The swing is a lift, not a hit — brush up the back of the ball.

Third shot drop vs. drive: which should you hit?

You don't have to drop every time. The drive — a hard, flat third shot — is the right call when the return lands short and sits up high enough to attack. The drop is for deep, low returns and for when your opponents are already planted at the net.

Strong players read the return and choose in real time. Mixing both keeps opponents guessing. Once you've got the drop consistent, layer in topspin and slice to make it harder to read.

Common mistakes to avoid

Hitting it too hard. The most common error. A drop is touch, not power. If it floats above net height as it crosses, your opponents will put it away. Slow the swing down and let the paddle do the lifting.

Contacting the ball too early. Let the ball fall to waist height or lower. Catching it on the rise sends it long almost every time.

Staying at the baseline. The drop buys you time to move up — so use it. Advance toward the kitchen the instant you release the shot, or you waste the whole point of the shot.

Two players advancing to the kitchen line after a drop shot — Move in behind the drop to take the net — that's the goal of the shot.

A simple drill to groove it

Stand at the baseline while a partner feeds balls from the opposite kitchen. Hit ten drops in a row, aiming for a target inside the non-volley zone. Track how many land soft. Work up to fifteen of twenty before adding movement. Once this is automatic, pair it with the footwork drills in return of serve depth — both shots share the same split-step timing.

How to hit a third shot drop, step by step

1
Set your grip and stance
Hold a continental grip and get low with knees bent. Split-step as your opponent's return bounces.
2
Let the ball drop
Wait for the ball to fall to waist height or lower. Hitting it too early or too high sends it long.
3
Swing low to high
With a loose arm, brush up the back of the ball. The motion is a lift, not a hit — think of tossing the ball over the net.
4
Aim for the kitchen
Target a soft arc that peaks on your side and lands inside the non-volley zone, giving you time to move up.
5
Move in behind it
As soon as you release the shot, advance toward the kitchen line to take the net.

Frequently asked questions

What is a third shot drop in pickleball?

A third shot drop is a soft shot hit from near the baseline that arches over the net and lands in the opponents' non-volley zone (the kitchen). It's the third shot of a rally — after the serve and return — and its job is to reset the point so your team can move up to the net.

Why is the third shot drop so important?

The serving team starts a point at a disadvantage, stuck at the baseline while the returners control the net. A well-placed drop is the safest way to neutralise that edge and advance to the kitchen line, where most points are won.

How do you hit a third shot drop?

Use a continental grip, bend your knees, and swing low-to-high with a relaxed arm. Contact the ball out in front, brush slightly up the back of it, and aim for a high, soft arc that peaks on your side of the net and drops into the kitchen.

Third shot drop or third shot drive — which should I use?

Drop when the return is deep and low, or when your opponents are already at the net. Drive when you get a high, short return you can attack. Good players mix both to stay unpredictable.