If you’ve been playing pickleball for any amount of time, chances are you’ve heard a lot of mixed advice about the third shot. Some players say you should always drop. Others swear by the drive. And many are still figuring out what works best for them.
The truth?
Both the third shot drop and the third shot drive are essential tools in your game. But knowing when to use each one is what sets a smart player apart.
Let’s walk through the differences, the pros and cons, and how to make better decisions in real time—so your third shot becomes a weapon, not a liability.
What Is the Third Shot, and Why Does It Matter?
The third shot comes immediately after your team serves and the opponents return. It’s your opportunity to take control of the point.
At that moment, your opponents are usually already at the net—where they want to be. You’re back at the baseline—where you don’t want to stay. Your third shot is how you shift the balance.
- A well-executed drop gives you time to move in and resets the point.
- A smart drive can force an error or create a better setup for your next shot.
Get the third shot right, and you’re in the point. Get it wrong, and you’re scrambling.
What a Third Shot Drop Does
The third shot drop is a soft, arcing shot that lands gently in your opponents’ kitchen. It’s meant to take pace off the game and give your team time to move up to the non-volley zone line.
Ideal grip strength: 3 to 5 (light, but stable)
Benefits of a drop:
- Gives you and your partner time to advance to the kitchen
- Neutralizes your opponent’s net position
- Forces your opponents to hit upward, limiting their attack options
Downsides:
- Risky if executed poorly—high drops can be crushed
- Requires finesse and touch, especially under pressure
- Tougher to hit if the return has a lot of pace or is deep
What a Third Shot Drive Does
A third shot drive is a fast, flatter shot hit with pace toward your opponents, usually at their feet or body. It’s not about blasting the ball—it’s about applying controlled pressure.
Ideal grip strength: 6 to 8 (firm and stable)
Benefits of a drive:
- Can surprise your opponents, especially if they’re still transitioning
- May result in a weak volley or pop-up that sets up your next shot
- Easier to hit for players with a background in tennis or other racket sports
Downsides:
- Keeps you at the baseline unless you follow it up properly
- Can be punished by players with quick hands at the net
- Loses effectiveness if used every time—opponents will adjust
When to Use a Third Shot Drop
The drop is ideal when:
- Your opponents are already at the kitchen line
- You need time to join your partner at the net
- You’re facing opponents who like to attack fastballs
- The return gives you space and time to execute a soft shot
- You’re confident in your ability to keep it low and controlled
The drop is a strategic shot, not a power play. Think of it as a setup to regain court position and even the playing field.
When to Use a Third Shot Drive
The drive is best when:
- The return is short, high, or poorly placed
- Your opponent is still moving and hasn’t set up at the net
- You want to pressure your opponent into a weak reply
- You’re preparing to follow up with a fifth shot drop (called “Drive & Drop”)
- You’re dealing with wind or poor lighting conditions where soft touch is harder
A good third shot drive can disrupt your opponent’s rhythm and open the door for your team to take over.
One More Option: Drive and Crash
Some players combine the best of both worlds with a tactic called Drive and Crash.
Here’s how it works:
- Drive the third shot with purpose, aiming low at the opponent’s body or backhand.
- Immediately move forward toward the net.
- Be ready to attack a popped-up fifth shot—or reset if needed.
This strategy is especially effective against teams who struggle to control fastballs or who get caught out of position.
What Do High-Level Players Do?
Even at the pro level, players mix it up. You’ll see third shot drops and third shot drives—sometimes in the same rally. The key is adaptability.
Being able to switch between the two based on the situation makes your game unpredictable and keeps opponents on their heels. In recreational play, this alone can give you a major edge.
A Simple Checklist to Help You Decide
When the ball is coming toward you after the return, ask yourself:
- Are my opponents already at the kitchen line? A drop may be best.
- Is the return short or high? Consider a drive.
- Do I need more time to get to the net? A drop helps with that.
- Are they out of position or still backing up? A drive could be effective.
- Do they struggle with hard-hit balls? Lean into the drive.
- Are they aggressive volleyers? A soft, low drop may neutralize them.
You won’t have time to ask all these questions mid-rally, but practicing this thought process off the court helps make it automatic when you’re playing.
Practice Tip: Train Both Shots
Most players overuse one shot and neglect the other. To level up, you need both in your toolkit. Here’s how to practice:
- Hit 10 drops in a row, aiming for the kitchen. Track how many land cleanly.
- Hit 10 drives, focusing on depth and placement.
- Alternate drop–drive–drop to simulate switching in real time.
- Ask a partner to return balls randomly and call out “drop” or “drive” so you practice reacting to live cues.
Improving both your drops and drives makes your game more dynamic and difficult to read.
Final Thoughts
At six months in, you’re entering the stage where decision-making matters as much as mechanics. The third shot drop and third shot drive are both smart plays—but only when used in the right context.
Start paying attention to your patterns. Are you using the same shot every time, regardless of the return or your opponent’s position? If so, it’s time to break the habit and start playing with purpose.
With a little practice, you’ll be able to read the moment and choose the right tool—giving you more control, more wins, and a lot more fun.