Third Shot Drop Blog

Here is why you should be sending your thirds cross-court. 

More margin for error 

Aiming cross-court allows more margin for error. The safe zone for landing a drop in the kitchen becomes much larger when aiming cross-court.

Court position is the biggest advantage in pickleball. When you’re at the kitchen line at your opponent is stuck at the baseline, you have the advantage.

To keep that advantage, your volleys have to be a threat. But not all volleys are the same. The contact height determines how aggressive you can be with your shot.

Start at the baseline and have your partner stand opposite from you down the line at the Kitchen. Your partner will feed the ball to you, and your goal is to hit as many shots as it takes for you to get to the Kitchen. Once you reach the Kitchen, play the point out down the line. You can keep score and play games to 7 or 11, and then switch roles with your partner.

The third shot drop carries a lot of weight in the game of pickleball. It’s the key to neutralizing the returning team’s advantage and advancing towards the NVZ.

Building on our recent discussion about the critical role of swing weight in pickleball paddles, let's delve into the key factors that contribute to this dynamic element. Understanding these nuances can significantly impact your gameplay.

As enthusiasts of the game, we understand the importance of selecting the right equipment to enhance our performance on the pickleball court. Today, I'd like to shed light on a crucial aspect of pickleball paddles—swing weight.

Letting out balls go is an underrated, and acquired skill. It’s not always easy.

Watching dink battles can feel like watching paint dry. Two players trading unattackable shots are unlikely to make any highlight reel.

But for the players on the court, there is more at play than meets the eye.

How do you know if someone is savage when visiting new courts?

A good signal to look for is a strong transition backhand volley.

Last week, we covered two 4th shot fundamentals.

This week, we’ve got the final two tips to help convert your fourths into sideouts and get the ball back in your hands.

The fourth shot is one of the reasons people love pickleball. It’s your chance to be a superstar.

Beginning pickleball players only care about one thing: hitting the ball in bounds. As we progress, we want to do more and more with our game, and we want to score more often. Maybe we even start practicing shots.

Moving with your partner is a crucial part of pickleball. The old adage “Down the middle solves the riddle” is popular because it is true. Creating a gap between players and then exploiting the gap is one of the best ways to win a point.

One of the most panic-inducing moments in pickleball occurs when you see a lob floating overhead and out of reach.

The MLB World Series begins tonight between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Texas Rangers (as opposed to the MLP’s Drive and Ranchers). In honor of the October Classic, we’re dusting off a baseball-themed tip to help your serve.

For those of us who are visual learners, here is a series of graphics to visualize optimal court coverage.

You’ve heard it a million times: “Partners should move like they’re connected with a string.” Well, here you can see why that is important.