Third Shot Drop

Third Shot Drop Blog

June 19 2023
I Had That

Stop poaching this ball from your partner.

You're both trying to move towards the kitchen and you're a step ahead. The next ball is headed directly for your inside foot.

June 12 2023
Timing is Everything

You just crushed a serve. The return is on its way back. Time to decide: drop or drive.

If you're still thinking about it, it might be too late. For a drive, you want to meet the ball early. Catch it on its way up.

June 05 2023
When a lob goes up, all hell breaks loose

When a lob goes up, all hell breaks loose. Partners forget how to communicate, people trip over their own feet, and somebody always steps in the kitchen while hitting an overhead.

Let's go over some of the basics of the lob culture so you can keep a level head next time the ball hits the sky.

May 29 2023
The Lead Tape Guide

More and more pros and advanced-level players now add lead to the edges of their paddle to add weight or change the weight distribution. Adding weight adds power to your game. Force = mass x acceleration. More mass, more force. When it comes to weight distribution, the effects vary based on where the weight is placed.

May 22 2023
ATP Perfection

The ATP is one of the most beautiful shots in pickleball. It's hard to find one more beautiful than a match-ender to advance to the gold medal.

April 17 2023
Hand Speed is the key to pickleball

Hand speed is a luxury in the game of pickleball. With fast hands, you can be more aggressive and play with more margin for error.

"The future of the game is in hand speed.”

April 10 2023
Managing the Slice

A common piece of advice in pickleball is to slice your return, pushing the ball deep into the court and keeping the bounce low.

What you don't hear is what to do if you're the team receiving that ball.

April 03 2023
5 Easy Ways to Change Momentum on the Pickleball Court

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Pickleball is often times described as a game of momentum swings, where one player or one team can go on runs and string several points together.

March 27 2023
2 Critical Ways Balance Affects Your Pickleball Game

There are two critical kinds of balance in doubles pickleball. And, both are equally important to your success on the court.

March 20 2023
Position Yourself to Defend

Picture this: You or your partner pop a ball up to your opponent. The alarm bells go off and you begin to retreat. Your goal is to get to the baseline to play some defense.

March 13 2023
One More Step

Ok, I whiffed on an overhead…again.

I finally made it to the court this week for the first time in...*checks calendar*...way too long. Let me tell ya, pickleball rust is a real thing. Reaction time decays and the feel for drops and resets suffers.

March 06 2023
Tommy Tomahawk

Class please say 'Hello' to Tommy. Tommy say 'Hello' to the class. Tommy Tomahawk may be the new kid in pickleball but according to Zane Navratil, the Tomahawk is not going anywhere.

February 23 2023
Drops and Drives: Not so Different After All

Most pickleball players and coaches tend to think of third shot drops and third shot drives as very different techniques — almost opposites — from one another.

February 17 2023
Ways to Conquer the Soft Game

The most frustrating players to play against are the ones who beat you in the soft game. Here are some great tips to make sure you come out on top when the game slows down.

February 10 2023
Drop and Drive in the Same Point

Time to choose: third shot drive or third shot drop?

Either answer works. You're both right. What you need to remember is: just because you chose one or the other, you're not stuck with that decision.

February 03 2023
Which grip are you using?

Pickleball/tennis grip names are the worst. Continental, Eastern, Semi-Western...are we holding a paddle, or joining Magellan's next expedition?