Pickleball is evolving into a faster-paced game that emphasizes offense over the traditional soft game. While the soft game is still an important tool, it’s no longer the cornerstone of winning strategies.
A new video from the Pickleball Playbook explains how players can embrace modern techniques and adjust their approach to have a significant edge in 2025 and beyond. Here’s how you can stay ahead:
Key Areas to Focus On
Offensive Third Shots Gone are the days when the third-shot drop was the default. While there’s still a place for it, most points now start with an offensive third-shot drive.
Target your drive: Aim at the returner rather than their partner at the net. The returner is often in motion and in a less stable position, making it harder for them to counter aggressively.
Consistency over power: Focus on low, well-placed drives to set yourself up for the next shot.
Attacking from Midcourt
Midcourt is no longer just a place to reset the ball; it’s a zone for transitioning into offense.
When to attack: Swing aggressively at balls knee height or higher to put pressure on your opponents.
Keep it compact: Use short, controlled strokes to maintain balance and be ready for the next shot.
Reset when necessary: For low balls near your feet, prioritize a controlled reset to avoid giving your opponent an easy put-away.
Aggressive Dinking
Dinking has shifted from purely defensive to an offensive tool.
Add topspin: Use topspin on your dinks to keep your opponents on their heels and create opportunities for a pop-up.
Two-handed backhand: Consider using a two-handed backhand for more control and spin during offensive dinking.
By adapting to these modern strategies and consistently honing your skills, you’ll not only keep up with the changes in pickleball but excel against your competition.
Use this code for a 10% discount on a custom paddle
First Time Buyers Only
Why we are different
There are well over 100 paddle manufacturers serving the pickleball industry. We are the ONLY custom paddle manufacturer in the world. In order to understand what it is we do and why it’s unique, it’s necessary to understand how a paddle is made.
Every paddle with few exceptions has a honeycomb core. The different companies in the industry use one of three different materials for the core- aluminum, polymer and Nomex. We use all three. The core provides 75% of the way a paddle performs.
Then the honeycomb core is sandwiched between two thin layers of surface materials. Again, the different companies in the industry use three different materials- graphite, fiberglass composite and carbon fiber. We use all three. The surface material is about 25% of the way a paddle performs. Think of it as fine tuning the paddle’s performance characteristics.
The three different core materials combined with the three different surface materials make 9 different combinations of materials. Each plays differently. We make two (soon to be three) different shapes for our paddles. The Chaos has a large square sweet spot- at 8 1/2”, it is the widest paddle on the market. The Kratos has an equally large rectangular shaped sweet spot. Each combination of cores and surfaces is available in both the Chaos and Kratos shape.
Then we give each player the opportunity to select their paddle’s weight (ranging from 7.4-10.5 ounces).
Now comes the grip. Players can choose one of three different handle shapes, their grip size from 3 7/8” to 6”, one of three different grip materials and more than 10 colors for each grip style.
Now that the player has chosen the best paddle shape, core, surface and grip for their individual game comes the fun part. We can put any custom graphic the player chooses on their paddle face- either one of our many choices or one of their own- a picture, logo or graphic of their choosing.
Now every player can play with a totally bespoke paddle and watch their game immediately improve because they are playing with the right paddle for them in every way.
Every other sport has specialized equipment for every player except pickleball. Not anymore- now pickleball is catching up to other sports. Pickleball players spend a lot of time playing the game they love. Now they can play with the gear that suits them and not be forced to use a one size fits all paddle.
Want to Join Team TSD?
We are actively seeking avid pickleballers with sales experience to educate, demonstrate and promote Third
Shot Drop pickleball paddles.
Please send your prior sales experience, where you play, how often you play, what level player you are, if you
play Tournaments, how many players you can reach and your contact information to:
Ashley@ThirdShotDrop.com