Third Shot Drop

Adjusting to Modern Pickleball

December 24 2024

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.

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