The forehand takes the middle. It’s a solid rule that should be adhered to MOST of the time.
But what happens when the ball isn’t perfectly down the middle, it’s slightly closer to the right-side player?
Or when the left-side player has to guard the line so they’re not able to prepare appropriately for a middle ball?
Those are two scenarios where paddles collide, or worse, the ball floats down the middle for the winner. Instead of fighting over the middle, try meshing with your partner and adding a layer of defense.
Providing Back Up For Your Partner
As the right-side player, when you see one of the scenarios above, you can add a layer of protection by:
Backing slightly off the kitchen line
Shading toward the middle
The left-side player can still have first dibs at any ball down the middle but by layering behind them, you’re ready to cover a ball they can’t reach. This strategy works well when playing with a new partner.
Instead of fighting over the middle balls, the right-side player clearly yields to the left-side player but not to the point where they are being burnt down the middle.
As a partnership evolves there is less of a need to mesh but until you learn the range of your partner, it’s a great way to stay in points and build trust.
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