Unless you’re new here, you should already know the golden rule for beating bangers at their own game: use their power against them.
Zane Navratil doubles down on this mantra in a new video, stressing the point to the max: "If you start out with the mentality of slowing down the banger, you've already lost to the banger."
Nobody likes a bully. We get it. But Zane’s got a few new rules that build on this strategy. Now the next time you’re facing a flame-thrower, you’ll be ready to fight fire with fire.
Keep your paddle poised above the net line. To handle pace, you want to hit a return flat or down at your opponent’s feet. If your paddle is hanging down by your waist, you're forced to swing upward on hard shots. That's a recipe for disaster.
Don’t let your paddle leave your sight. You don’t need to hit this shot so much as redirect it. If your paddle leaves your field of vision during your swing, you've already taken too big of a backswing. Keep it short and compact.
Full-circle, rapid reload. If you're following through all the way across your body, you'll be out of position for the next ball. Instead, think about finishing your swing right back where it started, at your ready position.
Read those three tips again. Stand up. Pretend you’re at the net preparing to face a huge drive from the midcourt. Now play it out. Chances are good you’re not following one of those rules. Maybe even all three.
Chances are also good you look like a crazy person right now. Totally worth it.
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
Login with Facebook
