Ever noticed more advanced players routinely driving their third shot, then dropping their fifth? It’s become common practice. Watch a pro match and you’ll see this strategy on repeat.
In a recent video session, Tyson McGuffin explains why, as he breaks down a match he played with Lacy Schneemann against Gabe Tardio and Jessie Irvine. It was a battle, with neither team giving an inch.
This approach helped Tyson and Lacy claw their way back against an ultra-aggressive opponent. Here’s why it’s so effective:
✅ What’s the one thing you’re told to focus on with a serve return? Push it deep, right? That means the next shot, or the third, is often hit near the baseline. If you’re trying to drop that third into the kitchen, you’ve got an awfully long way to go.
✅ If your opponent is playing aggressively, hugging the kitchen line and taking anything and everything out of the air, this can make a deep third all the more difficult. It’s got to be perfect, or it’s coming back. Hard.
✅ If you drive the third instead, it forces a block or punch volley in return. With the added pace, it’s more difficult for your opponent to consistently keep this fourth shot deep. Just like that, you’ve flipped that player from offense to defense.
✅ On the heels of a well-aimed third-shot drive, your fifth shot can likely be taken considerably closer to the net. With one swing of the paddle, you’ve greatly improved your court positioning and set yourself up for an easier trip to the kitchen.
Sound simple? It is. That’s why all the players better than you are doing it so often.
