Mastering the Third Shot in Pickleball: 4 Essential Techniques to Win More Points

Main Points:

• The third shot’s primary purpose is to help you and your partner reach the kitchen line.
• Most third shots are not designed to win outright, but to buy time, gain position, and control the rally.
• Four key third shot options:
  1. Slice Drop/Shovel Drop – Soft, floaty shot for buying time and neutralizing aggressive returns.
  2. Roll Drop – Topspin drop with a lower, quicker trajectory to apply controlled pressure.
  3. Drip – Hybrid between a drive and a drop; deceptive, aimed at opponents’ feet in transition.
  4. Drive – Used to set up an easier fifth shot, not to force winners.
• Targeting strategies: hit to weaker player, attack the middle to cause confusion, and be prepared for the fifth shot.
• Use your serve to set up a favorable third shot.
• Consistency, placement, and intent matter more than power in successful third shots.

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Summary:
In pickleball, the third shot is one of the most influential plays in shaping the point’s outcome. Its primary goal is simple yet strategic—get you and your partner from the baseline to the kitchen line, where you can control the rally and play on your own terms. Rather than going for outright winners, the third shot is about buying time, gaining position, and setting the stage for the rest of the rally. The best players use it as a tool to neutralize aggressive returns and transition from defense to offense.

There are four essential third shot variations that every player should master. The Slice Drop/Shovel Drop is the safest, most reliable way to slow the pace, float the ball into the kitchen, and buy time to move forward. The Roll Drop adds topspin and a lower trajectory, taking away opponents’ reaction time while still allowing you to advance. The Drip is a deceptive blend between a drive and a drop, appearing aggressive but landing short to catch opponents off-guard—especially effective against players in transition. Finally, the Drive isn’t about blasting winners; it’s a setup shot to create a softer reply, making your fifth shot drop much easier.

Targeting plays a huge role in third shot success. Aim at the weaker opponent, attack the middle to cause confusion, and avoid rushing the kitchen after a poor third shot. Preparation for the fifth shot is key—split step as your opponent hits and stay balanced. A bonus tactic is using your serve to engineer an easier third shot, such as serving deep to force a shorter return to your preferred side.

At the pro level, over 90% of third shots land in play, showing the value of keeping them simple, consistent, and purposeful. By focusing on these techniques and strategies, you can transition more effectively to the kitchen line, maintain control of rallies, and ultimately win more points.

Source: Roscoe Bellamy | YouTube

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Tags: 3rd Shot Drive | 3rd Shot Drop | Roscoe Bellamy | Strategy