Pickleball Drops: Push, Slice, Topspin and 3 Drills to Improve Consistency

Main Points

• The push drop is the most important drop to master, with a compact motion, no wrist action, and contact out in front.
• The slice drop is best for low balls when a push or topspin drop is less comfortable, but it is the least effective of the three drops.
• The topspin drop is more advanced and relies on early preparation, a concise windshield wiper motion, and forward momentum.
• The best drop targets are crosscourt, up the middle, or to an opponent’s weaker side, while down the line is the riskiest option.
• Drop when you have one foot inside the court, when the ball is short and low, or when your momentum can still move forward.
• Three drills help build consistency: cooperative reps, cooperative competitive pressure drills, and fully competitive live points.

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Summary

This video breaks down the pickleball drop shot from technique to target selection. It explains how to hit a reliable push drop, when to use a slice drop, and how to add a topspin drop once the basics are solid. The key idea is to keep the motion compact, stay out in front, and lift through the shoulder instead of muscling the ball with the arm or wrist.

The push drop is presented as the foundation because it is the shot players will use most often. The video stresses landing the ball deep in the kitchen, ideally at an opponent’s feet, and recommends practicing with simple tosses before adding the paddle. The slice drop is reserved for lower balls, while the topspin drop is treated as a more advanced option that requires early preparation and a short, efficient brushing motion.

A big part of the lesson is where to place the drop. Crosscourt is the safest and most consistent option because it gives more net clearance and more time to move forward. Up the middle is also strong because it removes angles, while targeting the middle backhand can pressure weaker players. Hitting directly down the line is discouraged because it raises the risk of errors and Ernes.

The video also explains when to drop instead of drive. If one foot is already inside the court, the ball is short and low, or your momentum can still move forward, dropping is usually the better choice. To help players build the shot under pressure, the video finishes with three drills: cooperative repetition, a cooperative competitive game to a set number of successful drops, and a live competitive drill that brings in realistic point play.

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Tags: 3rd Shot Drop | Backhand | Consistency | Control | Drop | PickleballPlaybook - Austin Hardy | Push | Slice | Topspin