The Best Third Shot Drop for Pickleball Players Over 50

Main Points

• The push drop is presented as the simplest and most reliable third shot drop for players of any level.
• The key motion is like closing a drawer, with a short, forward push and a mostly horizontal paddle path.
• Keeping the paddle angle slightly open or closed controls height and helps keep the ball low.
• The best target is usually the middle kitchen area, with more advanced players able to aim wider.
• The purpose of the drop is to force the opponent to hit up on the ball and give you time to move in.
• A major mistake is rushing forward too early instead of split stepping and getting balanced before contact.
• Topspin and slice drops are not recommended here because they add unnecessary difficulty for most players.

---

---

Summary

This video explains a simple third shot drop that is designed to be easy to learn and highly consistent. The shot is a push drop, built around a short forward motion that feels like closing a drawer. The focus is on keeping the paddle path steady and using paddle angle to control the ball’s height.

The ideal target is generally the middle of the kitchen area, where the ball forces the opponent to hit up and gives you a chance to move forward. The video also shows that the drop does not need to land perfectly in the kitchen to be effective. As long as it stays low and makes the return difficult, it is doing its job.

A key point in this video is that many players lose the point after a good drop because they rush in too soon. Instead, the player should split step as the opponent is about to hit, stay balanced, and then move forward with control. That timing helps prevent hitting shots while off balance.

The video also compares this push drop to other drop styles, including topspin and slice. The message is that those shots can work, but they require more skill and practice. For most players, especially those looking for a dependable third shot drop, this simpler approach is the best place to start.

---

---

Tags: 3rd Shot Drop | Consistency | Control | Kitchen | pickleball third shot | Positioning | Split Step | Still Got Game | Strategy | Third Shot