Third Shot Drops Drills

Before you drill
Before diving into the drills, it's important to understand the foundational moments of pickleball, such as serving and dinking, as well as more advanced techniques like ernies and third shot drops. These aspects of the game are crucial to master in order to excel on the court.
The aims of this article is to simplify the learning process by categorizing key moments in a rally and compiling them all in one convenient location. A variety of drills have been carefully selected for players to explore, each with a detailed summary, explanations on how they can enhance specific skills, and instructions for execution.
These drills are specifically designed for beginners, and covers a wide range of skills and techniques to help players improve their game. Whether you're looking to enhance your serving accuracy, work on your dinking technique, or perfect your third shot drop, you will find a comprehensive set of drills to satisfy your needs.

THIRD SHOT DROPS EXPLAINED
Mastering the third shot drop in pickleball is crucial if you want to elevate your game. This shot, which is executed after the return of serve, is designed to delicately drop the ball over the net, putting your opponents in a defensive position. It's important not to confuse this shot with a third shot drive, as the objective here is to make the ball bounce softly and die near the net. The ultimate goal is to land the ball in the kitchen, just over the net, forcing your opponents to hit upwards and allowing you to take control of the point from the net.
When it comes to gripping the pickleball paddle for a third shot drop, it's all about having soft hands. The grip style is less important than the pressure you apply. To maximize control, you should minimize the pressure on the grip, avoiding a tight squeeze. Since you'll likely be executing this shot from just off the baseline, it's crucial to have soft hands like silk.
Proper footwork and body position are essential for executing the third shot drop effectively. As you prepare to hit the shot, ensure that your feet are in a good position and your body is square to the net. Take small, quick steps to get into the right position and keep your weight on the balls of your feet. When hitting the shot, try to stay low and keep your paddle face more open than closed. This will result in a soft landing of the ball in the kitchen, as if it's about to stick to the court. Remember, the aim is for the ball to gently rest on the court upon landing.

THIRD SHOT DROPS DRILLS

Wall Drops
Enhance your accuracy and control with the third shot drop by practicing Wall Drops. This unique drill involves bouncing the ball over a 3-foot obstacle, mimicking the arc of a third shot drop. It may seem unconventional, but it's a fun and effective way to improve your skills on the court.
Find an object that is approximately 3 feet high, whether it's in your driveway or on the court, and position yourself about 10-12 feet away from it. Practice hitting the ball so that it clears the obstacle with the perfect arc, just like you would aim for with a third shot drop.
Wall Drops are designed to help you refine your precision and control when executing drop shots. By setting up the obstacle, standing in the correct position, and focusing on your technique, you can work on hitting the ball accurately and with control to improve your overall game.
Follow these steps to perform Wall Drops effectively: set up the 3-foot obstacle, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and paddle in hand, drop the ball and aim to clear the obstacle with the right arc, concentrate on your technique, repeat the process multiple times until you feel confident in your drop shot abilities. Practice makes perfect!

Return and Drop
Looking to enhance your skills in executing a third shot drop from various return types? Look no further than the Return and Drop drill. This particular drill involves your partner hitting a range of groundstrokes to mimic a return of serve, and your task is to respond with a well-executed drop shot.
To begin, position yourself at the baseline while your partner stands at the opposite end of the court. Your partner will then hit a groundstroke, simulating a return of serve. It is now your turn to showcase your skills by executing a precise drop shot in response.
The purpose of this drill is to refine your ability to execute a third shot drop from different types of serves. As you perform the drill, pay close attention to your technique and focus on hitting the ball with accuracy and control.
Repeat the drill multiple times, allowing yourself to become more comfortable with executing the third shot drop. Practice makes perfect, so keep at it until you feel confident in your ability to execute this shot effectively.