Third Shot Drop vs. Drive: Which Should You Use And When?
In pickleball, the third shot is a turning point. It’s where the transition begins—from serve to strategy, from baseline to kitchen. But with two popular options on the table—the third shot drop and the third shot drive—how do you decide which one to use?
Spoiler: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best shot depends on your skill set, your opponents, and the rhythm of the rally.
Let’s break it down.
Source: The Dink Pickleball
What’s A Third Shot, Anyway?
To rewind a little: the third shot is the shot hit by the serving team after the return of serve. Since the two-bounce rule forces you to stay back, it’s your opportunity to either neutralize the rally or seize control.
And that’s where things get strategic—do you drop it gently into the kitchen to buy time and advance? Or drive it with pace and pressure to catch your opponents off guard?
The Third Shot Drop – The Art Of Softening The Game
The third shot drop is a gentle arc into the opponent’s kitchen, ideally just clearing the net. It forces them to hit up, gives you time to move forward, and sets the stage for a soft, strategic battle at the net.
When to Use the Drop:
You're up against aggressive net players who love pace
You and your partner are trying to move into the kitchen line
You want to slow the game down and shift control
Pros:
Gives you time to move forward
Disrupts rhythm and resets the rally
Useful against hard-hitting teams
Cons:
High-risk if executed poorly (a high drop is basically a gift)
Demands finesse and touch
Requires consistent practice to be effective under pressure
The Third Shot Drive – Injecting Pace And Pressure
On the other side, the third shot drive is all about speed and aggression. You hit it hard and fast at your opponent, hoping for a weak pop-up or a mistake you can pounce on.
When to Use the Drive:
You spot a gap in your opponent’s formation
Your opponents stand too far back or leave their paddle low
You want to disrupt early and play more aggressively
Pros:
Can force errors and create immediate offense
Easier to execute at lower levels
Pairs well with a strong fifth shot drop or attack
Cons:
Keeps you stuck at the baseline if opponents reset well
Less margin for error (miss your target, and it backfires)
Doesn’t give you time to move forward as cleanly
So… Which One’s Better?
Here’s the truth: you need both.
Pickleball is evolving. Players today blend soft finesse with raw power—and the best players know when to switch gears.
The drop and the drive aren’t rivals; they’re partners in your toolkit.
Think of it like this:
Early in a match? Test both and see what your opponents handle better.
Your drops getting attacked? Mix in some drives to throw them off.
Your drives not working? Slow it down with a reset and regroup.
The Smart Player’s Shortcut: Drop Or Drive?
Final Thoughts
Smart pickleball is about adjustment, not just execution. Knowing how to hit a drop or a drive matters—but knowing when to use each is what separates casual players from true tacticians.
Start practicing both. Learn to read the court. Mix up your shots.
And next time you’re stepping up for that third shot? Trust your feel, read the play, and commit.
Because sometimes, the best shot… is the one they don’t expect.