Third Shot Brilliance: Inside Anna Leigh Waters’ Pickleball IQ

Source - Pickleball.com

In the high-speed, high-IQ world of professional pickleball, few players demonstrate better anticipation and decision-making than World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters. In a recent deep-dive discussion with pro player and content creator Kyle Koszuta, Anna Leigh and her mother-coach Leigh Waters shared how they break down one of the game’s most critical moments: the third shot.

And it’s not just about technique—it’s about reading the court, trusting your instincts, and staying mentally engaged every second of the point.

The Serve Sets The Stage

When Koszuta asked how to coach smarter third shot decisions, Anna Leigh’s response was refreshingly strategic.

“The better serve you hit, the weaker the return you get,” she explained. “That makes your third shot easier. If your serve puts pressure on your opponent, they’re more likely to return short or off-balance.”

It’s a simple yet often overlooked reality—your third shot starts with your serve. The quality of that first strike dictates whether you’re attacking or defending on your third.

Drop Or Drive? Read The Return

So how does Waters decide whether to drop or drive the third? It comes down to reading the depth of the return.

“If the return is short, I drop. It’s hard to drive a short return—you’re moving forward, the ball is low, and you don’t have much court to work with,” she said. “If it’s deep, I’m more likely to drive. Anything in between is up to your personal strengths.”

This adaptive approach echoes throughout Waters’ game—playing to her strengths but always adjusting based on the situation.

Spin, Control, And The “Rafa” Finish

Koszuta pointed out Waters’ unique follow-through on some of her third shot drops, comparing it to Rafael Nadal’s trademark spin-heavy style.

Waters confirmed the similarity, noting that this finish allows for more spin, especially when under time pressure. “If someone hits a great return, I don’t always have time to fully follow through. But I can still get heavy spin with that motion.”

However, she warned against over-relying on arm strength alone. “That’s how you injure your shoulder. You have to use your legs and torso to protect your body while generating power.”

Intent-Driven Shot Selection

Every shot Waters hits is intentional. She’s not just returning the ball—she’s setting up the next one.

“Every shot I hit is to create an opportunity to be aggressive,” she said. That means knowing your go-to shot, understanding your opponent’s weaknesses, and crafting a rally around those dynamics.

“If your best shot targets their weakness, you’re golden,” added Leigh Waters. “But if your strength plays into theirs, you’ll need a Plan B.”

This level of strategic flexibility is a hallmark of elite players—and one of the key lessons amateur players can take from Anna Leigh’s game.

Staying Mentally In The Point

Perhaps the most valuable takeaway, though, has nothing to do with shot mechanics—it’s all about mindset.

Leigh Waters emphasized the importance of mental engagement. “Expect every ball. Even if you’re off the ball, you should still be thinking, ‘What would I do with it if it came to me?’”

Anna Leigh echoed this mindset when discussing anticipation. “If you know what your partner’s going to do, you can prepare. If you’re just standing there and they speed it up, you’ll be caught off guard. But if you’re expecting it, you’re ready to finish the point.”

That’s how Anna Leigh Waters separates herself—she’s always in the point, always aware, and always one step ahead.

The Takeaway

Anna Leigh Waters’ third shot decisions are built on fundamentals—strong serves, smart returns, and strategic reads—but they’re elevated by anticipation, self-awareness, and confidence.

For any player looking to level up, her approach is a masterclass in staying aggressive while staying adaptable.

And as her track record shows, that combination is tough to beat.