Many new pickleball players, particularly those coming from tennis, like to hit the ball hard. Groundstrokes, passing shots, and third-shot drives, in particular, are often used.
Although these shots have merit, there is a certain time and situation for their use. Overusing or using them at the wrong time can lead to lost points and matches.
Hitting the third shot in pickleball is all about making the right choices on the fly. Players must decide where to hit the ball and what kind of third shot to execute.
The three main shot types are the drop, drive, and medium pace ball. By practicing these shots, players can learn to mix them up during games without overthinking.
What is a third shot drive?
A third shot drive is an alternative to the third shot drop. Rather than dropping the ball into the kitchen, you hit the ball with pace.
This shot is used for a variety of reasons, including to catch your opponent off guard, to punish your opponent for poor positioning, or to set up an easier fifth shot.
How to hit a third shot drive
The number one key to hitting a successful third shot drive is proper balance. When executing this shot, you must ensure that you are in a stable, balanced position.
If you attempt to hit a drive when you’re off-balance, lunging to one side, or even leaning backward, you often hit an improper third shot drive. This enables your opponent to dictate the point because you’ll be scrambling to recover.
Next, you need to position yourself to step into the ball as you hit it, swinging from low to high to create topspin. Ensure you follow through with your swing, finishing with your paddle above your opposite shoulder.
Mastering the third shot drive isn’t about hitting the ball as hard as you can — you simply want to change the pace. Hit the ball hard enough to catch your opponents off guard, but not so hard that it flies off the court.
When to use the pickleball third shot drive
There are a number of factors to consider when selecting your third shot. Consider a third shot drive in these scenarios:
- You are playing in a windy environment. If you are playing in a high-wind environment, you might as well hit a third shot drive. It can be very difficult to control third shot drops in the wind because they often move more slowly and higher in the air.
- If your opponent has weaker volleys. If your opponents prefer to dink everything, test their skills with a drive. Odds are, you’ll catch them off guard, which will set you up for a win.
- If your opponent is slow to the kitchen line. You want to keep your opponents back off the kitchen line. If you notice your opponent is slow to move to the kitchen after your serve, drive the ball fast toward their feet. This will force them to stay back to return the ball.
- Your opponent hit a high return. If your opponent returns the ball closer to the net and it bounces high, it’s time to hit a drive. Doing so will catch your opponents off guard, allowing you time to move toward the kitchen.
- If you’re nervous or tight. It can be hard to execute a third shot drop when you’re nervous because you often squeeze your paddle too tight. Drive the ball until you feel better and then resume your shot selection as normal.
The strategy of a third shot drive
One common misconception about the third shot drive is that it is a point-ender. Too often, players hit a third shot drive and expect it to be the end of the point.
But that’s not true. The true goal of the third shot drive is to set yourself up for a better fifth shot.
Once you hit your third shot drive, you can usually gain one or two steps toward the net. Then, you want to perform a split step and gauge how your opponent will react.
If your opponent blocks or punches the ball back to you, you’ve given yourself an easier and shorter drop shot. If you cause your opponent to pop the ball up, you can charge forward to hit a put-away shot.
As you hit the third shot drive, remember that it’s about gaining ground and control of a point, not hitting an immediate winner.
Take your time and mix it up
It's important not to rush. Take the time to make a conscious choice to drive and focus on the proper mechanics of a drive — don't just hit the ball as hard as you can.
Although the drive can be useful, it's also important to transition between shot types and vary the pace on each to make it more difficult for opponents to return the ball.
Also mix up the angles of the shots. You can hit a shot type crosscourt or straight forward, and from different court positions.
