You’ve served. Your opponents return the ball deep. Now it’s your move—and this next shot may just decide how the rally plays out. It’s the third shot, and whether you choose to drop it softly or drive it with power, one thing’s for sure: this shot is your first real opportunity to take control of the point.
Why the Third Shot Matters
In doubles pickleball, the returning team usually gains the advantage early. They hit the return and run straight to the net, claiming the most powerful position on the court. Meanwhile, the serving team starts further back, automatically at a disadvantage, and needs to find a way to join them up front—without giving away an easy putaway.
That’s where the third shot comes in. Keep it low, and you neutralize the return team’s advantage and create your own opportunity. Hit it high, and you may never make it to the kitchen line.
So: should you drop or should you drive?
The Drop Shot: A Path to the Net
The third shot drop is a soft, controlled shot aimed to land in the opponents’ kitchen. It forces them to hit up on the ball, neutralizing their ability to attack. Even better, a well-placed drop is a slower shot that gives you and your partner time to move forward and join the rally at the non-volley zone.
The drop isn’t about flash—it’s about precision and patience. It’s a tool to reset the point, shift momentum, and take away your opponents’ offensive edge.
Tips for the Drop
Use a slow, low-to-high swing with a loose grip.
Make contact out in front and below the net level.
Aim for a gentle arc that lands just over the net in the kitchen.
Be consistent—even if your drop isn’t perfect, it still slows the game down.
The Drive: Apply Pressure
In contrast, the third shot drive is about forcing errors and keeping your opponents on the defensive. A fast, low shot can catch opponents off guard, especially if their return is short or their positioning is weak. When timed right, the drive sets up a fifth shot drop or even an outright winner depending on who you’re playing.
Against strong teams already set at the net, a third shot drive can play right into their hands. They’ll volley it back just as fast, and now you're stuck at the baseline defending a low, fast ball. The third shot drive can take away time from your opponents, but keep in mind, it can take away your time as well. Remember, hitting a drive does not give you more time to get to the line. The ball is traveling fast, so if you want more time, you need to hit a slower, arching ball, to get into position.
Tips for the Drive
Drive with purpose—don’t just swing hard.
Use about 60-70% power and focus on topspin to keep the ball low, dipping below the net to neutralize your opponents by forcing them to hit upwards.
Aim low and target their weaker side or body.
Set up in a nice stable position and contact the ball out in front for consistency and control
Be ready for the counterattack—and follow up with a drop or lob if needed.
Making the Right Choice
So how do you decide whether to drop or drive? Well, it depends on your skill set, your opponents, and the return you’re given.
Drop when:
The return is fairly deep, low and you’re on balance.
The return is short, but low.
You need time to move forward.
Your opponents are strong volleyers.
Drive when:
The return is deep and you’re off balance.
It is a short return with a high bounce.
You’re confident in your power and accuracy.
You want to change the rhythm or exploit your opponent's weakness.
Ultimately, the best players use both. They know how to read the situation, switch strategies mid-rally, and keep their opponents guessing. The third shot isn’t just a routine play—it’s a moment of decision, and when you make the right call, the rest of the point often follows.
Ready to take your game up a level? Start by owning your third shot—drop when it’s time to build, drive when it’s time to strike.