Master the Drop Shot: Your Transition Weapon

Grasp how to reset the timing and shift gears from protect mode to attack mode with the most tactical shot in pickleball.

What Is a Drop Shot in Pickleball?

A smooth shot into the kitchen that sets you on the road to success

The drop shot, otherwise called the third shot drop, is a soft, arcing shot from the back of the court that lands lightly in the opponent’s kitchen. It is used frequently after a serve return to negate the opponent’s net advantage and allows the player to reposition to the front court. It is an equally key reset shot that rarely gets mentioned in discussions and rarely depicted in the instructional videos/guides.

When to Use a Drop Shot

Not just only for the third shot, use it to regain control

While it’s famously used as the “third shot” after the serve return, the drop shot can be used anytime you’re back at the baseline and need to slow the game down. It forces your opponent to hit upward and gives you time to approach the net.

Common Mistake

Hitting Too Hard

Turns a reset into a setup for your opponent

A common error is swinging like a drive, causing the ball to fly too deep or pop up. Slow everything down, relax your grip and shorten your backswing. Think finesse, not force.

Poor Contact Point

Late hits = high balls or off-target shots

Hitting the ball behind your body or too high results in loss of control. Always meet the ball in front of your body and at a low contact point for a clean, controlled arc.

Stiff or Jerky Motion

Creates erratic, inconsistent results

A tense swing with jerky wrist movement leads to mishits. Keep your swing smooth and relaxed, using your shoulder and arm in one fluid motion with minimal wrist action.

How to Perform a Drop Shot

Soft, controlled, and intentional

Follow these key steps:

Start with a compact ready position behind the baseline.
Use a continental or neutral grip for control.
Watch the ball carefully and position yourself early.
Swing from low to high with a slow, controlled motion, no flicks or jerks.
Contact the ball in front of your body, ideally below waist level.
Use a smooth follow-through toward your target, with a soft arc over the net.
Aim for the opponent’s kitchen, making the ball bounce low and short.

Drop Shot Strategy Tips

Placement beats power

Aim crosscourt for a higher net and more margin for error.
Mix up your depth to avoid predictability.
Transition forward immediately after a well-placed drop to gain the net.
A well-executed drop isn’t just a neutralizer, it creates offensive opportunity.

Drills to Improve Your Drop Shot

Repetition, feedback, and control-focused practice

Drop Shot Ladder: Practice third shot drops from various depths on the court.
Crosscourt Drop Drill: Rally with a partner using only soft drop shots crosscourt.
Feed & Approach: Have a partner feed returns while you drop and move forward.
Target Drops: Place markers in the kitchen and work on consistent placement.