In pickleball, points usually follow a familiar sequence: a serve, a return of serve, and then the third shot. That third shot is one of the most important in the game because it helps you and your partner move from the baseline to the Kitchen line, where most points are won.

The two most common options for the third shot are the drop and the drive:

• Third Shot Drive – a fast, hard shot designed to put immediate pressure on your opponents.
• Third Shot Drop – a soft, controlled shot (like a longer dink) intended to land in your opponent’s Kitchen and neutralize their advantage.

Which one you choose often depends on your style of play and the situation.

When to Hit a Drive

A third shot drive works best when:

• Your opponents hit a short return with a high bounce.
• You’re off balance and need a quicker, simpler option.
• You want to set up an easier drop on your fifth shot.

Drives can force weak replies, giving you the chance to transition to the Kitchen line on the next ball.

When to Hit a Drop

A third shot drop is usually smarter when:

• Your opponents hit a low return that’s tough to drive.
• You’re pushed deeper in the court and need time to move up.

Drops neutralize your opponents’ net advantage and give you and your partner time to advance.

Keys to a Successful Third Shot

• Stay back after the serve. Remember the two-bounce rule, the serve and return must bounce. Be ready behind the baseline.
• Move your feet and stay low. Take small steps and position yourself so you strike the ball out in front.
• Favor your forehand when possible. Most players are stronger on the forehand, but practice both sides to stay balanced.
• Compact swing, full finish. Use a short backswing, but follow through after contact for consistency.
• Advance to the Kitchen. After a quality third shot, move forward to the line. If your shot isn’t strong enough, hold back, play defense, and use your next opportunity (often the fifth shot) to get in.

Where to Place the Third Shot

Placement matters just as much as shot choice. Smart targets include:

1. Your opponent’s backhand (usually the weaker side).
2. The middle of the court, which gives you more margin for error and can cause confusion.
3. The returner (who is often still moving after their shot).

If you’re hitting a drop, consider going crosscourt, since that path takes the ball over the lowest part of the net and gives you more space to work with.

The third shot is both one of the most important and one of the toughest shots in pickleball. Whether you hit a drop or a drive, the goal is the same: to transition from the baseline to the Kitchen line and take control of the rally.

Like most skills, the third shot takes practice. Get out on the courts, work on both the drop and the drive, and learn when to use each. Mastering this shot will put you and your partner in the best position to win more points and more games.