Quick answer: The third shot drop is a soft, arcing shot hit by the serving team on their second turn (the third shot of the point) that lands in the opponent's kitchen. It can give you a chance to move up to the net.
Here is the sneaky truth about pickleball: the serving team starts at a disadvantage. The other team is already closer to the net. The third shot drop is how you fix that, and it is the shot that makes everyone at your court suddenly look very smart.
What is the third shot drop?
Count the shots. The serve is shot one, the return is shot two, and your reply is shot three. Instead of blasting it, you float a soft shot into the opponent's kitchen. A well-placed drop can make an attacking reply harder and may give you time to advance. Watch the quality of your shot and your opponents' response rather than walking forward automatically.
Why it matters
The team at the net has the advantage in pickleball. If you drive the third shot hard from the baseline, you are usually handing them an easy ball to smash back at your feet. A good drop neutralizes that and can help you earn your spot at the kitchen line.
How to hit a third shot drop
- Get your feet set. Bend your knees and stay low.
- Open the paddle face slightly. Think of lifting, not hitting.
- Use a smooth, low-to-high motion. Soft hands, no wrist snap.
- Aim for an arc that peaks before the net. You want the ball to fall into the kitchen.
- Read what happens next. Watch your drop and your opponents' response. If your shot gives you an opening, move forward and be ready for the next ball. If it sits high or your opponents can attack it, stay balanced and respond rather than rushing to the kitchen line.
Third shot drop vs. dink
A dink is a soft shot hit from near the net. A third shot drop is a soft shot hit from farther back so you can get to the net. Same landing spot, different starting spot.
Common mistakes
Hitting it too high, which gives your opponent a free smash. Hitting it too hard, which sends it past the kitchen. Or moving forward without checking how your drop landed. Practice makes it feel natural.
Third shot drop FAQ
Do beginners need a third shot drop?
It helps a lot, but start with serving, returning and dinking. Add the drop when you are ready.
Can I drive the third shot instead?
Yes, and sometimes it works, especially if you hit it low. A drop and a drive are both options. Which one helps depends on the return, your position and what you can execute comfortably.
Where should the third shot drop land?
In the opponent's kitchen, ideally close to the net.
Need the basics first? Read our beginner's guide to how to play pickleball, and check the pickleball terms glossary. Then pick a paddle that matches your confidence from our pastel pickleball paddles for women.