Master the third shot—the most critical shot in pickleball—with these five variations that separate beginners from competitive players.

The 5 Third Shots Every Pickleball Player Needs (And When to Use Each)

The third shot is the moment in pickleball where everything changes. After the serve and return, you face a decision that determines whether you spend the rest of the point at the kitchen line fighting for dominance or stuck at the baseline watching your opponents control the net.

Mastering multiple third shot options transforms you from a one-dimensional player into someone who can adapt to any situation. Here are the five third shots every competitive player needs in their arsenal.

1. The Third Shot Drop (Soft Game)

When to use it:

• Your opponents are already at the net
• You want to neutralize aggressive players
• The return was deep and you're both pinned back
• Your opponents have strong volleys

Why it works: The third shot drop is the great equalizer in pickleball. By hitting a soft, arcing shot that lands in the non-volley zone (the "kitchen"), you force your opponents to hit upward. This eliminates their ability to attack and gives you time to move forward.

Execution tips:

• Aim for the apex of the arc to be on your side of the net
• Hit with a loose grip—think "push" rather than "swing"
• Watch the ball all the way to your paddle
• Follow through low and toward your target
• Practice until you can land 7 out of 10 in the kitchen

Common mistake: Hitting it too hard. A third shot drop that goes long is just a gift to your opponents.

2. The Third Shot Drive (Aggressive Option)

When to use it:

• Your opponent's return was short or weak
• The returner is slow getting to the net
• Your opponents are stacked or out of position
• You have a clear opening down the line or middle

Why it works: Sometimes the best defense is offense. A well-placed drive can catch opponents before they're ready, force a weak response, or even end the point outright. Modern pickleball has seen the third shot drive become increasingly popular at the professional level.

Execution tips:

• Attack the middle when opponents are confused about who takes the ball
• Drive at the body of the player who's slower to react
• Keep your swing compact—don't telegraph the shot
• Aim low over the net to reduce reaction time
• Be ready for a fast exchange if they return it

Common mistake: Driving when you should drop. A drive into the net or out of bounds hands the point to your opponents.

3. The Third Shot Lob (The Reset)

When to use it:

• You and your partner are both pinned deep
• Your opponents are aggressive poachers at the net
• You need time to reset and get to the kitchen
• The wind is in your favor

Why it works: A high, deep lob buys you precious seconds to advance to the net while forcing opponents to hit upward. It's particularly effective against players who stay too close to the kitchen line or who struggle with overheads.

Execution tips:

• Hit the lob with topspin so it stays in bounds
• Aim for the baseline, not the opponents
• Communicate with your partner—you both need to move forward together
• Use sparingly; predictable lobs get smashed
• Practice hitting lobs from different positions on the court

Common mistake: Lobbing too short. A lob that lands inside the service box is an easy overhead for skilled opponents.

4. The Angle Third Shot (Side-to-Side)

When to use it:

• One opponent is significantly better than the other
• You want to isolate a weaker backhand
• Your opponents are crowding the middle
• You need to create space for your next shot

Why it works: Not every third shot needs to go straight ahead. Angling your third shot drop toward the sideline can pull opponents off the court, open up the middle, or exploit a weak backhand. This creates opportunities for your next shot.

Execution tips:

• Aim for the sideline just inside the kitchen
• Use a backhand for angles to the left (if you're right-handed)
• Communicate with your partner about coverage
• Be ready for a cross-court return
• Don't over-angle and hit it out

Common mistake: Angling too aggressively. A third shot that goes wide gives opponents a free point.

5. The Fake Drop, Drive Hybrid (Deception)

When to use it:

• You've established a pattern of dropping
• Opponents are cheating forward early
• You want to keep opponents guessing
• You're comfortable with both drops and drives

Why it works: The best players use their setup to disguise their intentions. By using the same preparation for both drops and drives, you force opponents to hesitate. That split second of indecision is often the difference between a winning shot and a defensive scramble.

Execution tips:

• Use identical preparation for both shots
• Decide at the last moment based on opponent positioning
• Mix up your patterns—don't become predictable
• Practice both shots until they're equally comfortable
• Watch how opponents react to each option

Common mistake: Telegraphing your shot with your body language or paddle position.

Building Your Third Shot Game

Practice Progression:

1. Week 1-2: Master the basic third shot drop. Hit 100 drops daily from the baseline to the kitchen.

2. Week 3-4: Add the drive. Practice alternating drop-drive in drills with a partner.

3. Week 5-6: Incorporate the lob and angles. Work on placement over power.

4. Week 7+: Play games where you must use each third shot option at least twice.

Decision Framework:

Ask yourself these questions before every third shot:

1. Where are my opponents positioned?
2. How deep was the return?
3. What's my strongest option right now?
4. What pattern have I been using?
5. What gives my partner the best chance to succeed?

Final Thoughts

The third shot is pickleball's defining moment. While beginners often default to one option, competitive players have multiple tools they can deploy based on the situation. The goal isn't to hit perfect third shots every time—it's to make smart decisions that give you the best chance to win the point.

Start with the third shot drop, add the drive, then layer in the other options. Before long, you'll be dictating play from the very first exchange rather than reacting to your opponents.

The best third shot is the one that gets you to the kitchen with control of the point. Everything else is just noise.