Unlock the often-overlooked fourth shot and learn three powerful variations that can turn neutral rallies into winning opportunities.

The Fourth Shot in Pickleball: 3 Variations That Win Points

Most pickleball instruction focuses heavily on the first three shots: serve, return, and third shot drop. But what happens after that? The fourth shot is where rallies really begin, yet it's often overlooked in training and strategy.

The fourth shot comes after your opponents' response to your third shot drop. It's your chance to establish control of the point, move to the net, or create openings for future shots. Mastering the fourth shot separates good players from great ones.

Here are three fourth shot variations that will elevate your game.

1. The Counter-Drop (Soft Response to Soft)

When to use it:

• Your third shot drop was returned with another drop
• Both teams are exchanging soft shots from the transition zone
• You need time to get to the kitchen line
• Your opponents hit a good drop that lands short

Why it works: When both teams are exchanging drops, the game becomes a patience contest. The counter-drop neutralizes your opponents' positioning advantage and keeps the ball in play while you move forward. It extends the soft game exchange until someone makes a mistake or creates an opening.

Execution tips:

• Hit with minimal backswing—just a soft push
• Aim for your opponents' feet or the corners of the kitchen
• Stay low and balanced—knees bent, paddle out front
• Use a continental grip for better control
• Follow through toward your target, not up
• Keep the ball low—if it bounces high, you're vulnerable

Positioning: After hitting a counter-drop, split-step and continue moving forward. The goal is to reach the kitchen line while maintaining control of the point.

Common mistake: Trying to attack a good drop. If your opponents hit a perfect drop that lands in the kitchen, attacking it often leads to errors. Accept the soft exchange and wait for a better opportunity.

2. The Drive Volley (Aggressive Response to Weak Drop)

When to use it:

• Your opponents' response to your third shot was weak or popped up
• The ball is above net height when it reaches you
• You have a clear angle to attack
• Your opponents are still moving forward and off-balance

Why it works: Not all drops are created equal. When opponents rush their response or mishit the ball, it presents an opportunity to attack. The drive volley takes advantage of these mistakes before opponents can recover their position.

Execution tips:

• Keep your wrist firm—don't flip at the ball
• Aim for open court or at the body of the closer opponent
• Hit through the ball, not down on it
• Stay compact—minimal backswing
• Follow through toward your target
• Be ready for a quick exchange if they return it

Targets:

• Down the line: Best when opponents are stacked or shifted
• At the body: Forces a weak response and takes away angles
• The middle: Creates confusion between partners
• Cross-court angle: Exploits weak backhands

Common mistake: Attacking a ball that's not attackable. If the ball is below net height or you're not in position, driving it usually results in an error. Be selective about when you attack.

3. The Lob Reset (Buying Time and Changing Rhythm)

When to use it:

• Your third shot drop was attacked aggressively
• You're pinned back and need time to reset
• Your opponents are crowding the kitchen line
• You want to change the rhythm of the point
• The wind conditions favor a lob

Why it works: The lob reset is a defensive shot that serves an offensive purpose. By hitting a high, deep lob, you force opponents to move back, hit upward, and give up the net position. Even if they return it, you've bought time to get to the kitchen and reset the point on equal terms.

Execution tips:

• Use an open paddle face and brush up the back of the ball
• Aim for depth—baseline or just inside
• Hit it high enough to clear opponents but not so high they have time to position
• Add topspin so it drops quickly in the back court
• Communicate with your partner—you both need to move forward after the lob

When NOT to use it:

• Indoors (ceiling height issues)
• Against opponents with strong overheads
• When you're too close to the net (easy put-away for opponents)
• When opponents are already deep

The Strategy: Use the lob reset sparingly—maybe once or twice per game. Its effectiveness comes from surprise. If you lob too often, opponents will camp back and crush your lobs.

Reading the Situation: Which Fourth Shot to Use

Decision Tree:

1. Is the ball above net height?

   • YES → Consider attacking (drive volley)
   • NO → Go to step 2

2. Is the ball in the kitchen?

   • YES → Counter-drop
   • NO → Go to step 3

3. Are you under pressure?

   • YES → Lob reset
   • NO → Counter-drop and move forward

4. Is there an opening?

   • YES → Attack
   • NO → Keep the rally going with a counter-drop

Practice Drills for Fourth Shot Mastery

Drill 1: Drop Exchange

• Player A hits third shot drops from baseline
• Player B returns with soft drops from the transition zone
• Player A hits counter-drops while moving forward
• Focus on soft, controlled shots that land in the kitchen
• Continue until someone makes an error

Drill 2: Attack the Mistake

• Coach feeds balls to Player A at various heights
• Player A must decide whether to drop or attack
• Below net height = drop
• Above net height with good position = attack
• Track decision accuracy and success rate

Drill 3: Lob and Reset

• Player A hits third shot drops
• Coach attacks aggressively
• Player A must lob reset and then move forward
• Coach returns the lob, and Player A plays out the point
• Focus on buying time and getting to the kitchen

Drill 4: Game Simulation

• Play points starting from the fourth shot position
• Both players start at the transition zone
• Coach feeds a ball to Player A (the fourth shot)
• Player A must choose the right variation based on the feed
• Play out the point

Common Fourth Shot Errors

Error 1: Always dropping Some players are so committed to the soft game that they never attack. While consistency is good, you're missing opportunities to end points when your opponents make mistakes.

Error 2: Always attacking Other players try to attack every ball, even ones that aren't attackable. This leads to unforced errors and easy points for opponents.

Error 3: Telegraphing your shot Opponents can read your intentions if you prepare differently for drops vs. attacks. Use the same setup for both, then decide at the last moment.

Error 4: Poor positioning Your fourth shot options are determined by your position when the ball arrives. If you're too far back, you can't attack effectively. If you're too far forward, you can't handle deep drops.

Error 5: Not moving after the shot Whatever fourth shot you choose, you need to continue moving forward (or sometimes backward). The fourth shot isn't the end—it's the continuation of your journey to the kitchen.

Advanced Fourth Shot Concepts

The Fake Drop: Use the same preparation for a drop and an attack. At the last moment, decide which to hit based on opponent positioning. This hesitation creates openings.

The Angle Drop: Instead of hitting your counter-drop straight ahead, angle it toward the sideline. This pulls opponents off the court and opens up the middle for your next shot.

The Soft Drive: Not quite a full drive, not quite a drop—a medium-paced shot that lands deep in the court. It's hard to attack but easier to execute than a perfect drop.

Building Your Fourth Shot Game

Week 1: Practice counter-drops exclusively. Get comfortable with soft exchanges from the transition zone.

Week 2: Add drive volleys. Learn to recognize when a ball is attackable.

Week 3: Incorporate lob resets. Practice hitting high, deep lobs under pressure.

Week 4: Play games where you must use each fourth shot variation at least three times.

Week 5+: Focus on decision-making. Recognize situations and choose the right shot automatically.

Final Thoughts

The fourth shot is where pickleball transitions from a scripted opening (serve, return, third shot) to a dynamic rally. It's your first opportunity to read the situation and choose a response based on what your opponents give you.

Many players reach the 3.5 level without ever thinking about their fourth shot. They just react. But by understanding these three variations—the counter-drop, the drive volley, and the lob reset—you can turn neutral situations into winning opportunities.

The best fourth shot isn't always the most aggressive one. It's the one that sets you up for success on the next shot. Sometimes that's a soft drop. Sometimes it's a hard drive. And sometimes it's a high lob that buys you time to reset.

Master these three variations, and you'll control more rallies, win more points, and frustrate opponents who thought they had you figured out after your third shot.