Drops are dead?

In partnership with

Feel Better, Without Overthinking It

Most of us don’t need a complicated routine. We just want to feel good, stay energized, and not think too hard about it.

AG1 Next Gen is a clinically studied daily health drink that supports gut health, helps fill common nutrient gaps, and supports steady energy. One scoop in cold water replaces a multivitamin, probiotics, and more, so your routine stays simple.

Start your mornings with AG1 and get 3 FREE AG1 Travel Packs, 3 FREE AGZ Travel Packs, and FREE Vitamin D3+K2 in your Welcome Kit with your first subscription.

Tip of the day

Coach Austin Hardy explains why traditional loopy third-shot drops are becoming obsolete and introduces a more aggressive strategy for transitioning to the kitchen.

As paddle technology advances and players improve, a high-arcing drop that simply lands in the kitchen is often too easy to attack.

The new approach involves drawing a straight line to your opponent's shins rather than aiming for a soft bounce in the kitchen.

This straight-line trajectory creates indecision for the opponent, forcing them to choose between backing up or hitting a difficult low volley.

When opponents are forced to take a ball out of the air near their shins, they almost always hit upward, resulting in a popup for you.

A drive is actually a defensive or neutral setup shot used when you are out of position or off-balance to create an easier next opportunity.

A drop should be viewed as an offensive shot, used when you are leaning forward and on-balance to put maximum pressure on the other team.

To avoid hitting into the net when aiming for shins, pick a target spot just a few inches above the net cord to ensure the ball clears.

Hitting drives at seventy percent power is more effective than full power because it allows for better placement and keeps your arm relaxed for the next shot.

The MFWC system—Monitor, Flow, Watch, Crash—provides a structured way to move forward with confidence based on the quality of your shots.

Instead of rushing blindly, you should flow forward when a shot is low and flow back or stay put if the ball is high or attackable.

Key Points:

  • Replace loopy arcs with a straight-line trajectory aimed at your opponent's shins to force errors and popups.

  • Use the drive as a neutral setup shot at seventy percent power to prepare for a winning offensive drop.

  • View the drop as your primary offensive weapon when you are on-balance and leaning into the court.

  • Target a specific window just above the net to maintain consistency while keeping the ball low at the shins.

  • Follow the MFWC sequence to ensure you only crash the net when you have a clear strategic advantage.

Tired of news that feels like noise?

Every day, 4.5 million readers turn to 1440 for their factual news fix. We sift through 100+ sources to bring you a complete summary of politics, global events, business, and culture — all in a brief 5-minute email. No spin. No slant. Just clarity.

Deal of the day

Meme of the day

Sorry, not sorry 🤣

Instagram Post

That’s it for today! As always, thank you for reading. 🙏

If you’d like to support Pickleball Daily and want to read ad-free, please consider a premium membership.

Happy pickling,

Paul