How to hit buttery 3rd shot drops! 🍿

And the top 5 paddles for under $100! đź’°

Deal of the Day

I’m putting this at the top of today’s newsletter because this is one of the best paddles on the market, and it doesn’t ever go on sale! 🔥

Tip of the Day

Mastering the 3rd Shot Drop by ThatPickleballGuy - Kyle Koszuta

The 3rd shot drop is a technique where you hit the ball softly over the net on your third shot so you can get to the kitchen safely.

Kyle suggests keeping a loose grip, swinging less, and lifting the ball.

The goal is to hit the drop shallow enough in the kitchen (close to the net) or low enough in the air so that your opponent must hit up on the ball.

Hitting up on the ball puts your opponent at a disadvantage because you’ll be able to hit down on your 5th shot!

Key Points:

  • Keep a loose grip on your paddle for more control (around a 3/10 grip strength)

  • Swing less and lift the ball to ensure it goes over the net.

  • The goal of the drop is to force your opponent to hit up on the ball.

Gear Review of the Day

The Top 5 Pickleball Paddles for under $100 by The Pickleball Studio

Chris from The Pickleball Studio lists his top paddles for under $100. Here is a summary of his favorites!

  • Adidas Drive: a good beginner paddle with reasonable performance.

  • SixZero Sapphire: has a low swing weight, making it fast in the hand.

  • SLK Evo 2.0 line: offers different models and shapes for various player needs.

  • Ronbus R1.16: a control paddle with incredible spin.

  • Vatic Pro Prism: considered the best value performance paddle, great for control.

Meme of the Day

Who else questions the nature of their existence when it’s raining and they can’t play??? 🤣

That’s it for today! Thanks for reading. Please reply to this email if you have any feedback about today’s newsletter.

Happy pickling,

Paul