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How to hit better drops

How to hit better drops

Paul from Pickleball Daily
July 11, 2025

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How to make more drops by Enhance Pickleball

This video provides a comprehensive guide to mastering the third shot drop in pickleball, a crucial shot for advancing players.

The main goal of the drop is to force opponents at the kitchen line to hit the ball upwards, allowing you to move forward and meet them at the net.

The video covers several key aspects of hitting effective third shot drops, starting with technique.

It emphasizes using a short, compact motion rather than a big backswing, as accuracy is more important than power for this shot.

It also discusses aiming for the back portion of the kitchen to increase consistency and force opponents to hit up on the ball.

The video suggests aiming for the ball to cross the net about a foot and a half high for maximum accuracy.

Proper footwork is also highlighted, to consistently catch the ball out in front and rock forward through the ball. It advises staying back after your serve and getting into position early.

Finally, the video includes drills for practice, such as the Progressive Drop Drill and the One Up, One Back Drill, to help players improve consistency and simulate game conditions.

Key Points:

Technique: Use a short, compact swing, maintain a loose grip but a steady wrist, and hit the ball in the center of the paddle.
Aiming: Aim for the back portion of the kitchen, with about a foot and a half of net clearance, and arc the ball over the net.
Footwork: Catch the ball out in front, stay back after your serve, and get into position early.
Drills: Practice the Progressive Drop Drill and the One Up, One Back Drill.
Goal of the Drop: Force opponents at the kitchen line to hit the ball upwards, allowing you to move forward to the net.

Watch the full tutorial here.

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