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Third shot drive

Pickleball / Popular

Drive the third shot hard when the drop is not on.

What coaches agree on

  • Target the drive at whichever opponent hasn't reached the kitchen line yet — a player still on the move has far less control over a volley than one already set up there.
  • Aim the drive low, dipping the ball down near your opponent's feet or ankles as it crosses the net.
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  • Treat a return that bounces above net or waist height as your green light to drive; a ball you have to contact below the waist is better off dropped.
  • Drive rather than drop when the return carries heavy spin, especially backspin or slice, since that spin makes a clean, soft drop very difficult to control.

Common mistakes

  • Swinging all-out for an outright winner instead of a controlled 50-70%-power drive — the harder, flatter ball misses long or into the net far more often than a low, moderate-pace one.