As reviewed in the previous post, you will need to use the third shot drop effectively and consistently to advance to the 3.5+ skill level in pickleball. The pickleball 5th shot drop is just another drop shot you hit after attempting a third shot drop.
The 5th Shot Drop
In the illustration below a third shot drop is attempted. It is volleyed back by the defender and another drop shot; the 5th shot drop is attempted.
Navigating through the transition zone to the kitchen line can be challenging. In many cases multiple drop shots are needed.
Of course, it’s essential to ensure your drop shot has enough power to clear the net. A shot too short ends the point. Knowing this, you will be focused on not ending the point and at times will hit drops shots too deep. Over time you will get better and more consistent but even then, you will hit bad drop shots. This is ok and is part of the challenge of becoming an advanced player. You need to keep hitting drop shots to advance.
If your drop shot is too long your opponent will look to smash or volley it back. Move forward slightly, adopt a defensive stance, and be ready for their return.
If your opponent can volley your drop shot but has to stretch to reach it, they probably won’t be able to put the shot away.
Instead, they will volley the attempted drop shot back toward you or your partner’s feet to keep you back. In this case, attempt another drop shot (the 5th shot drop).
Pickleball 7th Shot Drop – Don’t give up
If your next attempt comes back to you, execute a 7th shot drop and so on.
Keep hitting drop shots until you successfully land a drop shot in front of your opponent forcing them to hit a dink return or volley with an upward motion.
On each shot, if your opponent can’t put the shot away, you may take a step or two forward slowly making your way to the kitchen line.
You are slowly moving through the transition zone as you put pressure on your opponent with each drop shot.
Summary – Don’t Give Up
If your third shot drop isn’t perfect and is volleyed back, try another drop shot.
After hitting a good shot, move in towards the net quickly.
Failing to move in means you’re not ready to counter your opponent’s response. As you move in, if your opponent tries to volley a shot back at you and it is above net height, use your quick hands to put the shot away. Their response will likely be moving upward, and this is just what you are looking for to end the point.
Experienced opponents will recognize a good drop shot and know you are closing in and will just do a dink return. If they do this, you have succeeded and can now fight it out in a dinking rally.
Be assertive and advance on a successful drop shot to finish the play or get into a dink rally.