Hitting an effective third shot drop and moving to the net is a critical tactic in pickleball needed to advance your game to the 3.5+ level. Of course, not all third shot drops are great, and you don’t want to rush in on a poor shot.
You and your partner need to watch the third shot drop and determine if it is good, and you should advance together if it is a good shot.
The player hitting the drop shot should communicate if it is bad saying something like, “Stay Back!” or “Heads Up!”
Don’t Rush in on the Third Shot Drop
Some inexperienced players just remember being told, get to the net, get to the net, and don’t always understand when or why they are doing it. They just rush in after any third shot, good or bad.
Don’t make this mistake, watch the drop shot of your partner carefully before rushing in. Some advanced players may signal a good drop shot by saying something like… “Let’s go”, indicating it’s safe for the 2 of you to move in.
If the drop shot can be volleyed or smashed back at you, maybe move in a bit but lower yourself and be ready to defend.
Some Partners May Not Know What You Are Doing
You may be in an open play venue playing with someone you don’t know well. If your partner doesn’t know your playing style, it’s always good to tell them you will use drop shots.
An inexperienced partner who doesn’t know what you are doing may be frustrated that you are occasionally hitting what looks to be a lazy shot and popping it up or missing it short into the net… they don’t understand what you are doing or how to play it because they don’t use drop shots.
If they question your approach, educate them.
Pickleball Third Shot Drop Rushing in Scenario
In the illustration below a bad drop shot is hit to the defensive player in front of your partner. Your partner rushes in hoping to put away any mistake made by the defensive player. They get the ball smashed down on them.
1. You hit a bad drop shot that is too deep and high at the opponent in front of your partner. You know it is bad and will be volleyed back at you or smashed. You lower yourself and prepare to defend.
2. Your partner doesn’t watch it carefully and charges forward to the kitchen line. They get the ball smashed down on them from close to the net.
Always watch the drop shot carefully and don’t charge in on a bad drop shot.
Summary
Watching the third shot drop and deciding when to move in aggressively is something you will get better at with experience.
It is a judgement call. If you see the ball will just clear the net and bounce low, move in quickly to the net.
Your opponent may be reaching to play a volley back at you or your partner, move in a bit and get ready to hit a 5th shot drop at them.
Lastly, if the ball bounces high your opponent may back up to play a drive shot back. When you see this, hold your position, get in a defensive, low position and be ready to respond.