Hitting an effective third shot drop and moving to the net is a cornerstone of advancing your pickleball game to the 3.5+ level. Of course, not every third shot drop is a masterpiece—sometimes it’s more of a “third shot flop.” Rushing in on a poorly executed drop shot can turn into an unintentional gift for your opponents.
You and your partner need to assess the quality of the drop shot together. If it’s good, advance as a team. If it’s bad, the player hitting it should communicate with something like, “Stay back!” or “Heads Up”.
If you landed here from a search and feel this content lacks context, check out the foundational post on the Third Shot Drop:
Pickleball Third Shot Drop – Your Best Third Shot Option
Don’t Rush in on the Third Shot Drop
Some players hear, “Get to the net! Get to the net!” so often that they start rushing in blindly after every third shot—good, bad, or downright ugly. Don’t fall into this trap.
Instead, watch your partner’s drop shot carefully. If it’s floating in the air like a gift-wrapped present, stay cautious. Some advanced players may signal a solid drop shot by saying something like, “Let’s go!”—a much better option than the classic deer-in-headlights approach.
If the drop shot looks smashable or volley-worthy for your opponents, proceed with caution. You might inch forward, but stay low, paddle up, and be ready to defend.
Some Partners May Not Know What You’re Doing
Playing with a partner you don’t know well, especially in open play, can sometimes feel like an awkward first date—there’s a lot of guessing involved. If your partner doesn’t know your playing style, it’s a good idea to give them a quick heads-up that you’ll be using drop shots.
An inexperienced partner might look at your third shot drop and think, “Why are they hitting that lazy shot?” or worse, wonder why it’s popping up or dropping into the net. They might not understand what you’re doing or how to react because drop shots aren’t in their arsenal yet.
If they question your approach, take the opportunity to educate them—gently. After all, teamwork and understanding go a long way, especially when you’re trying to elevate both your games.
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: Mastering the Third Shot Drop – When to Move In
Watching the third shot drop and deciding when to move in aggressively is a skill that comes with practice—and a bit of pickleball intuition. It’s all about reading the play and making the right judgment call.
If you see the ball just clearing the net and bouncing low, don’t hesitate—move in quickly to the net like you’re claiming the best spot at a crowded café.
If your opponent is stretching to volley it back at you or your partner, take a step forward but stay grounded. Be ready to deliver a controlled 5th shot drop right back at them. Keep the pressure on without overcommitting.
Finally, if the ball takes a high bounce and your opponent steps back to set up a drive, it’s not time to charge in. Instead, hold your position, stay low, and prepare to defend like a pro. Sometimes, the best move is simply being ready for whatever comes next.
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