The third shot drop is vital for winning more points in pickleball, especially as players advance to higher levels. While there are many ways to execute this shot, understanding the proper technique, timing, and situations for different drops can transform your transition game.
1. The Push Drop
The push drop is a classic defensive option that is exceptionally consistent for beginners. It produces high loft — which stands for "lots of freaking time" — giving you the necessary time to advance to the kitchen line.
- Technique: Set up with a slightly open paddle face and swing from the shoulder while keeping a neutral, unbroken wrist. Turn your shoulder rather than hitting square to the ball. Let the ball reach its apex and fall into the paddle, following through toward your target to generate slight backspin.
- When to Use: This drop is best used when you are caught in transition (such as right after a drive that your opponents blocked) or when the ball takes you outside your primary contact point zone.
2. The Shovel Drop
A variation of the push drop, the shovel drop is utilized over 50% of the time by top pros like Ben Johns.
- Technique: Get low in your stance to get under the ball while keeping your paddle tip slightly elevated. Cock your wrist slightly inward and sweep around the outside of the ball.
- When to Use: Use this shot when the ball gets at or behind your body, or takes you outside your stance. It provides extra reach, allowing you to place the ball into the deuce side of the court while regaining your balance.
3. The Forehand Topspin Roll Drop
The forehand topspin roll drop is an aggressive, offensive option designed to put maximum pressure on opponents. The topspin causes the ball to dip quickly below the net, forcing opponents to hit upward and creating pop-up opportunities for your partner to crash.
- Technique: Maintain a firm wrist and use a low-to-high motion with your whole arm to create brush, rather than rotating or "windshield wiping" your wrist. Contact the ball in front of your back knee after it reaches its apex and starts falling. Keep the paddle face slightly open at contact, brushing the side bottom of the ball for added sidespin.
- Cons & Risks: Precise timing is critical; taking this ball on a short hop instead of letting it drop from the apex often leads to pop-ups and mistakes.
4. The Two-Handed Backhand Roll Drop
The two-handed backhand roll drop is growing in popularity because the extra hand provides additional stability and control.
- Technique: Get extremely low in your stance, feeling as if you are sitting in a chair. Turn your front shoulder toward the target and let your non-dominant hand drive the shot with a low-to-high brushing motion on the backside or outside of the ball. Complete the stroke by finishing with your chin near your opposite shoulder.
- Training Tip: Practice by taking your dominant hand off the paddle, choking up with your non-dominant hand, and executing opposite-hand topspin drops.
- Pros & Cons: It creates high pressure and exceptional consistency once mastered, but it requires a strict commitment to getting low and takes time to learn.
5. The Backhand Slice Drop
When pulled out of position, the backhand slice drop is one of the most reliable options to reset the rally. It offers extended one-handed reach and produces loft to give you time to recover and advance to the net.
- Technique: Keep a firm, cocked wrist to avoid a floppy paddle or a "karate chop" motion. Approach the ball with your hands together, then separate them as you execute a high-to-low-to-high path that resembles a Nike swoosh. Use your big muscles to control the movement.
- When to Use: Use this whenever you are pulled wide or off-balance and need to reset yourself before playing the next ball aggressively.
6. The Chariot Whip Drop
A newer technique emerging at higher levels of play, the chariot whip drop offers an alternative way to generate topspin without finishing across your body.
- Technique: Position your back leg directly behind the ball and make contact in front of your body. Catch the ball on its descent after it reaches the apex, letting it fall into the paddle face. Instead of finishing on the opposite shoulder, finish the stroke on the same side of your body by bringing the paddle up to "answer the phone".
- Why Try It: This drop delivers both loft and topspin, making it a valuable option for players who struggle to generate topspin using traditional cross-body mechanics.
Whether you are seeking defensive consistency with push or slice drops, or looking to attack with forehand rolls and chariot whips, incorporating these six variations into your training will make your transition game far more adaptable and effective on the court.