Mastering the Third Shot Drive in Pickleball: When to Hit Hard and Why It Works
Mastering the Third Shot Drive: When and How to Use It Effectively
In the fast-evolving world of pickleball, the third shot drive has moved from an occasional tactical wrinkle to a core strategy for players looking to dictate the pace of play. Traditionally, the third shot drop—a soft, arcing ball designed to land harmlessly in the kitchen—was considered the gold standard for neutralizing a stronger opponent’s serve return. But as pickleball grows faster and players become more aggressive, the third shot drive has taken its place as a disruptive, high-pressure option.
It’s a shot that, when executed with precision and purpose, can flip the dynamic of a point, forcing errors, creating openings, and seizing momentum.
What Exactly Is the Third Shot Drive?
In pickleball, after the serve (first shot) and the return (second shot), the server must hit the third shot.
Traditionally, the goal of the third shot was to neutralize the advantage held by the returning team, who is already positioned at the net.
The third shot drive, however, challenges this notion. Rather than lofting a soft shot into the kitchen, the server blasts a more aggressive, lower ball—typically with topspin—directly at the opponents, ideally catching them during their transition to the non-volley zone.
“It’s a power play,” says Ben Johns, world No. 1 men's singles player. “You’re not giving them a soft ball to feast on. You’re pushing them onto their heels, forcing a weak volley or a pop-up you can attack.”
When Should You Use a Third Shot Drive?
Understanding the right moments to pull the trigger on a third shot drive separates effective players from reckless ones. Experts and elite coaches highlight several key situations:
1. Short or High Returns
If your opponent’s return bounces too high or too short, it’s practically an invitation to drive. A high-bouncing ball allows you to step into the shot with balance, leverage, and power.
2. Opponents Caught Transitioning
When you notice opponents lingering in no-man’s-land—the perilous area between the baseline and kitchen—attacking them with a drive can be devastating. Players moving forward are vulnerable to low, fast shots at their feet.
3. Windy or Unpredictable Conditions
Soft third-shot drops can be tricky in gusty conditions. Drives, on the other hand, cut through the wind with less variability.
4. Exploiting Weaknesses
Some players have weaker backhands, slower reactions, or difficulty defending drives. Identifying these soft spots during a match and targeting them can turn the tide.
5. Setting Up a Fifth Shot Drop
Advanced players sometimes use a third shot drive not as a kill shot, but to set up a fifth shot drop. If the drive draws a weak volley, you can then calmly drop into the kitchen under better conditions.
How to Execute an Effective Third Shot Drive
Footwork and Preparation
Good drives start with good feet.
Position yourself behind the ball, knees slightly bent, and weight balanced forward. Rushed or off-balance drives often lead to unforced errors.
Grip and Swing
Use a continental or slightly eastern forehand grip to promote topspin. The swing should be smooth and compact—not a wild tennis forehand. Focus on brushing up the back of the ball to generate topspin, which helps the ball dive after crossing the net.
Target Selection
Where you aim matters as much as how hard you hit:
At the opponent's feet: The most difficult ball to return cleanly.
Middle of the court: Creates confusion between partners about who should take it.
To the weaker opponent: Always exploit a known weakness.
Controlled Aggression
Many beginners make the mistake of swinging too hard. Instead, think “heavy and controlled.” About 70-80% of your full power usually produces the best results.
The Pros and Cons: When Driving Can Backfire
Like any weapon, the third shot drive comes with risks.
A poorly executed drive can sit up and beg to be crushed by alert opponents at the kitchen line. Worse, driving too often without variation can make you predictable.
Pickleball coach Simone Jardim emphasizes this balance:
"The third shot drive is a tool, not a religion. Use it when it’s smart — when you have position, time, and the right ball height. If you drive everything, good opponents will punish you."
Learning when to mix in a drop shot keeps your game versatile and your opponents uncertain.
Drills to Sharpen Your Third Shot Drive
To incorporate a third shot drive into your repertoire, deliberate practice is key. Here are a few favorite drills:
Target Practice
Set up cones at opponents' feet positions and aim drives during drills.
Transition Zone Attack
Practice hitting drives while your partner stands in the transition zone, simulating real in-game timing challenges.
Drive and Advance Drill
After hitting your third shot drive, immediately move forward behind it. Work on flowing toward the net to maintain pressure.
Real Game Examples
In the 2024 APP Tour Championships, player JW Johnson masterfully blended third shot drives with drop shots, using powerful topspin drives to force volleys and then finishing points at the net. His opponents were left guessing, often committing early or mishitting returns.
At the amateur level, players who incorporate drives selectively tend to dominate matches where opponents are not ready for the pace and aggression coming at them on the third shot.
Conclusion: Embrace the Modern Game
The third shot drive represents the modern pickleball philosophy: bold, aggressive, and dynamic.
While the third shot drop remains a fundamental skill, players seeking to compete at higher levels must embrace the flexibility of a well-executed drive.
Mastering the third shot drive is not about abandoning the old ways — it's about adding a powerful new chapter to your pickleball playbook.
As coach Jardim aptly puts it:
"The best players are unpredictable. They can caress the ball one point and hammer it the next."
Train your drive. Study the right moments. Mix it with finesse. And watch your game—and your opponents—change dramatically.