The Third and Fifth Shot Combination

Over the years of playing pickleball there’s been a few common phrases, but one that stands out is “It’s all about the third shot drop.” However, is this still the case?

With the game getting faster and faster, including the serve and return, hitting a third-shot drop is becoming less effective.

Unless the drop moves through the air with plenty of topspin, people will speed up the third, making the fifth shot an even harder one to handle. Enter the dynamic duo of the third shot drive and fifth shot drop.

This combo has become the go-to strategy for many players, and for good reason. The whys and hows of this powerful pairing might not seem obvious at first, but definitely worth exploring.

Image Credit: @saramcinness002

The Importance of the Third Shot

As we all come to understand, the third shot is crucial. After the serve and return, this shot is your chance to set the tone for the rally.

The goal is to keep your opponents on their toes while they establish themselves at the non-volley line. When the receiver is running up to the non-volley line, dropping the ball on them laterally or at their toes makes them work hard for them to hit an effective fourth shot.

As we well know, the third shot drop is not easy to execute and the team hitting the fourth shot is heavily avoiding a pop-up for the serving team. Why is the third shot drop so difficult?

Essentially, the player has the pressure of controlling a fast pace return of serve and countering it with a slower and lower pace drop shot, from about twenty two feet from the other team. 

What’s the Third Shot Drive?

The third shot drive is a powerful, aggressive shot that is struck off of a bouncing ball; the aim is to send the ball deep into the opponent’s court, or right into the body of the person established at the non-volley line, ideally just over the net.

This shot is especially effective because it allows players to strike down on the ball, applying significant pressure on the opposing team.

Picture this: You’ve just served, and your opponents return the ball, likely expecting a softer, slower drop shot.

Instead, you unleash a drive that catches them off-guard. Suddenly, they’re sending the ball back with it ascending towards you and your partner; and at that point you’ve successfully shifted the momentum in your favour.

The Fifth Shot Drop: The Perfect Counter

Time for the fifth shot drop. By the time you reach this point in the rally, the goal shifts. Instead of power, it’s all about finesse and establishing yourselves at the non-volley line.

After your drive (and assuming you didn’t accidentally send it past the baseline), you can follow it up with a drop shot that lands softly in the kitchen, making it nearly impossible for your opponents to respond aggressively.

Image Credit: @saramcinness002

But Why the Fifth Shot Drop?

The fifth shot drop serves a few purposes:

1. Maintain Control: A strong third shot drive - that’s not a straight up winner - will have brought you and your teammate into the court a few steps and you’re now inside the transition zone, closer to the net, so hitting a drive becomes a lower percentage shot.

2. Set Up for the Next Move: A well-executed fifth-shot drop shot should establish your team at the non-volley line and be ready to engage in a full rally at the net. The idea of a third-shot drive is to not start a rally off with chaos but to get to the non-volley zone in a quick couple of shots.

3. Keep Opponents Guessing: When your opponents can’t predict whether you’ll drive or drop, they’ll find it harder to predict what you’re going to do thus making it harder for them to set up their shots. 

The Popular Combo

The third shot drive and fifth shot drop combination has become a go-to strategy at the 3.5+ level and here’s why:

Versatility and Adaptability

Players love the versatility of this duo. Whether you’re facing a newer player or a seasoned pro, this combination can be adjusted to fit any style of play. It’s a strategy that allows for both offensive and defensive play and can be done by one or both players.

High-Pressure Situations

As matches progress, tension builds, players begin to fatigue and nerves can kick in. The third shot drive is a way to apply immediate pressure, forcing your opponents into uncomfortable positions.

Once they’re on the back foot, dropping that fifth shot becomes a very effective way to capitalize on their errors and it also allows for you to hit a slightly higher drop shot - it actually starts to take the pressure off of you, as you’re approaching the net.

Tips for Mastering the Combo

Want to try this fun duo in your next match? Here are a few tips to help you get going on the third shot drive and fifth shot drop:

Practice Your Drives: Spend time refining the technique of a solid groundstroke to ensure you can consistently send the ball deep. Remember, aim for placement over power and begin your drilling with a slower drive, and eventually increase power.

Focus on Touch: When it comes to the fifth shot drop, feel is key. Work on your touch to ensure that the ball lands softly in the kitchen.

Read Your Opponents: Pay attention to your opponent’s positioning. If they’re deep in the court, a drive might work wonders; if they’re close, drop it like it’s hot.

Stay Relaxed: The best players maintain a relaxed grip and posture. Tension can lead to errors, so breathe and have fun.

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