In the last post taken from Jeff Shank’s tips, the role of the non-receiving partner during the serve was covered. You can watch that video tip at the following link:

The non-receiving partner’s role

After learning the basics of pickleball, i.e. double bounce rule, non-volley zone, keeping score, volley, lob, ground stroke, etc. one of the next essential skills that proves to be hard to learn, but very necessary, is the third shot drop shot.

Everyone, including Jeff Shank in this video, acknowledges that hitting a good third shot drop shot from the baseline is a skill that is hard to perfect for most people. Keep in mind, however, that hard does not mean impossible. The video below contains a good number of Jeff’s hints pertaining to the the serving team’s third shot.

Listed below are some of the key points presented in the video. See if you can find the answers as you watch! (stay with the video because it does have some very good ideas throughout.)

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• As a member of the serving team, where should you be standing after the serve?
• Who has the advantage according to each team’s relative position on the court?
• What are the three possibilities when attempting the third shot into the kitchen and which of the three needs to be avoided.

 

NOTE – Jeff points out that one does not need to get to the non-volley zone on the first attempt after a drop shot.

• What should you do when your partner is the one hitting the third shot? Where should your team be standing? What are the options? (I see the mistake Jeff points out all of the time especially with beginners. I sometimes make the mistake as well, but I have learned to try to avoid it.)
• At the 16:25 mark, Jeff shows a technique for practicing the third shot drop shot. I have found this helpful and I think most players will also benefit from starting this type of practice to improve their third shot skill.

 
Key points when hitting the the successful third shot:

• Where are the safest/best places to hit the ball?
• When to avoid hitting the third shot into the kitchen or NVZ?

NOTE – To find out about this series of posts, i.e. 100 Pickleball Strategies by Jeff Shank, read the first post HERE

 

To See additional Pickleball Videos Covering Many Aspects of the Game Click Here (primarily for beginners and less experienced players)

Check out Additional Pickleball Info and Videos! (for all players including average to more experienced players)