Should you drop your third shot? Drive it? Or go for that hybrid shot I’ve been raving about? If you’ve ever found yourself second-guessing your third-shot strategy in pickleball, you’re not alone. In this post, I’m breaking down every third-shot option based on where the ball lands on the court. Strap in—this might just be the most in-depth third-shot guide you’ll find on the Internet!

Mapping the Court: Depths and Heights

To tackle third-shot decisions, I’ve split the court into three depths and three heights. This creates a 3x3 grid of nine possible scenarios, each with its own best play.

Depths:

• Short: From halfway up the court toward the net.
• Medium: A comfortable range, from a bit short of the baseline to just behind it.
• Deep: 3–4 feet behind the baseline, where you’re stretched far back.

Heights (based on contact point):

• Low: Below knee level.
• Medium: Between the knee and belly button.
• High: Above the belly button.

With these zones in mind, let’s dive into your options for each situation.

Short Depth Scenarios

Short and Low (Below Knee):

• Options: Drop or Hybrid (a mix of drop and drive—check my video link below if you’re new to it).
• Why: Driving is tough here—the ball’s too low to clear the net and drop past your opponent. A drop is your safest bet, especially if they’re at the kitchen line. If they’re caught in the transition zone, the hybrid can punish them while they’re moving up.
• Avoid: Aggressive drives—they’ll likely hit the net or sail long.

Short and Medium (Knee to Belly Button):

• Options: Hybrid or Full Drive.
• Why: You’ve got an advantage here, so get aggressive! A hybrid keeps pressure on while setting up kitchen play, or go for a drive if that’s your style. It’s dealer’s choice—play to your strengths.
• Avoid: Dropping—it neutralizes your edge when you could capitalize instead.

Short and High (Above Belly Button):

• Options: Drive.
• Why: This is the dream scenario off a serve. Smash that drive at whoever’s closest—usually the player in front of you. You’re in control, so make it count!
• Avoid: Anything passive—don’t waste this golden opportunity.

Medium Depth Scenarios

This is the “comfortable range,” spanning a few feet inside the court to just past the baseline. Most third shots land here, offering the widest range of choices.

Medium and Low (Below Knee):

• Options: Hybrid or Controlled Drive.
• Why: If your opponent’s off the kitchen line, a hybrid keeps them on their toes. If they’re set at the net, hit a safe drive with margin for error, then follow with a fifth-shot drop to work your way in.
• Avoid: Risky drives—precision matters more than power here.

Medium and Medium (Knee to Belly Button):

• Options: Aggressive Drive or Drop.
• Why: You can push the pace with a strong drive and crash the net behind it. Not a drive master? Drop and follow it in for a solid neutral play.
• Avoid: Hesitation—commit to your shot and move.

Medium and High (Chest Level):

• Options: Full Drive.
• Why: Drive it hard—aim at the player in front if they’re at the net, or target the straggler if one’s lagging. This height begs for aggression.
• Avoid: Drops—they’re too slow to exploit your position.

Deep Depth Scenarios

When you’re 3–4 feet behind the baseline, things get tricky. Here’s how to handle it.

Deep and Low (Below Knee):

• Options: Non-Aggressive Drive.
• Why: A perfect drop is nearly impossible from this far back, and even if you pull it off, you’re too far to reach the kitchen quickly. Drive safely to neutralize their deep return, then aim for a fifth-shot drop.
• Avoid: Drops—too much risk, too little reward.

Deep and Medium (Knee to Belly Button):

• Options: Non-Aggressive Drive.
• Why: Same logic applies—drops are impractical from this depth. Drive to reset the point, then work your way forward.
• Avoid: Overhitting—keep it controlled.

Deep and High (Above Belly Button):

• Options: Drive.
• Why: Even high, a drop from this far back wastes time. Drive to counter their depth, not to win outright, and set up your fifth shot.
• Avoid: Passive play—stay proactive despite the distance.

My Third-Shot Mix and Practice Tips

Personally, I drive about 50% of my third shots, hit hybrids 25%, and drop 25% at most. But everyone’s different—even pros like Ben Johns drop more often than I do. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all guide; it’s how I think through my shots. Adjust it to your skill set!

To nail these, repetition is key. I use my Lobster ball machine—100 balls at a time, no complaints (unlike my hitting partners who tire of groundstrokes). Nothing beats live practice, but the Lobster’s my secret weapon for dialing in drives and hybrids.

Final Thoughts

Your third shot sets the tone—drop to reset, drive to attack, or hybrid to blend the two. By breaking the court into depths and heights, you can match your shot to the moment. Want to master hybrid drives like me? Check out my video linked here. Think through these options next time you’re on the court, and watch your game level up!

Watch on YouTube: FULL Third Shot Formula