How to Hit an Aggressive Third Shot Drop in Pickleball

Pro tip: get low, and focus on your shoulder motion far more than your wrist

The third shot drop is one of the most important shots in pickleball, and it's also one of the most frustrating to master.

Most players struggle with it because they're trying to finesse the ball with their wrist, which leads to inconsistency and mistakes. But according to Tanner Tomassi, there's a simpler, more reliable way to hit an aggressive third shot drop that works every time.

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Lock Your Wrist and Use Your Shoulder

The biggest mistake players make with the third shot drop is relying too much on their wrist.

It feels natural to try to finesse the ball in with a delicate wrist motion, but that approach is incredibly inconsistent. Instead, Tanner recommends keeping your wrist completely locked throughout the entire shot.

When your wrist is locked, you eliminate one of the biggest variables in the shot.
Your wrist won't accidentally flick or twist at the wrong moment, and you won't accidentally add too much pace to the ball.
Instead of using your wrist, focus on using your shoulder to brush the ball from low to high.

This shoulder motion is what creates the spin and control you need for a reliable drop shot.

Get Low and Get Underneath the Ball

The second key to hitting an aggressive third shot drop is getting underneath the ball with your legs.

This isn't just about bending your knees, though that's part of it. You need to position your body so that you're actually underneath the ball when you make contact.

When you're low and underneath the ball, you can brush upward with your shoulder while keeping your wrist locked. This combination creates the perfect recipe for a drop shot that lands softly in the kitchen but still has enough pace to be aggressive. Your legs do the work of getting you into position, and your shoulder does the work of creating the motion.

The Result: Consistency and Aggression

By combining a locked wrist with a shoulder brush motion and getting low underneath the ball, you'll hit third shot drops that are both consistent and aggressive.

You won't have to worry about the ball popping up or sailing long. Instead, you'll have a reliable shot that puts pressure on your opponents while keeping the ball in play.

The beauty of this approach is that it removes the guesswork from the shot. You're not trying to feel your way through it or rely on touch. You're using a repeatable mechanical motion that works every time you execute it properly.