If you’re over 50 and serious about improving your pickleball game, you’ve probably heard a lot about the third shot drop. While it may not be the most important shot in the game (more on that in a future post), it is the most talked-about—and for good reason.
When executed correctly, the third shot drop helps neutralize your opponent’s advantage and gives you time to advance to the kitchen line. But if your third shot is either landing in the net or floating so high it gets smashed, you’re not just frustrated—you’re giving away points.
Let’s fix that.
Why Your Third Shot Drop Matters for Pickleball Players Over 50
As we age, our speed, reflexes, and recovery time can change. That means strategy and consistency matter more than ever. Mastering the third shot drop is about control—not power—and control is the great equalizer, especially for players over 50.
3 Common Third Shot Drop Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
❌ Mistake #1: Using the Wrong Stroke for the Third Shot Drop
Most players set up their third shot like a traditional groundstroke. They rotate their body, pull their paddle back, and try to drive the ball over the net. This creates two problems:
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The ball often skims the net or
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Pops up too high, becoming an easy smash for your opponent.
✅ Quick Fix:
Use a lift-through motion, not a drive-through stroke. Start with your paddle down and out in front, then gently lift through the ball. Think about getting net clearance and a soft landing in the kitchen.
❌ Mistake #2: Taking Too Big of a Backswing in Your Third Shot Drop
A backswing adds power—but the third shot drop isn’t about power. Too much backswing adds excess energy, which causes the ball to pop up or travel too far.
✅ Quick Fix:
Keep your paddle movement compact. Your paddle should not go behind your body. Imagine your paddle is on a hinge from your shoulder, and you’re simply guiding the ball forward and up. Short, soft, and controlled.
❌ Mistake #3: Gripping the Paddle Too Tightly During Your Third Shot Drop
Tension is the enemy of touch. When your grip is too tight, your whole arm tightens—from your hand to your shoulder, and even your jaw! That tension transfers into the ball, making your shot stiff and hard to control.
✅ Quick Fix:
Check your grip pressure. On a scale of 1 to 10, aim for a 3 or 4. Think of holding a hammer—firm enough to stay in control, loose enough to move smoothly.
Improving your third shot drop isn’t just about better technique—it’s about becoming a smarter, more confident player. Clean up these three mistakes, and you’ll be on your way to more consistent play, stronger strategy, and a more enjoyable time on the court.
Together, we can train smart, live bold, and age well.
Source: Johnson, C. (2025, May 10). Three quick fixes to your third shot drop. Better Pickleball. https://betterpickleball.com/three-quick-fixes-to-your-third-shot-drop/