Landing the Third Shot Drop: A Practical Walkthrough

The third shot is your team’s way of getting from the baseline up to the kitchen line. The receiving side moves forward first, so servers begin each point behind. A well-placed drop reverses that by dying softly in the kitchen, where attacking is hard.

The problem it solves

After you serve, the opposing team returns and then steps up to the line. They now hover at the net while you stand around 40 feet away. A hard drive gives them a volley aimed at your shoelaces. A drop forces them to wait for a bounce and hit upward, and that delay is your chance to advance.

How to hit it

Arrive early and plant. Stop moving before contact, because a drop struck on the run tends to fly long or float high.
Hold a continental grip, the same one you use for dinks and volleys, so the face can open a bit without changing your hand.
Lift from low to high, driving with the shoulder instead of flicking the wrist, like tossing a ball underhand.
Send the ball up so it crests on your side of the net and drops into the kitchen. If it peaks past the net, it will float.
Let your follow-through point at the landing spot.
Advance behind the shot, taking a few steps and split-stepping as the opponent hits.

Habits that ruin drops

Wristy flicks, which wreck distance control
Over-swinging a shot that needs touch
Watching from the baseline after you hit
Never varying the shot, so opponents creep forward. Throw in a drive now and then

A drill to build feel

Start at the baseline with a partner at the kitchen line. Have them feed a moderate ball, hit a drop and step forward twice. Repeat from the new spot, and continue until you reach the line. Ten repetitions three times a week develops touch faster than games alone.

Does the paddle help?

Thicker, softer paddles keep the ball on the face slightly longer, which makes drops more forgiving. If yours often sail deep, consider a control-minded model from our ten-paddle shortlist and browse the current codes beforehand.