Pickleball 411: Third Shot Drill

In this episode of Pickleball 411, Matt and Brian Staub of Poach Pickleball once again join our host, Rusty Howes. This week they are teaching us a drill you can do to improve your “Third Shot.” Matt and Brian walk us through all the steps of how you can make that all-important Third Shot a regular and effective part of your game play…and it’s a lot of fun!

[garyjones]

Well said...simple, to the point, all types shots you encounter were covered. Thanks for a job well done.

[pauliesspamhole]

Nice explanation and delivery, Brian.

[badmiyagi]

Yes and no depending on the return. If you're team is able to keep the opponent on the baseline w/deep returns then you move up to net if possible. These two split steps before gaining the net are necessary only of you can't do a deep, effective sliced approach to the net. Much like in a tennis serve and volley approach to gain the net.Here he took it in stages. Those half volleys are not the easiest to execute as you move up. Takes practice and quick hand/eye coordination with good touch as well to do what's shown here.You may be more vulnerable at the baseline and be forced to play defense while the opponent takes the net. Most of the points are won or lost at net around the NV zone also known as the 'kitchen'. Keep playing!

[DAB]

What about the lob as the third shot?  This will certainly give plenty of time to get the back court player up to the net.  It also forces one of your opponents back if they are already at the NV line.

[dinkster]

That is not what a split step looks like, watch an advanced tennis video if you want to move effectively to the net.