Most pickleball players think they understand the third shot drop. Hit it soft, add some arc, land it in the kitchen. Simple, right?

Not exactly.

That one-size-fits-all approach is the reason so many third shots get attacked. The reality is, there isn’t just one type of drop, there are three. And if you’re only using one, you’re leaving a massive hole in your game, according to pro player and coach Troy Akin.

Why the third shot drop matters

At its core, pickleball is a race to the kitchen line. Your opponents are already there, waiting, while you’re stuck at the baseline.

And here’s the truth: you can’t win high-level points from the baseline.

The third shot drop is your ticket forward. Hit it low into the kitchen, force your opponents to hit up, and buy yourself time to move in and neutralize the point.

But to do that consistently, you need the right drop for the right situation.

1. The Push Drop: Your go-to shot

This is the foundation. The most reliable, repeatable drop in your arsenal.

The push drop is used when you’re balanced, set up behind the ball, and in control of the point. It’s a smooth, compact swing with a soft arc that lands at your opponent’s feet.

The keys:

- Keep your swing compact (No big backswings)
- Maintain a relaxed grip and stable wrist
- Contact the ball in front of your body
- Add just enough loft to clear the net and drop into the kitchen

Think consistency over flash. This is the shot you should be hitting the majority of the time.

2. The Shovel Drop: Your emergency reset

This is where things get tricky and where many players struggle.

The shovel drop (sometimes called the “scoop drop”) comes into play when the ball gets behind you or pulls you out of position. Instead of forcing a standard drop, you adjust.

With a locked wrist and a lifting motion driven by your legs and shoulders—not your wrist—you “scoop” the ball back into the kitchen.

The keys:

- Accept that you’re out of position
- Use a slightly open paddle face to create lift
- Let your legs and shoulders do the work
- Focus on getting back into the point, not hitting a perfect shot

It’s not pretty, but it’s essential. This shot keeps you alive in rallies you’d otherwise lose.

3. The Drip: The most underrated weapon

The drip is where things get interesting.

It’s a hybrid between a drive and a drop, adding topspin and pace while still landing the ball in the kitchen. The goal? Apply pressure while moving forward.

Unlike the push drop, the drip is more aggressive and requires precision.

The keys:

- Make contact out in front
- Brush up on the ball to generate topspin
- Keep the trajectory lower than a traditional drop
- Avoid overhitting (This is still a control shot, not a full drive)

When executed well, the drip forces weak returns and sets up easy putaways. But it comes with risk: miss your height or pace, and you’re handing your opponent an attack.

Shot selection is everything

Here’s the real takeaway: it’s not about mastering one drop, it’s about knowing when to use each one.

- In rhythm and balanced? Use the push drop.
- Pulled out of position? Go with the shovel drop.
- Got an opportunity to apply pressure? Attack with the drip.

High-level players don’t just hit good shots—they choose the right ones.

The final piece: Recognition and movement

Even the best drop won’t help if you don’t move.

Hit a good drop? Get to the kitchen... fast.

Hit a poor one? Stay grounded, reset, and drop again. Fifth shot, seventh shot, it doesn’t matter. The goal is always the same: earn your way forward.

Because in pickleball, the players who control the kitchen control the match.

And the ones who understand all three drops? They’re the ones winning it.