5 Modern 3rd Shot Drop Techniques Shaping the Future of Pickleball

Modern pickleball players are more athletic, more aggressive, and more skilled than ever before. Your third shot strategy needs to reflect that reality.

The third shot drop. It's the bread and butter of pickleball strategy, the shot that separates players who understand court positioning from those who just show up and swing.

But here's the thing: if you're still hitting the same drops you were hitting even just a year ago, you're getting left behind.

Love pickleball? Then you'll love our free newsletter . We send the latest news, tips, and highlights for free each week.

That's the core message from Jordan Briones of Briones Pickleball Academy in his latest breakdown. Here, he cuts through the noise and identifies five distinct drop variations that have become essential to competitive play.

More importantly, Briones explains not just how to hit them, but when and why you'd choose one over another.

The Evolution of a Fundamental Shot Let's be honest: the third shot drop has always been important. It's the response to a deep return of serve, the moment where you either neutralize your opponent's advantage or hand them the point on a silver platter.

But the game has evolved. Players are faster, more athletic, and more aggressive than they were even a couple years ago. That means the old playbook doesn't cut it anymore.

Why Professional Pickleball Players Abandoned the Slice Shot in 2025

The slice didn’t die because it was a bad shot. It’s gone extinct because the gam... FULL ARTICLE FOUND ON: https://www.thedinkpickleball.com/5-modern-3rd-shot-drop-techniques-shaping-the-future-of-pickleball/