The third shot in pickleball has long been viewed as a pivotal moment—especially for the serving team. Traditionally, this shot was almost always a drop shot, gently placed into the opponent’s kitchen to neutralize their position and give the serving team time to move up to the non-volley zone (NVZ) line. But as the game has grown faster and more aggressive, players are now expanding their toolbox, frequently using the third shot drive, followed by a fifth shot drop, as part of a modern tactical sequence.

So which is better—a third shot drop or a third shot drive and a fifth shot drop? The answer lies in your comfort level, your opponent’s positioning, and, most importantly, your ability to place the ball where it can’t be attacked.

 The Golden Rule: Don’t Feed the Attack

Regardless of which shot you choose, your primary objective remains the same: hit a ball your opponents can’t attack. A poorly placed drop shot or an errant drive that sits up too high is often a recipe for trouble. It allows your opponents to stay aggressive and push your team back. The goal is to take away their offensive advantage by forcing them to hit up on the ball or reset the rally.

Third Shot Drop vs. Third Shot Drive (and Fifth Drop)

• The third shot drop is ideal when you want to slow the pace, take time to transition to the net, and avoid a fast-paced exchange. It’s a high-percentage play that gives your team the opportunity to “reset” the rally and establish NVZ position.
• The third shot drive is more aggressive. It’s useful when your opponents are slightly off-balance, or when you want to force a weak volley or pop-up. If your drive does not end the point or result in a mistake from your opponents, you’ll often need to follow it with a fifth shot drop—a second chance to slow things down and advance with control.

Many advanced players now favor a combination approach: drive the third, see how the rally unfolds, and drop the fifth if necessary. This gives you flexibility while still preserving the fundamentals of sound court positioning.

Placement Over Power

No matter which shot you choose, placement is what matters most. Whether it’s a drop or drive, you should aim to land the ball where your opponents cannot easily counterattack—ideally low and in the kitchen. Even a fast third shot drive should be aimed at your opponent’s feet or backhand side to limit their ability to respond aggressively.

Practice with Purpose

Drop shots, whether third or fifth, require touch, control, and repetition. Practice hitting soft, controlled shots that fall just over the net and land deep in the kitchen. If you’re working on your third shot drive, follow it with a fifth drop drill so you’re prepared to reset the point if needed.

Final Thoughts

Pickleball strategy is evolving—and so should your approach to the third and fifth shots. Whether you drop or drive, the key is being able to place the ball with purpose. Develop both shots, know when to use each one, and you’ll gain the upper hand more often than not.