Drop or Drive the 3rd Ball? How Tired is your Opponent?

Several factors affect how and where you hit your third ball in a pickleball point but one factor that I don’t think gets enough attention is where your opponent is after s/he hits the return of serve. If your opponent hits a deep, relatively slow return – allowing them time to get to the NVZ - the third-ball drop is probably the best option. This will allow you and your partner time to get to the NVZ, too. But if your opponent is slow to get to the line after hitting the return of serve – either because s/he doesn’t move well, has momentarily lost focus, or is getting tired – a drive third-ball aimed just past your opponent’s NVZ is the shot.

Your opponent will likely still be moving in making their shot more difficult, and if they’re hitting a ball from their ankles, it will likely come back high and you and your partner can put it away. The decision to drive versus drop based on your opponent’s positioning is a split-second decision but if you’re paying close attention, you’ll learn to see the opening. I find myself driving these shots more frequently later in matches and tournaments after my opponents begin to tire. Just a half-step late to the line is all you need steal the advantage from the receiving team. Remember, always be intentional with your third shots.