The Evolving Role of the Third Shot Drive in Pickleball

Understanding the Third Shot Drive

The third shot drive has emerged as a crucial element in professional pickleball, though its significance has shifted from what many players might assume. Andrei Daescu, a leading professional on the PPA Tour and captain of MLP's Columbus Sliders, shares insights on this evolution. In his column for The Dink Pickleball, he notes that the drive is no longer primarily viewed as a finishing move. "In the past, players often used the third shot drive to secure an outright point or to force a weak return," Daescu explained. However, he emphasizes that this is no longer the main objective.

Today, top players utilize the drive to set up a more advantageous drop shot. A well-executed drive compels opponents to respond quickly, increasing the likelihood that their return will be less effective, thus making the subsequent drop shot easier to play. As Daescu puts it, "A good drive forces your opponents to react quickly. They have less time, they're more likely to hit a ball that sits up, and suddenly, your next shot, the drop is much easier."

Daescu clarifies that the drive and drop shot complement each other rather than one replacing the other. He states, "The drive isn't replacing the drop. It's setting it up," highlighting the importance of this strategy in the fast-paced nature of modern pickleball.

This change in approach is evident as players are now opting to drive not just on the third shot but also on the fifth or even seventh shot during rallies. Daescu explains, "They're not looking for a highlight-reel winner. They're trying to create a more favorable ball that lets them get to the kitchen under control." He concludes with a valuable lesson for players aiming to enhance their skills: "If you want to steal something from today's pro game, steal that. Stop thinking of the drive as an all-or-nothing attack. Start thinking of it as the first move in a sequence." According to Daescu, this shift in mindset has significantly transformed the game of pickleball.