Hope you enjoyed this video! To go a step further, challenge yourself & take ThatPickleball IQ Test to see how well you really know the game. VERY FEW get 10/10. I dare you to try: 😊 thatpickleballtest.typeform.com/to/YuHaz4N6
Hi, I’ve just turned 68 and have been playing pickleball for a very short time. I have been searching UA-cam for the basics and tips and techniques to help me understand the game more and hopefully help me improve. Your explanation and demonstration of shots are excellent which makes it a lot easier to understand. Thank you for posting these instructional videos. Playing sports is all about having fun, you certainly capture that.
Just wanted to say, as an enthusiastic beginner (my wife says "obsessed"!), I've watched a LOT of pickleball videos from a lot of different creators. For me, yours are the best. Very clear explanations (even when they include Newtonian physics!), very helpful tips, things I can really apply (or at least try to!) in my next game, and fun video editing. Thank you very much!
Kyle I’m also a certified instructor, I just watched this video of the third shot drop and it’s almost identical to the way I teach. You’re extremely gifted teacher, your knowledge of the game, your explanation breaks it down basics. But lastly you can tell you love teaching, it’s your gift! This is my first time seeing you on video but I’ll definitely be adding you in with the others. I was very blessed to become friends with Simone Jardim I was able to get private lessons. Tony Roig another friend that I think does a wonderful of the game. So I’m adding you to the list and I’ll be passing this on to my students! Great job!
I've been working with a coach, and drop shots from the baseline and mid court have been so difficult. Everything you're demonstrating in this video is consistent with what my coach is doing, but your tips, along with the added visuals, are immensely helpful. I have a tennis background, and backswinging is a hard habit to break. Thank you for making this video.
Thanks for the pointers. I think you said it right about grip pressure - if you hold the grip tightly the paddle acts like a springboard. If you hold it loosely it acts more like a trampoline or bed. The ball stays in contact with the paddle face longer and so you have more control.
Great video and demonstration. Couple things I tell my students: if the swing ends above the net the ball will go over the net. I also tell students that if they consider their lower body, (the legs and hips) acts as a steering wheel, helps in direction....and hit as if there are 3 balls in a row. I also say the tighter the grip the more mass is behind your paddle...so yes, lose grip. Great stuff.
3 weeks into pickleball--your videos are great. Especially doing things like L1 L2 L3... makes it easy to remember. Keep them coming. I"m a tennis player, but loving the similarities AND differences with my new sport!
Kyle, I really like how you set up your instruction. The animation helps tremendously to reinforce your explanation on these skills. Unfortunately, my time to play is down to only Saturdays now, and being able to go back to the videos for a refresher is so great. Keep them coming. I swear I learn something new every single time.
I found this video very, very helpful and useful. My only critique is when discussing the height of the ball (or the apex) of the shot, it was difficult to see the ball how "high" it went against the backdrop of the white wall.
Great point by your aide. I have been trying to figure out what the arc of the ball should be on a drop shot and have never been able to find a definitive answer. Now I know the apex should be on my side. Thank you thank you.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Your videos are so informative and helpful. I've posted this before and maybe it's just happening on my browser (Safari) but whenever you point up and say click this video I never see anything appear up there. Just wanted you to know. Are you at any tournaments in or near Ohio this summer/fall? Would love to come to see you play live.
Thanks for letting me know!! I Had to correct this on a few previous videos. I messed it up. On this specific video. The video I reference actually comes out in the next couple weeks! ahh. Sorry. So it will show then. UA-cam is kinda funky. sometimes. Still getting better at it.
ANOTHER great video. Great teacher hitting on nuances that are essential to learning, and for me, x-tennis guy, pinpointed at where I always fail (swing side to side when I should be lifting). So thanks for the.......GREAT LIFT. :).....made my mrning !
Kyle, your videos are truly wonderful. You explain things so well, very thorough and detailed to help us really get what you are saying. And you are also very entertaining too! Thank you. Keep up the great work.
Thank you for the thorough explanation! I’m a new subscriber. Just started learning to play pickleball without any sport background. Got any tip on beginner more affordable paddle?
Kyle, I really enjoy your videos and always recommend them to my students. At the beginning of each beginner session I tell the students that they are holding an egg in their hands.Every time I touch their hands and change a grip or explain how to hit a forehand I can always tell when they broke their egg.
Love the 3 Ls! It gives me 3 simple things to remember when I am executing the 3-rd shot drop. And that's what I call a good teaching video! I am still not very clear how to add spin with a loose grip... But maybe those 2 things can't be done together... But maybe that is a separate topic. Great video!
Love your videos! You cut to the chase....been playing about 3 years after playing tennis many years. Don't need a lot of hand holding, just why i am i getting lit up by better players on certain days in certain situations... Where can i put this shot in this situation? What do i need to master to improve? etc. You spell it out in 18 days with good humor....BRAVO!
I would LOVE to see a video on how to return shots that come my way FAST & with a ton of spin. Topspin & sidespin. Most of my balls go into the net. And yes, im a 3.5 player, the guys with the advanced shots are usually 4.0+, at Open Play courts. I love playing against better players, but those "super spin" shots drive me crazy. So, maybe a video about returning those and/or shot strategy (?)
My coach helped me return spin. He told me to stiffen your arm from elbow through to your wrist, one entire arm position. Doing this allows me to have the strength and guidance to get the spin ball back. Hope this helps.
@@lsee6145 I will try. You want your arm to be straight and stiff from your elbow all the way through your wrist. It’s all on one plane I guess. Easier to show someone than tell them. Hope that was clearer because it works well.
Hey Kyle, great stuff! When you were demonstrating the top spin drop it seems like you were hitting and dropping back after the shot. Or the balance was shifting backwards after the shot. Is that intentional or do u transfer the weight forward to allow the momentum to take you forward to the NVZ?
you are fantastic. i notice something - (because i do the same) your right foot it in front of your left - and, i find that EASIER for drops. Heck, sometimes I feel like i hit it more square on a drive too. Do you? Also, thanks for how you explain things. thanks for keeping it FUN too !!
Gosh i made this video a long time ago. I still believe in dominant foot in front. But have also have been experimenting lately with some alternative footworks like Being square. But some of that is dependent on what ball im receiving and
Omg youre whole intro 🤩👏 literally taking the words out of my mouth that i tell my Introduction classes!! Get out of my head! And keep making great videos!! Great articulation, makes so much sense for me!
you discuss the importance of a top spin 3rd shot drop. def understand that (the ball spin and effect on opponent trying to attack it). does this mean it's not that great to do 3rd shot backspin drops? can you please explain this in detail? thanks!
Quick question about L1 - Loose Grip… when I loosen my grip, I feel like I get more “rim” “band” or “not sweet spot” hits leading to an inconsistent ball flight? When that happens , I feel like I’m not keeping my eye on the ball or maybe it’s bc I’m still carrying over my bad habit swings from Table tennis?! Aka, trying to do the advance option to the MAX! Tons of top spin!
Consider. A soft grip absorbs the power from the incoming shot and the slow (from the shoulder) response uses the large muscles to accurately push the ball over the net. Similar to putting in golf. The large muscle groups bring repeatability and consistency.
So if I want to hit topspin with my drop would I be able to have my paddle out to the side but still apply that lifting motion rather than side to side?
I learned that you can think of the grip on a scale of 1-10. One coach told me like for being up at the kitchen and returning a fast ball that comes right to your chest, hold the paddle at a 3 grip so it drops right over net - a reset. So maybe a 3rd shot drop same? It really helped me because if I held the paddle with a 10 drip on that reset shot - it instead flew right back to the back line even if I had no swing and just held the paddle. The loose grip helps!
I like your video and explanation much better some video from other coaches I like the fact you actually demonstrate these shots together during talking and very clear! Thank you!
That was a great instructional video on the 3rd shot drop. Your teaching style is easy to follow, clear and concise and provides an easy one, two, three model to remind us of what to remember when we are on the court drilling our 3rd shot drops. BTW, the training video doesn't pop up on the screen. I'm sure that it is coming though. 😉
Trying to 3rd shot drop on a grip pressure scale 1 to 10. From backline grip pressure at 7 to 8, transition zone grip pressure at 5 to 6 & kitchen zone grip pressure at 3 to 4. Would do you think?
Loved the video the only thing that I felt was unrealistic was that the return of serve is usually deep and hard so in your video your third shot drops were made from easy returns. I would have liked to see those third shot drops being made from hard return of serves. Thanks
Yep, did that a lot for teaching purposes. BUT, as I mentioned in the video, if you serve it harder, you will generate a lot of short returns. Which is what you want. It's a real skill to be able to return the ball deep and hard! But working on them from the baseline is a must for sure! Thanks for bringing it up.
Hey Kyle. I'm a 4-ish level player with a decent ability to hit a hard, deep topspin service return. I can also consistently hit a more floaty, but also deep, serve return. I find the floaty return almost always gives me time to get fully to the net. The power return is hard to handle for lower level opponents, but easy for higher level opponents, where I use the more floaty return, but get all the way to the net. Thoughts?
Great tips again. Adding top spin is for later, after you have consistently hit third shots IN and without high bounce. Third shot top spin needs tons of drills as initially you will find your shots going into net due to miss timing your shots. And using an 'eastern grip, if not familiar adds to problems ' hitting away from target.
Tennis shot used to be lifting and pushing before top spin became dominant technique. Is the same happening with PB? Paddles spin rating reached beyond 2000 RPM but none of the shots demoed here utilized such spin.
Yes, that's coming soon, either tomorrow or next week. Making that decision tonight. I said click here, only because I know this next video would be done this week, and wanted people to be able to go right to the drill video for the future. So just one week delay! But it's coming soon, i promise.
I think it's super hard to explain these things that for most seasoned players is mostly intuitive. I know how to do this stuff based on my feel for the game, but being able to articulate how I'm doing it to beginners has been a challenge. I think you nailed it with the looser grip and also the removal of the back swing!
I am wondering, how you would adjust if you set up for a drop but notice the opponent didn't advance towards net, do you switch from that short backswing to drive or would you still drop? Love your explanation and humor!!😅
That Guy has lots of enthusiasm and I think it adds good flavor to the videos. There's levity with sound instruction - lots of fun. Anyway - these drop shots feel weird at first - some feel like they won't go over the net - other times it feels like you are giving them an easy shot. You really have to hit a lot of them to remove that weird feeling. With my backhand, I want to slice through the ball instead of lift - that's a bad habit I'm working on.
I find that bending my knees slightly in preparation helps the lifting motion of the 3rd shot drop when the knees are extended during the stroke. It contributes to the "touch", in addition to the light grip. Also, sometimes I find that I have to come forward quickly against a perfectly placed drop shot and for a change of pace, I perform a forehand "shovel shot" hitting the lower pole of the ball...basically a back spin that sometimes surprises my opponent who will pop up the return for my partner to put away.
Wondering if an underspin 3rd shop drop would be as effective, or more effective, than a topspin drop. Can you explain why, or why not ? I’m a new Pickleball player ( former tennis player ) Also, differences between drop shot and dink ?
Drop shot happens from the baseline. Dink happens up near the kitchen. And on my backhand, i exclusively use a backspin because I find it more consistent. Both can be good for sure! Good to have both!
Thanks for the video, Kyle. I'm a huge fan. I'm only about 2 weeks into playing Pickleball and working on implementing your tips. Today, I used your punch technique with much success!! I was hitting the ball out a lot initially, and today the punch shot worked like a charm. Thanks again!!
When you do the top spin drop, looks like the paddle no longer stays or starts in front of you (always visible), but is slightly behind you, correct? Thanks for explaining everything so well, really appreciate and learn from it!
This may be a dumb question... I'm new to pickleball coming from tennis. I've never even played a match of pickleball or anything. So like I said this may be a dumb question. Typically in tennis when I hit a drop shot I do it with a slice to keep the ball low so it doesn't have much bounce and it forces the opponent to hit a slice back giving you the opportunity to go from defense to offense potentially. I would think that would be beneficial in pickleball as well. But all the video and matches that I've watched they typically utilize a topspin drop like you mentioned in this video. I guess my question is why is topspin preferred over a slice?
Lots of players use both. if you hit a topspin ball, it dips down and often causes the player at the net to short hop the next shot. that short hop is tricky and can lead to errors into the net or pop ups. I use both. On my backhand, I typically slice, and on my forehand, I typically hit topspin. That's my preference right now mainly because of ability. I don't have the two handed topspin drop just yet.
Hey Thanks for asking. I actually have that video in editing right now. When I filmed the video, I thought I'd have it edited right now, but it will be done in next two weeks. And it's the next logical progression, which is why I kept it in the video, even though it's not there yet. So keep an eye out on the channel!
I love this video but have a question about not stepping onto the court until the third shot, if I’m still at the baseline, what to do if the opponent hits the return (2nd shot) into the kitchen? Now I have to hustle to the kitchen line ….
Yes. True! You would. This happens less frequently as most people will hear the advice (and it's good advice). Return deep to keep your opponent from getting to the kitchen. In my experience, people occasionally try to hit a drop shot return. BUT, 1. it's a difficult shot. 2. And if they do it successfully once and it hurts you, just adapt and be ready for the next one!
I play in a group that whenever I do the 3rd shot drop it bounces high enough for them to drive the ball back at me and it kills us every time (lots of old tennis players). The only way I can seem to get ahead is 3rd shot lob. Do you have any other suggestions?
Hope you enjoyed this video! To go a step further, challenge yourself & take ThatPickleball IQ Test to see how well you really know the game.
VERY FEW get 10/10. I dare you to try: 😊
thatpickleballtest.typeform.com/to/YuHaz4N6
Hi, I’ve just turned 68 and have been playing pickleball for a very short time. I have been searching UA-cam for the basics and tips and techniques to help me understand the game more and hopefully help me improve. Your explanation and demonstration of shots are excellent which makes it a lot easier to understand. Thank you for posting these instructional videos. Playing sports is all about having fun, you certainly capture that.
Glad they are helpful and you enjoy watching! Have fun out there!
Just wanted to say, as an enthusiastic beginner (my wife says "obsessed"!), I've watched a LOT of pickleball videos from a lot of different creators. For me, yours are the best. Very clear explanations (even when they include Newtonian physics!), very helpful tips, things I can really apply (or at least try to!) in my next game, and fun video editing. Thank you very much!
Absolutely! Thanks for the kind words.
I agree 100%! His videos are the BEST
This will be $70/lesson with some drills, with a non pro in Naples, FL
😱 😊😊😊😊😊😊
I agree!
Kyle I’m also a certified instructor, I just watched this video of the third shot drop and it’s almost identical to the way I teach. You’re extremely gifted teacher, your knowledge of the game, your explanation breaks it down basics. But lastly you can tell you love teaching, it’s your gift! This is my first time seeing you on video but I’ll definitely be adding you in with the others. I was very blessed to become friends with Simone Jardim I was able to get private lessons. Tony Roig another friend that I think does a wonderful of the game. So I’m adding you to the list and I’ll be passing this on to my students! Great job!
Awesome! Thank you!
Well said! And I throughly agree!
Your videos are by far superior. Thanks for really taking the time to explain.
Absolutely! Thanks for watching!
I've been working with a coach, and drop shots from the baseline and mid court have been so difficult. Everything you're demonstrating in this video is consistent with what my coach is doing, but your tips, along with the added visuals, are immensely helpful. I have a tennis background, and backswinging is a hard habit to break. Thank you for making this video.
Thats awesome your working with a coach. And thanks for the kind words.
Thanks for the pointers. I think you said it right about grip pressure - if you hold the grip tightly the paddle acts like a springboard. If you hold it loosely it acts more like a trampoline or bed. The ball stays in contact with the paddle face longer and so you have more control.
Oo thats good!
Great video and demonstration. Couple things I tell my students: if the swing ends above the net the ball will go over the net. I also tell students that if they consider their lower body, (the legs and hips) acts as a steering wheel, helps in direction....and hit as if there are 3 balls in a row. I also say the tighter the grip the more mass is behind your paddle...so yes, lose grip. Great stuff.
Thanks for watching!
I have been watching the 3rd shot drop over and over again. It helps me to clearly understand the third shot as a beginner. Thank you!
You're welcome :) Glad it's helpful!
3 weeks into pickleball--your videos are great. Especially doing things like L1 L2 L3... makes it easy to remember. Keep them coming. I"m a tennis player, but loving the similarities AND differences with my new sport!
Fantastic! Glad its helpful. Thanks for watching
Kyle, I really like how you set up your instruction. The animation helps tremendously to reinforce your explanation on these skills. Unfortunately, my time to play is down to only Saturdays now, and being able to go back to the videos for a refresher is so great. Keep them coming. I swear I learn something new every single time.
Amazing!! Thanks for the kind words :)
As always, great tips!
Could you make a video on your Pball journey as a beginner to Pro?
I need to do more stuff on this! I agree. Its in the works
Wow! great explanations. I like that you broke it down into several component parts AND
defined what a third shot drop is. Thank you.
Thanks for watching. Glad it helped!
I found this video very, very helpful and useful. My only critique is when discussing the height of the ball (or the apex) of the shot, it was difficult to see the ball how "high" it went against the backdrop of the white wall.
Ahh! Good feedback. I'll do a better job with that next time!
Great point by your aide. I have been trying to figure out what the arc of the ball should be on a drop shot and have never been able to find a definitive answer. Now I know the apex should be on my side. Thank you thank you.
Glad it helped!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Your videos are so informative and helpful. I've posted this before and maybe it's just happening on my browser (Safari) but whenever you point up and say click this video I never see anything appear up there. Just wanted you to know. Are you at any tournaments in or near Ohio this summer/fall? Would love to come to see you play live.
Thanks for letting me know!! I Had to correct this on a few previous videos. I messed it up.
On this specific video. The video I reference actually comes out in the next couple weeks! ahh. Sorry. So it will show then. UA-cam is kinda funky. sometimes. Still getting better at it.
Thanks for the clarification, I too was looking for that video.
Giving us other examples to really understand what you’re saying like the cornhole sand bag was seriously a game changer and so helpful! Thank you!!
So glad that helped :)
Light grip: pretend holding a live bird. Just enough pressure so it won’t fly away but not too tight to choke it
Oo i like that!
What if my name is Lenny? 😢😂
Bro I came here to comment exactly this. Are you a fellow card mechanic or just heard it somewhere else
what kind of bird? swallow or ostrich?
Vager Vance used the same analogy for holding a driver.
Love your videos!! I'm super new to the game of PB and as a tennis player of many years, your explanations make sense and translate really well.
Awesome!! Glad it worked out
Been playing about a year and a half and this is the best pickleball video I've ever watched! Thank you so much
Wow, thanks!
This is the perfect 3rd shot video ever made! I have watched a million of them!! Thank you
Glad it helped!
Finally, good quality content that has definitions and clear examples. Very well done my friend.
Glad you liked it!
Great instruction and the animation showing the ball trajectory adds so much value to understanding. Subscribed!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for subscribing!
Great video. Liked a number of points but especially where you explain what a successful drop is ( opponent has to hit up on the drop).
Glad it was helpful!
All good stuff...a little top spin will keep the ball bouncing lower as it shoots the ball forward (an added bonus to it bouncing lower).
Great video! Now to practice what you preached. LESS IS MORE. Three little words that I struggle with on the PB court. Thanks!!
Less is more. Amen!
great video! do you have a video about the backhand drop?
Glad you enjoyed it! Check out this video ua-cam.com/users/shorts_tsLCLgnp9s
Best step-by-step re 3rd shot drop technique I've seen. Grazie!
Glad it helped!
Great video. Your explanations are right on. Thanks
Glad it helped! Thanks for watching
This was so helpful. I've had 4 lessons and I will try out these techniques today
Fantastic!
ANOTHER great video. Great teacher hitting on nuances that are essential to learning, and for me, x-tennis guy, pinpointed at where I always fail (swing side to side when I should be lifting). So thanks for the.......GREAT LIFT. :).....made my mrning !
Awesome!! Glad it was helpful
90 days into this great game. I really enjoy your approach and method of instruction! Thank you!
Thank you!
Kyle, your videos are truly wonderful. You explain things so well, very thorough and detailed to help us really get what you are saying. And you are also very entertaining too! Thank you. Keep up the great work.
Glad you like them! Thanks for watching!
Thank you for the thorough explanation! I’m a new subscriber. Just started learning to play pickleball without any sport background. Got any tip on beginner more affordable paddle?
Absolutely! Thanks for watching!
This is the best video I have seen about how to hit soft shot and the strategy behind third shot drop.
Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it!
Kyle, I really enjoy your videos and always recommend them to my students. At the beginning of each beginner session I tell the students that they are holding an egg in their hands.Every time I touch their hands and change a grip or explain how to hit a forehand I can always tell when they broke their egg.
That is awesome! Thanks for sharing the videos! Glad you enjoy them!
Love the 3 Ls! It gives me 3 simple things to remember when I am executing the 3-rd shot drop. And that's what I call a good teaching video! I am still not very clear how to add spin with a loose grip... But maybe those 2 things can't be done together... But maybe that is a separate topic. Great video!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!
Love your videos! You cut to the chase....been playing about 3 years after playing tennis many years. Don't need a lot of hand holding, just why i am i getting lit up by better players on certain days in certain situations... Where can i put this shot in this situation? What do i need to master to improve? etc. You spell it out in 18 days with good humor....BRAVO!
Glad it was helpful!
Love the signage for the facility...been there a few times☺@@thatpickleballguy
Thanks so much, this video has answered so many of my questions:) and your explanations are top notch 🏅
Glad theyre helpful!
Great video - you’re a gifted communicator and teacher. Thanks so much. You’ve gained a subscriber!
Thank you :)
Great and clear instructions in an indoor facility which makes it great for filming. So many people film outside and way to much noise.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I would LOVE to see a video on how to return shots that come my way FAST & with a ton of spin. Topspin & sidespin. Most of my balls go into the net. And yes, im a 3.5 player, the guys with the advanced shots are usually 4.0+, at Open Play courts. I love playing against better players, but those "super spin" shots drive me crazy. So, maybe a video about returning those and/or shot strategy (?)
Hit up on the ball
Yeah, I like the comment below, if someone gives you a ton of spin, try swinging through the ball rather than trying to be perfect on a 3rd shot drop.
My coach helped me return spin. He told me to stiffen your arm from elbow through to your wrist, one entire arm position. Doing this allows me to have the strength and guidance to get the spin ball back. Hope this helps.
@@barb987 Can you explain this? "one entire arm position"?
@@lsee6145 I will try. You want your arm to be straight and stiff from your elbow all the way through your wrist. It’s all on one plane I guess. Easier to show someone than tell them. Hope that was clearer because it works well.
which grip should we use when we to the drop shot? thanks
Hey Kyle, great stuff! When you were demonstrating the top spin drop it seems like you were hitting and dropping back after the shot. Or the balance was shifting backwards after the shot. Is that intentional or do u transfer the weight forward to allow the momentum to take you forward to the NVZ?
Beautifully done job and super graphics too! I really like your "never lose sight of the paddle" tip.
Thank you very much!
you are fantastic. i notice something - (because i do the same) your right foot it in front of your left - and, i find that EASIER for drops. Heck, sometimes I feel like i hit it more square on a drive too. Do you? Also, thanks for how you explain things. thanks for keeping it FUN too !!
Gosh i made this video a long time ago. I still believe in dominant foot in front.
But have also have been experimenting lately with some alternative footworks like
Being square. But some of that is dependent on what ball im receiving and
Also thanks for the kind words :)
Omg youre whole intro 🤩👏 literally taking the words out of my mouth that i tell my Introduction classes!! Get out of my head!
And keep making great videos!! Great articulation, makes so much sense for me!
Love it!!
you discuss the importance of a top spin 3rd shot drop. def understand that (the ball spin and effect on opponent trying to attack it).
does this mean it's not that great to do 3rd shot backspin drops? can you please explain this in detail? thanks!
These are wonderful instructions and illustrations! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Again, fun and informative with good, actionable tips. Keep it up! Also, love seeing you on the Arizona PBL!!!
Glad it helped!
Great video and detailed instructions, thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Do you have your index finger on the paddle? What are your thoughts on that vs a continental grip. Thanks
Yeah, I do that a lot I've realized. I'm actually not sure if thats good or bad yet, I need to figure that out.
I use continental a good amount.
Quick question about L1 - Loose Grip… when I loosen my grip, I feel like I get more “rim” “band” or “not sweet spot” hits leading to an inconsistent ball flight? When that happens , I feel like I’m not keeping my eye on the ball or maybe it’s bc I’m still carrying over my bad habit swings from Table tennis?! Aka, trying to do the advance option to the MAX! Tons of top spin!
yeah, start with a more flat lifting ball, and you're going to have to really rep it out. Then move to topspin after you got the first version down!
Consider. A soft grip absorbs the power from the incoming shot and the slow (from the shoulder) response uses the large muscles to accurately push the ball over the net. Similar to putting in golf. The large muscle groups bring repeatability and consistency.
So if I want to hit topspin with my drop would I be able to have my paddle out to the side but still apply that lifting motion rather than side to side?
Hi Kyle, great video! Thanks for making this. Btw where is the link you mentioned at the end of the video on how to train the third shot drop?
Video coming soon! Gotta finish editing it
Awesome can’t wait!
Good stuff ,, very helpful . Can always pick up something I can use .
I love your channel! this is great! Thanks for the thorough explanation.
Absolutely! Thanks for the kind words
LOVE your demos and explanations!!
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
I learned that you can think of the grip on a scale of 1-10. One coach told me like for being up at the kitchen and returning a fast ball that comes right to your chest, hold the paddle at a 3 grip so it drops right over net - a reset. So maybe a 3rd shot drop same? It really helped me because if I held the paddle with a 10 drip on that reset shot - it instead flew right back to the back line even if I had no swing and just held the paddle. The loose grip helps!
yeah that's really good!! Thanks for sharing.
I like your video and explanation much better some video from other coaches I like the fact you actually demonstrate these shots together during talking and very clear! Thank you!
You're welcome!
Thank you for an excellent easy to follow lesson.
You're welcome! Thanks for watching!
That was a great instructional video on the 3rd shot drop. Your teaching style is easy to follow, clear and concise and provides an easy one, two, three model to remind us of what to remember when we are on the court drilling our 3rd shot drops. BTW, the training video doesn't pop up on the screen. I'm sure that it is coming though. 😉
thank you!
And yep, coming today or tomorrow! Had to get it through editing, so week delay on that :)
Trying to 3rd shot drop on a grip pressure scale 1 to 10. From backline grip pressure at 7 to 8, transition zone grip pressure at 5 to 6 & kitchen zone grip pressure at 3 to 4. Would do you think?
Loved the video the only thing that I felt was unrealistic was that the return of serve is usually deep and hard so in your video your third shot drops were made from easy returns. I would have liked to see those third shot drops being made from hard return of serves. Thanks
Yep, did that a lot for teaching purposes. BUT, as I mentioned in the video, if you serve it harder, you will generate a lot of short returns. Which is what you want. It's a real skill to be able to return the ball deep and hard!
But working on them from the baseline is a must for sure! Thanks for bringing it up.
Hey Kyle. I'm a 4-ish level player with a decent ability to hit a hard, deep topspin service return. I can also consistently hit a more floaty, but also deep, serve return. I find the floaty return almost always gives me time to get fully to the net.
The power return is hard to handle for lower level opponents, but easy for higher level opponents, where I use the more floaty return, but get all the way to the net.
Thoughts?
The apex comment gave me such a useful visual to work on! Thank you!
Glad to hear it!
You keep it direct, with great remedial paddle actions that make sense. New guy but your videos are the best, Keep them coming!
Thanks Jeff! Glad they're helping.
Great tips again. Adding top spin is for later, after you have consistently hit third shots IN and without high bounce. Third shot top spin needs tons of drills as initially you will find your shots going into net due to miss timing your shots. And using an 'eastern grip, if not familiar adds to problems ' hitting away from target.
Thanks for watching! Glad it was helpful!
Loved the corn hole analogy!!
Glad it helps!
I love your videos. They are very informational and easy to understand. And FUN.....
Thank you!!
Tennis shot used to be lifting and pushing before top spin became dominant technique. Is the same happening with PB? Paddles spin rating reached beyond 2000 RPM but none of the shots demoed here utilized such spin.
clearest explanation of TSD technique I've seen. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
You mentioned clicking on a link for how to train 3rd drops with topspin. I don’t see it anywhere. I would like to watch it.
Yes, that's coming soon, either tomorrow or next week. Making that decision tonight.
I said click here, only because I know this next video would be done this week, and wanted people to be able to go right to the drill video for the future.
So just one week delay! But it's coming soon, i promise.
My second time watching this, you are hilarious Kyle!
Thanks :)
I think it's super hard to explain these things that for most seasoned players is mostly intuitive. I know how to do this stuff based on my feel for the game, but being able to articulate how I'm doing it to beginners has been a challenge. I think you nailed it with the looser grip and also the removal of the back swing!
Thank you!!
I am wondering, how you would adjust if you set up for a drop but notice the opponent didn't advance towards net, do you switch from that short backswing to drive or would you still drop? Love your explanation and humor!!😅
I'd often hit an in between. A little soft drive that goes further than a drop would.
That Guy has lots of enthusiasm and I think it adds good flavor to the videos. There's levity with sound instruction - lots of fun. Anyway - these drop shots feel weird at first - some feel like they won't go over the net - other times it feels like you are giving them an easy shot. You really have to hit a lot of them to remove that weird feeling. With my backhand, I want to slice through the ball instead of lift - that's a bad habit I'm working on.
Thanks! I like levity :) And keep working at it. It doesn't come overnight!
Love the video 😂in golf a tight grip causes tension which screws up a smooth swing 😮 and control😢
Absolutely!
Can you please tell me which shoes you are wearing?
I find that bending my knees slightly in preparation helps the lifting motion of the 3rd shot drop when the knees are extended during the stroke. It contributes to the "touch", in addition to the light grip. Also, sometimes I find that I have to come forward quickly against a perfectly placed drop shot and for a change of pace, I perform a forehand "shovel shot" hitting the lower pole of the ball...basically a back spin that sometimes surprises my opponent who will pop up the return for my partner to put away.
I like that!!
Thank you for the video! Excellent explanation.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hi, did you ever make a backhand 3rd shot drop video? I checked and could not find one.
not yet!
should you hit with racquet head dropped down and no leg bend?
Wondering if an underspin 3rd shop drop would be as effective, or more effective, than a topspin drop. Can you explain why, or why not ? I’m a new Pickleball player ( former tennis player ) Also, differences between drop shot and dink ?
Drop shot happens from the baseline. Dink happens up near the kitchen.
And on my backhand, i exclusively use a backspin because I find it more consistent. Both can be good for sure! Good to have both!
Thanks for the video, Kyle. I'm a huge fan. I'm only about 2 weeks into playing Pickleball and working on implementing your tips. Today, I used your punch technique with much success!! I was hitting the ball out a lot initially, and today the punch shot worked like a charm. Thanks again!!
Fantastic!! yeah that's one that can really help early on.
what grip have you settled on? Continental or Eastern? Love your videos! great teaching technique!
Hey there, I use a little bit of both. Continental and eastern.
Great explanation of 3rd shot drop. Other videos show you how to do it but not why.
Glad it helped!
When you do the top spin drop, looks like the paddle no longer stays or starts in front of you (always visible), but is slightly behind you, correct? Thanks for explaining everything so well, really appreciate and learn from it!
I still try to keep it in front of me as much as I can. Sometimes I let my technique slip.
Love the graphics.
Great explanation. Thanks
This may be a dumb question... I'm new to pickleball coming from tennis. I've never even played a match of pickleball or anything. So like I said this may be a dumb question. Typically in tennis when I hit a drop shot I do it with a slice to keep the ball low so it doesn't have much bounce and it forces the opponent to hit a slice back giving you the opportunity to go from defense to offense potentially. I would think that would be beneficial in pickleball as well. But all the video and matches that I've watched they typically utilize a topspin drop like you mentioned in this video. I guess my question is why is topspin preferred over a slice?
Lots of players use both.
if you hit a topspin ball, it dips down and often causes the player at the net to short hop the next shot. that short hop is tricky and can lead to errors into the net or pop ups.
I use both. On my backhand, I typically slice, and on my forehand, I typically hit topspin. That's my preference right now mainly because of ability. I don't have the two handed topspin drop just yet.
Please link the video to train topspin drops , can’t find it !
Where is this video???
Hey Thanks for asking.
I actually have that video in editing right now. When I filmed the video, I thought I'd have it edited right now, but it will be done in next two weeks. And it's the next logical progression, which is why I kept it in the video, even though it's not there yet. So keep an eye out on the channel!
Exceptional instruction. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
I love this video but have a question about not stepping onto the court until the third shot, if I’m still at the baseline, what to do if the opponent hits the return (2nd shot) into the kitchen? Now I have to hustle to the kitchen line ….
Yes. True! You would. This happens less frequently as most people will hear the advice (and it's good advice). Return deep to keep your opponent from getting to the kitchen.
In my experience, people occasionally try to hit a drop shot return.
BUT,
1. it's a difficult shot.
2. And if they do it successfully once and it hurts you, just adapt and be ready for the next one!
Great info - thank you for posting! Gonna work on my third shot drop!👍👍
Love it!!
Thank you for being very thorough. Great video!
Absolutely! Glad it helped!
so informative and inspiring.. thank you for sharing ; - We love pickle ball
Thanks for watching. Glad it helped!
can you please tell me what video editing software you use? I really want to learn to edit videos the same way you do...
I have an editor. He uses premier pro
@@thatpickleballguy thank you
Great breakdown. Love the graphics too!
Thanks!
Excellent video. Looking forward to the suggested drills.
Fantastic!
I play in a group that whenever I do the 3rd shot drop it bounces high enough for them to drive the ball back at me and it kills us every time (lots of old tennis players). The only way I can seem to get ahead is 3rd shot lob. Do you have any other suggestions?