Partner Pickleball Drills to Build Winning Skills

# Third Shot Drops, Drives, and Drips

One of the fastest ways to improve in pickleball is to practice with a partner who shares your goal of developing consistency rather than simply winning points. The following drills are designed for **two or more players** and focus on three of the most important shots in modern pickleball: the **third shot drop**, **third shot drive**, and **drip**. --- # Drill 1: Third Shot Drop to the Kitchen **Objective:** Develop consistency and accuracy with the third shot drop. ### Players 2 ### Equipment * Pickleball court * 20 to 50 pickleballs (optional) * Target markers (optional) ### Setup * Player A serves. * Player B returns deep. * Player A attempts a third shot drop into the kitchen. * Player B catches the ball or softly blocks it back to evaluate placement. ### Instructions 1. Player A serves. 2. Player B returns deep to the baseline. 3. Player A hits a soft third shot drop that arcs over the net and lands in or near the non-volley zone. 4. Reset and repeat. ### Goal Complete 20 successful drops before switching roles. ### Coaching Tips * Use your legs to generate lift. * Keep a loose grip for better touch. * Finish with the paddle pointing toward your target. * Aim high enough to clear the net but low enough to prevent attacks. ### Common Mistakes * Hitting too hard. * Swinging with the arm instead of using the legs. * Watching the target before making contact. --- # Drill 2: Third Shot Drop with Live Reset **Objective:** Transition from the baseline to the kitchen. ### Players 2 ### Instructions 1. Serve. 2. Return deep. 3. Hit a third shot drop. 4. Both players continue playing soft balls only until both reach the kitchen. 5. Reset and repeat. ### Goal Maintain a cooperative rally of 15 or more shots. ### Focus * Patience * Footwork * Recovery * Balance --- # Drill 3: Third Shot Drive **Objective:** Learn when to attack with pace instead of a drop. ### Players 2 ### Instructions 1. Serve. 2. Deep return. 3. Drive the third shot aggressively at your opponent's body or backhand. 4. Opponent blocks the drive into the kitchen. 5. Continue the rally. ### Goal Develop aggressive yet controlled drives. ### Coaching Tips * Aim low over the net. * Target the opponent's dominant hip or backhand. * Stay balanced during the follow-through. ### Common Mistakes * Overhitting. * Hitting directly to the forehand. * Failing to move forward after the drive. --- # Drill 4: Drive then Fifth-Shot Drop **Objective:** Learn to combine power with touch. ### Instructions 1. Serve. 2. Return. 3. Hit a third shot drive. 4. Opponent blocks into the kitchen. 5. Hit a soft fifth-shot drop. 6. Move to the kitchen. ### Goal Master changing pace during a point. --- # Drill 5: Third Shot Drip A **drip** blends the pace of a drive with the control of a drop. It travels lower and faster than a traditional drop while still encouraging a difficult upward contact from your opponent. ### Players 2 ### Instructions 1. Serve. 2. Return. 3. Hit a controlled drip toward your opponent's feet. 4. Opponent blocks upward. 5. Move toward the kitchen while preparing for the next shot. ### Goal Force weak pop-ups without giving away easy attacks. ### Coaching Tips * Use a compact swing. * Keep the ball low over the net. * Aim for your opponent's feet or lower body. * Maintain forward momentum. --- # Drill 6: Alternate Drop, Drive, Drip **Objective:** Improve shot selection. ### Instructions Each rally follows this sequence: 1. Third shot drop 2. Third shot drive 3. Third shot drip Repeat continuously while switching roles after every rally. ### Goal Learn to recognize when each shot is most effective. --- # Drill 7: Four-Player Third Shot Rotation **Players** 4 ### Setup * Two players on each side. ### Instructions * Serve. * Return. * Third shot (assigned by the coach or agreed upon beforehand). * Rotate after every rally. ### Variations * Drop only * Drive only * Drip only * Random call-outs before the serve --- # Drill 8: Competitive Third Shot Challenge **Players** 2 to 4 ### Scoring * Successful third shot drop: **2 points** * Successful third shot drive that earns a weak reply: **2 points** * Successful drip forcing an upward ball: **2 points** * Unforced error: **0 points** First player or team to **21 points** wins. --- # Weekly Partner Practice Plan | Day | Focus | | --------- | ----------------------------- | | Monday | Third Shot Drops | | Tuesday | Third Shot Drives | | Wednesday | Drips and Transition Footwork | | Thursday | Mixed Shot Selection | | Friday | Live Point Play | | Saturday | Competitive Games | | Sunday | Recovery and Video Review | --- # Keys to Success No single third shot is the "correct" choice every time. Strong players learn to read the return, recognize their opponents' positioning, and choose the shot that creates the greatest advantage. By practicing drops, drives, and drips in structured partner drills, you'll build consistency, improve decision-making, and become more confident during match play. For players looking to elevate their practice sessions, consider using training aids, paddles, and ball machines that support repetitive, high-quality reps. Explore equipment and accessories at **[https://pickleballworldshop.com](https://pickleballworldshop.com)** to help make every practice session more productive.