Gradually becoming more comfortable with a 3rd shot drop. It became a necessity as more of our players got comfortable coming to the NVZ. Since there are more players than courts in our area, finding court time for drilling can be tough, especially during the indoor season. I had to make the decision that I had to get my practice in during games. Paid the price a few times with easy feeds to the opponent but that trend is changing as I get better at it. Great job as usual today!
Thanks for the great instructions and tips on the drop shot. It makes sense to wait to hit the ball at the apex; I've never heard anyone put it that way so I appreciate your insight and your attention to detail!
Jordan, REALLY GOOD VIDEO!! I spend weeks teaching this. It's also helpful to have students watch Tennis, yes, Tennis, the "drop shot" (I don't call it 3rd. Shot drop because it is played throughout the game) , is such a FEEL shot. Your descriptions here are spot on, thing is it takes months just to get "bad" at it... Look for Higher bounces and open areas around kitchen by the posts. Remember it's kinda a looong dink shot.... Try it in Table-Tennis and you've got something. Take care, Kev-
Another great lesson. Thanks for the on-screen graphics. They provide an extra level of instruction. And I know they take more time in editing. Your extra level of effort is appreciated.
Sigh. Just the lesson I needed. Thank you. Waiting for the apex has so improved my returns. Now today, I will concentrate on forward motion instead of back peddling to hit that 3rd shot. Yay!
As always, great video. Question on the "target" of the drop. It seems like if I just try to drop it nicely in the middle of the NVZ my opponents often are able to speed it up pretty effectively. Not to mention it's more likely I'll end up dropping it into the net. I'm now thinking I should be targeting dropping it further, around the NVZ line so ideally they either have to volley up or step back. Plus if I'm trying to hit further it's less likely I'll net it. When I play it seems like those are the most effective third shot drops. What do you target?
Love your videos, graphics & suggestions! Well presented. (One little technical suggestion for the sensitive music ears…can you turn music down a slight bit. The ‘canned’ electronic sounds can hurt ears, when trying to focus on the great material presented! Thanks much.
Jordan can you speak to the type of drop shot hit by JW Johnson or Ben Johns where it seems their technique is different. The only analogy I can use is like a "chip shot" where they angle the paddle up and swing more forward. Yes they're the most advanced so I'm not asking how they do it - I guess I'm asking if you recognize it as different and just another way to get the ball up and over?
Thank you for providing helpful lessons and tips in your videos. I experienced "aha" moments watching this particular video. I am so anxious to rush to the NVZ before my opponent returns the serve that when they do hit a deep return I get jammed somewhere between the base line and transition zone 🥴
Check out the Slam Master Practice Training Drill paddle to PERFECT all the MECHANICS Jordan describes (especially PADDLE OUT FRONT, no big back swing).
@@BrionesPickleball With all due respect actually the Slam Master is MUCH BETTER than wall drills. Have you tried it? Please contact me - I'd love to get one in your hands. CHEERS!
Thank you again. Another question, please. As you mentioned, you use a 'closed' position when hitting the ball. But is an 'open' position okay also? Thank you again.
What Jason is calling "momentum" is largely an upper body weight transfer onto the leading foot at the paddle contacts the ball. Since he's also driving upwards, the "momentum" is captured by finishing with a vertical posture over the front foot, and not necessarily any further movement up court.
Staying back away from the baseline, allowing the ball to slow down and reach it’s apex, will be a big help. Also, you have to make sure you are constantly drilling this shot. It’s takes hours of practice!!
Kenyon: Bigger question is, why are your opponents getting balls to hit "Lazers" at you?? Those are generally met at the NVZ with a Block shot. You're asking a lot of yourself to return a shot hit that hard.. Certainly isn't going to happen in a few weeks. . It'll take a while. In meantime, look at what you're "serving up" to your opponents...
@@KenyonCotton Try working on a Lower and/or deeper serve. If the ball is served to loopy or high, it's gonna come back like a bullet. The deeper it is the more it'll slow when it gets to you.
If your opponent has not moved up to the kitchen line is that the time to keep them deep with a drive or deep lob in order to move yourself up to the line?
I need help . I’ve been noticing on my follow thru of my third shot drop I’m almost over my left shoulder.. but it feels super unnatural to not do this .. help!
Can you please make a comment on the best approach for the third shot drop when the return is really deep but there is some sort of obstruction behind the person receiving the return of serve, soooo many of our courts have a tennis net on one side so the space between base line and tennis net make things difficult. Lol, I’ll know we’ve made it as a sport when we have the majority of our courts dedicated, tennis net free!
When you don’t have adequate space, unfortunately I think that’s going to be tough either way. Get as far back as you can, and follow the same principles in this video. Another option would be to try driving the 3rd shot, looking to drop on the 5th shot.
Just like when you hit good dinks, you want to more or less lift and hit the ball up and over the net. It takes time to find the right amount of swing power when you are hitting the ball, but the lifting concept is something that you will need to get used to. If you are hitting a good 3rd shot, it will NOT bounce above net level.
Gradually becoming more comfortable with a 3rd shot drop. It became a necessity as more of our players got comfortable coming to the NVZ. Since there are more players than courts in our area, finding court time for drilling can be tough, especially during the indoor season. I had to make the decision that I had to get my practice in during games. Paid the price a few times with easy feeds to the opponent but that trend is changing as I get better at it. Great job as usual today!
Awesome Randy!
Thanks for the great instructions and tips on the drop shot. It makes sense to wait to hit the ball at the apex; I've never heard anyone put it that way so I appreciate your insight and your attention to detail!
Np !
Excellent video. Love the combination of regular speed and slow motion, as well as the twin camera angles. Thanks.
Glad you liked it!
Jordan, REALLY GOOD VIDEO!!
I spend weeks teaching this. It's also helpful to have students watch Tennis, yes, Tennis, the "drop shot" (I don't call it 3rd. Shot drop because it is played throughout the game) , is such a FEEL shot.
Your descriptions here are spot on, thing is it takes months just to get "bad" at it...
Look for Higher bounces and open areas around kitchen by the posts.
Remember it's kinda a looong dink shot....
Try it in Table-Tennis and you've got something.
Take care,
Kev-
Thanks Kevin!!
Thank you for another great lesson. Your video screen notes really help understand your lesson point.
Thanks Roy !
Excellent, well done! I forwarded this video to my wife, we're working on her 3rd shot drop technique. Thanks! Bruce in Colorado Springs
Thanks!!
You continue to build my game. Thank you Jordan.
You’re welcome Steve!
Another great lesson. Thanks for the on-screen graphics. They provide an extra level of instruction. And I know they take more time in editing. Your extra level of effort is appreciated.
Np!! 😎
Thank you for posting. Very nice meeting you at Legacy this week w/ PPA.
Thanks David!
Sigh. Just the lesson I needed. Thank you. Waiting for the apex has so improved my returns. Now today, I will concentrate on forward motion instead of back peddling to hit that 3rd shot. Yay!
Awesome Lori!
Yes! Your lesson was a revelation today. And it allowed me to use that splitstep to advance. I rewarded myself with a new paddle.
Thank you for the instructions. I thoroughly enjoy your videos. The drop shot is not easy and definitely requires practice.
Thanks Nathan!
Really enjoying that you involve family too.
👍🏻😎
Jordan, great video and very helpful, thank you.
Thanks Rick!
More great stuff from Jordan and Katrina!
Thanks Christian!
As always, great video. Question on the "target" of the drop. It seems like if I just try to drop it nicely in the middle of the NVZ my opponents often are able to speed it up pretty effectively. Not to mention it's more likely I'll end up dropping it into the net. I'm now thinking I should be targeting dropping it further, around the NVZ line so ideally they either have to volley up or step back. Plus if I'm trying to hit further it's less likely I'll net it. When I play it seems like those are the most effective third shot drops. What do you target?
Towards the NVZ line
Love your videos, graphics & suggestions! Well presented. (One little technical suggestion for the sensitive music ears…can you turn music down a slight bit. The ‘canned’ electronic sounds can hurt ears, when trying to focus on the great material presented! Thanks much.
😊
Great video, Jordan!
Thanks Matt !
Thanks Coach 👍
🤙🏼👍🏻
Good lesson. For me, the split screen showing where the ball lands could be a little bigger, so I could see the arc of the shot as it passes the net.
Thanks Pappy!
So true!
👍🏻👍🏻
These are excellent teaching videos! My game thanks you! 😂
Thanks Keltie!
Jordan can you speak to the type of drop shot hit by JW Johnson or Ben Johns where it seems their technique is different. The only analogy I can use is like a "chip shot" where they angle the paddle up and swing more forward. Yes they're the most advanced so I'm not asking how they do it - I guess I'm asking if you recognize it as different and just another way to get the ball up and over?
Two different balls, though I’d replicate Ben’s if I had to pick because it’s way more aggressive. Ben hits a lot more topspin drops.
Thank you for providing helpful lessons and tips in your videos. I experienced "aha" moments watching this particular video. I am so anxious to rush to the NVZ before my opponent returns the serve that when they do hit a deep return I get jammed somewhere between the base line and transition zone 🥴
Thanks Tamara!
Thanks.
Np !
Check out the Slam Master Practice Training Drill paddle to PERFECT all the MECHANICS Jordan describes (especially PADDLE OUT FRONT, no big back swing).
Briones Pickleball does NOT endorse this product. 😁
Hitting on a wall is MUCH better.
@@BrionesPickleball With all due respect actually the Slam Master is MUCH BETTER than wall drills. Have you tried it? Please contact me - I'd love to get one in your hands. CHEERS!
Thanks for the video. May I suggest showing the third shot drop technique with you continuing to the net so we can see the entire set of footwork.
👍🏻
Thank you again. Another question, please. As you mentioned, you use a 'closed' position when hitting the ball. But is an 'open' position okay also? Thank you again.
Open is ok, although there are benefits in hitting in a closed or semi-open stance. Will do a video about this soon!
So with your aim on the shot,,, are you aiming for a certain height over the net, a certain depth on your opponent’s side of the court?
I’m more focused on the ball bouncing in front of my opponents feet. I’ll do a more in-depth video sometime!
Great points. Reminds me to wait and contact the ball in front of me. I will go out next time and think of this.
You got this!
What Jason is calling "momentum" is largely an upper body weight transfer onto the leading foot at the paddle contacts the ball. Since he's also driving upwards, the "momentum" is captured by finishing with a vertical posture over the front foot, and not necessarily any further movement up court.
Nice but who’s Jason? 😊
Great stuff! What i struggle with is when the balls coming in hot. How do you apply all these mechanics when the return shot is a laser?
Staying back away from the baseline, allowing the ball to slow down and reach it’s apex, will be a big help. Also, you have to make sure you are constantly drilling this shot. It’s takes hours of practice!!
Kenyon: Bigger question is, why are your opponents getting balls to hit "Lazers" at you?? Those are generally met at the NVZ with a Block shot.
You're asking a lot of yourself to return a shot hit that hard..
Certainly isn't going to happen in a few weeks. .
It'll take a while. In meantime, look at what you're "serving up" to your opponents...
@@BrionesPickleball Yeah I probably hit it 2/5 times rn, getting better tho
@@SDPBALLCOACH It's just the return off the serve, the dudes I play with laser it back
@@KenyonCotton
Try working on a Lower and/or deeper serve.
If the ball is served to loopy or high, it's gonna come back like a bullet.
The deeper it is the more it'll slow when it gets to you.
Jordan when drilling the drop should the ball be coming to you from the NVZ or the baseline or both?
Practice your drops from the baseline. To start, you can dink at the NVZ line, and then slowly work your way back to the baseline.
If your opponent has not moved up to the kitchen line is that the time to keep them deep with a drive or deep lob in order to move yourself up to the line?
Yes!
Thanks, yes, in my short history of PB, the third shot drop has eluded me.
Lol. Keep working on it !
I struggle with drop shots when my body position is half way to the kitchen. Any thoughts?
You should do this…
th-cam.com/video/LIYVO4CPMeE/w-d-xo.html
You going to start offering your shirts on your website?
Hopefully soon!
I struggle hitting a third shot drop against returns that have a lot of underspin or sidespin. Do you have any suggestions?
Drive the ball! Then you’ll get an easier ball to drop after that.
@@BrionesPickleball But sometimes the slice return is really low, can be hard to keep the drive low.
Oh darn I thought you were going to show us how to hit a perfect one without practicing! Lol. Thank you.
Lol
Like your Kid drilling , next Gold medalist !
🥇🥇🥇
I need help . I’ve been noticing on my follow thru of my third shot drop I’m almost over my left shoulder.. but it feels super unnatural to not do this .. help!
It depends what kind of drop you are hitting. Your follow through will be different depending on the shot
How about third shot techniques when trying to return hard/low volleys
Those are tough, I may have to do a specific video on this soon! But all these great tips still apply!
Can you please make a comment on the best approach for the third shot drop when the return is really deep but there is some sort of obstruction behind the person receiving the return of serve, soooo many of our courts have a tennis net on one side so the space between base line and tennis net make things difficult. Lol, I’ll know we’ve made it as a sport when we have the majority of our courts dedicated, tennis net free!
When you don’t have adequate space, unfortunately I think that’s going to be tough either way. Get as far back as you can, and follow the same principles in this video. Another option would be to try driving the 3rd shot, looking to drop on the 5th shot.
Also, try a high lob serve.
Move your feet! I see the same mistakes. Can't hit a ball going backwards.
Thanks Jordan
👍🏻👍🏻
Hey Jordan, Another Great Video
Will be sending to the players in my sessions.
I tell them to “Wait for the Ball to come to You”
Thanks.
Bill
Thanks Bill!!
if the return of serve is deep, don't force the drop .. you might as well drive the 3rd shot and drop the 5th .. 😮
That’s an option too!
Woo!
😎
Why do you want lift? Won't that give the ball a better shot at bouncing above the net?
Just like when you hit good dinks, you want to more or less lift and hit the ball up and over the net. It takes time to find the right amount of swing power when you are hitting the ball, but the lifting concept is something that you will need to get used to. If you are hitting a good 3rd shot, it will NOT bounce above net level.
👍👍👍
🤙🏼
👍
👍🏻👍🏻
Surprised at the people I know that want to get better but don't want to drill or practice.
Lol. Sweat equity!
You didn’t address how to deal with a heavy back spin return
I’ll have to do that in a future video!