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strategyintermediate8:12
The Third-Shot Drop, Simplified
The single most important shot in doubles — how to hit a soft, arcing drop that lands in the kitchen and lets you move up.
Why the third shot matters
The third shot resets the point. Hit it well and you neutralize the serving team's advantage and take control of the net.
Key checkpoints
- Low to high — brush up the back of the ball for a soft arc
- Contact out front — let the ball drop, then lift it gently
- Aim for the kitchen line, not the net
- Move up as soon as the ball leaves your paddle