Description:
Kyle Whatnall
Hitting a third shot drop can be a smart play because it allows you and your partner to move toward the kitchen line. However, advanced players often mix in drives to their third shots. Doing so can help set up an easier drop on the fifth shot so your side can advance to the net. It also keeps your opponents guessing, making it harder for them to anticipate your next shot. Watch the video to see scenarios where this strategy is put into action.
Example 1
In the first example, watch how the left-side player on the near side plays a third shot drive to set up an easy drop on the fifth shot. This strategy gives him and his partner time to advance to the kitchen line and set up a rally-ending volley a few shots later.
Example 2
Tune in to the second scenario as the serve return comes to the left-side player who hits a third shot drive straight back to the returner. The next shot comes short to the right-side player who places a slow, easy drop shot in the opponent’s kitchen. This gives the left-side player a chance to move forward and join his partner at the net.
Instead of trying to hit a third shot drop from the baseline, which is a long way from the net, this strategy allows you to put pressure on your opponent with a drive and set up a much shorter drop on the fifth shot, which is an easier, higher percentage play to make.
Example 3
As you view the third example, you should see a repeating pattern. After the server hits a third shot drive, the returning volley lands short. This happens often because players don’t want to (or can’t) hit too aggressively when returning a drive, so they tend to block the shot short. As a result, you get a short ball to move in on so you can play a controlled fifth shot drop. Setting yourself up for an easy drop shot is imperative since drop percentages get better the closer you are to the net.
Example 4
The fourth scenario again shows the serving team hitting a third shot drive. The server is then able to hit an easy fifth shot drop, which enables her and her partner to move to the net and ultimately win the rally.