Third-Shot Masterclass: Pick by Depth and Ball Height

Summary

Parth Mody maps the third shot to where you are and how high the ball is. Behind the baseline, hit a defensive drive and look to drop the next one. On the baseline, hit a topspin drop and move in.

Already in front of the baseline with a low ball: slice or push drop and keep closing. In front with a high ball: drive and crash. Depth plus height choose the shot — not a single favorite third every time.

Key takeaways

• Behind baseline: defensive drive, then drop the next
• On baseline: topspin drop + move in
• In front + low: slice/push drop; in front + high: drive and crash

Action items

• In drilling, call your court depth before every third and only allow the matching shot
• Play a game where the wrong depth/shot combo costs the point