Third-Shot Guide: Deep Drive-Then-Drop, Medium Drop, Short Rip

Summary

Tanner’s third-shot guide keys off return depth. On a deep return, drive the first ball to create an easier next ball to drop. On a medium return with no clear edge, just drop and work in slowly.

On a short return, step in and rip. Depth chooses aggression — don’t force the same third every time.

Key takeaways

• Deep return → drive first, drop the next
• Medium → drop and ease in
• Short → step in and attack

Action items

• Call return depth (deep/med/short) before every third in drilling
• Ban dropping the first ball off clearly deep returns for one game