Third-Shot Drop: Skip Down-the-Line — Drop Between Their Feet

Summary

Richard_pickleball’s third-shot targeting tip: stop defaulting down the line.

The net is higher DTL and the opponent can reach or Erne. If you want the player in front of you, drop between their feet — it jams them, takes away clean Erne distance and reach angles, and lets you follow the shot in with pressure.

Key takeaways

• DTL drop = higher net + Erne/reach risk
• Target between the front player’s feet to jam
• Follow the drop in once they’re jammed

Action items

• From the baseline, hit 20 drops aimed at a towel between a partner’s feet at the kitchen
• In points, ban DTL thirds for one game — only middle/feet targets