The third shot in pickleball is crucial for setting the tone of the rally, and players traditionally have two main options: the drop or the drive. However, a new strategy is gaining popularity among high-level players—the third shot drop/drive hybrid, also known as the drip or hot drop.
This shot combines the best of both worlds, offering an effective offensive weapon that keeps your opponents off-balance and sets you up for success.
What’s the Drop/Drive Hybrid?
The drop/drive hybrid, drip shot or hot drop is a clever third shot that falls right between a drop and a drive. It’s not as soft as a drop, but it’s not as powerful as a full-blown drive either. The idea is to hit the ball at around 60% of your max power, aiming to land it right at your opponent’s feet as they move toward the net.
It’s quick enough to catch them off guard but low enough to keep them from hitting an aggressive return.
Watch pro player Zane Navratil break down the drop/drive hybrid and show you exactly how it’s done on the court.
When to Use the Hybrid Shot
- Opponent in Transition: This shot is particularly effective when your opponent is in the transition zone, between the baseline and the NVZ. If your opponent is unable to close the distance to the net after returning serve, the hybrid shot can force them into a difficult position, making it challenging to return the ball effectively.
- Deep Serves or Stacking Situations: If your serve forces your opponent deep or catches them in a stacking rotation, the hybrid shot can capitalize on their compromised position, preventing them from comfortably reaching the NVZ.
4 Key Tips Execute the Drop/Drive Hybrid
- Compact Swing: Use a compact, controlled swing at about 60% of your full power. This keeps the shot fast enough to surprise your opponent but with enough control to drop it at their feet.
- Top Spin for Control: Apply topspin to help the ball descend quickly after crossing the net. This reduces the chance of your opponent counterattacking with an aggressive shot.
- Targeting: Aim for your opponent’s feet or just behind the NVZ line. This placement forces them to hit upwards, often resulting in a weak return or pop-up that you can capitalize on.
- Follow Through: After hitting the hybrid, move quickly to the net to be ready for the next shot. This aggressive positioning puts additional pressure on your opponent.
When Should You Start Practicing the Drop/Drive Hybrid?
So, when is the right time to add the drop/drive hybrid to your game? If you’re playing at a 3.5/4 level, it’s definitely worth starting to practice. At this stage, you’ve likely got a solid handle on the basics like the third shot drop and drive, and you’re looking for ways to up your game.
The drop/drive hybrid comes in handy because it’s all about adding variety and unpredictability to your shots. As you progress, opponents get better at reading your moves, so having a shot that’s not quite a drop and not quite a drive keeps them on their toes. It’s perfect for catching them off guard, especially when they’re moving toward the net, and can help you maintain control of the rally.
The Biggest Challenge: Consistency
The drop/drive hybrid can be a game-changer, but consistency is its biggest challenge. Even experienced players struggle to nail it every time, so it’s important to use this shot strategically rather than making it your default third shot.
As one seasoned player puts it, “This is my favorite shot. When you hit it right, the ESPN ‘da-da-da, da-da-da’ plays, and you get the lamentations of your opponents and the admiring glances from your partners. These benefits fade, however, the 60% of the time that you net the ball or hit it into the parking lot.”
These words sum up the hybrid’s risk-reward nature. When it lands, it’s a highlight, but when it doesn’t, it can cost you. The key to success is practice—and knowing the right moment to use it.
Save the hybrid for when your opponents are in transition or off-balance, and be cautious about overusing it until your consistency improves.
