Pickleball players love to talk about the “big three” shots—the serve, the return, and the third-shot drop. But what about the fourth shot? This underappreciated hero is often the key to controlling the rally and winning the point.
Let’s break it all down: why the fourth shot matters, who it benefits most, and practical strategies for making it a weapon in your arsenal.
What Is the Fourth Shot, and Why Does It Matter?
The fourth shot is the response to your opponent’s third shot, whether they drive the ball hard or drop it softly. For the receiving team, it’s a critical moment to keep the serving team from advancing to the kitchen line and taking control of the rally.
Here’s what a great fourth shot can do:
- Neutralize a strong third shot: Block or counter a drive to stop aggressive play.
- Keep opponents back: A well-placed shot forces them to stay at the baseline or midcourt.
- Set the tone for the rally: Dictate how the point unfolds and keep yourself in control.
So, how do you make your fourth shot count? Let’s get into the strategies.
Responding to Third-Shot Drives
Beginner to Intermediate Players (Up to 4.0)
- Compact Blocks:
- Why: Drives are fast, and big swings can lead to errors.
- How: Keep your paddle up, and use a short, controlled motion to block the ball back low and deep to your opponent’s feet.
- Avoid the Middle:
- Why: Drives paired with a poaching partner (the dreaded “shake-and-bake”) can punish weak returns.
- How: Aim at the driver’s feet or down the sideline to avoid giving their partner an easy volley.
Drill: Have a partner hit drives at you from the baseline. Focus on blocking them low and deep, alternating between forehand and backhand.
Advanced Players (4.5 and Above)
- Deceptive Placement:
- Why: High-level players anticipate patterns, so variety is your friend.
- How: Follow a deep shot to the driver with a low-angle return to the poacher’s backhand, keeping them guessing.
- Aggressive Counterpunching:
- Why: When drives lack pace or placement, you can go on the offensive.
- How: Step forward and volley aggressively to an open space, maintaining control of the rally.
Drill: Alternate between blocking hard drives and counterpunching weaker ones. The key is reading the shot quickly.
Responding to Third-Shot Drops
Beginner to Intermediate Players
- Recognize Drop Quality:
- Why: Not all drops are created equal. A high drop can be attacked, but a low one requires a reset.
- How: If the ball is above net height, go for a controlled offensive volley. If not, prioritize a defensive dink to stay in the rally.
- Stay Balanced:
- Why: Overreaching leads to errors and leaves you vulnerable to counters.
- How: Keep your weight centered, and step back if needed to take the ball in your strike zone.
Drill: Practice letting drops bounce, then hit controlled topspin returns aimed at your opponent’s feet.
Advanced Players
- Offensive Roll Volleys:
- Why: A weak drop is your chance to keep opponents pinned.
- How: Use a short, topspin swing to roll the ball at their feet or into a deep corner.
- Calculated Dinking:
- Why: Even advanced players need to reset against strong opponents.
- How: A sharp cross-court dink can create an unattackable angle while maintaining control of the NVZ.
Drill: Alternate between roll volleys and defensive resets, focusing on accuracy and control.
Hear top pro Zane Navratil explain why the roll volley might just be the ultimate fourth-shot option in pickleball:
When to Volley vs. Let It Bounce
Here’s a quick guide to decide:
- Volley: If the ball is at or above net height, take it out of the air to apply pressure and keep opponents back.
- Bounce: If the ball dips below net height, let it rise for a stronger, more controlled return.
Pro Tip: If you’re reaching and feel off-balance, let the ball bounce. A reset is better than gifting your opponent an easy winner.
Watch the coach at Universal Rackets’ Pickleball Clinics break down when to volley or let it bounce in a way that’s super easy to grasp:
Advanced Situational Strategies
- Against Lobbers:
- Stay ready with your paddle high. When the lob comes, position yourself early and smash with control to keep the rally in your favor.
- Against Aggressive Poachers:
- Use their momentum against them. Hit behind the poacher to exploit the space they leave open.
- Against Strong Droppers:
- Keep your dinks low and sharp, targeting difficult angles to maintain your NVZ advantage.
Common Fourth Shot Mistakes and Fixes
- Overhitting the Ball
- Mistake: Swinging too hard and sending the ball out of bounds.
- Fix: Use controlled swings, aiming for placement over power.
- Giving Up the Kitchen Line
- Mistake: Retreating too quickly against a good drop.
- Fix: Stand your ground and aim for low, defensive returns to keep the rally alive.
- Misjudging the Shot
- Mistake: Taking low balls out of the air or letting high ones bounce.
- Fix: Evaluate your contact point and choose the higher-percentage shot.
My Two Cents on the Fourth Shot
Mastering the fourth shot is about more than just technique—it’s about thinking ahead and staying adaptable on the court. By recognizing its importance, you’re already a step ahead of most players.
Bonus Tip: Watch your opponent’s paddle angle during their third shot. It often reveals whether they’re planning a drive or a drop, giving you a split-second advantage to prepare.
Now, hit the court, have fun, and let your fourth shot do the talking. See you at the NVZ! 🏓
