Pickleball coach Will East with the short game wisdom your game’s been missing.
If there’s one shot that haunts players from 3.0 to pro, it’s the third shot drop.
You know the one: your opponents are at the kitchen, you’re back at the baseline, and you have to get the ball over the net, short enough to keep it unattackable… but deep enough that it doesn’t land in the net or get launched to the moon. It’s a high-pressure shot with low room for error.
And let’s be honest—most of us overcomplicate it.
So when Coach Will East dropped this nugget of genius, we had to share:
“Treat your arm like the shaft of a golf wedge… and your paddle like the clubhead.”
It’s simple. It’s effective. And it works. Here’s how.
What’s the Golf Wedge Analogy?
Think about a golfer setting up for a chip shot. The shaft of the wedge stays fairly straight, and the clubface (your paddle, in this case) stays steady through contact. There’s no big wrist flick. No dramatic swing. Just a clean, smooth motion controlled by the shoulder—not the wrist or elbow.
Apply that to your third shot drop:
- Your arm = the shaft of the wedge
- Your paddle = the head of the wedge
Now: keep that “wedge” steady.
No scooping. No flipping your wrist. Just let your shoulder guide the motion like a pendulum, keeping the paddle face and arm in sync. You’ll get a consistent paddle angle, clean contact, and a smoother drop.
Why This Works
Many players try to finesse the third shot with their wrist or add spin using extra motion. That often results in mishits, popped-up balls, or drops that fall short. The golf wedge technique removes the guesswork and builds consistency because:
✅ It removes excessive variables (like wrist angle changes)
✅ It builds better muscle memory
✅ It promotes better timing and rhythm
✅ It’s biomechanically stable—less strain on your elbow and shoulder
You get more control, more margin for error, and a shot that actually lands where it’s supposed to: soft, unattackable, and inside the kitchen.
How to Practice It
Next time you drill (and yes, please drill your drops), try this:
- Visualize the Golf Wedge: Keep your arm and paddle in one straight line—like a wedge. Your shoulder is doing the work here.
- Use Shadow Swings First: Practice swinging without a ball. Feel that “pendulum” motion. No flipping, no breaking the angle.
- Drill Forehand and Backhand Drops: Alternate sides. Keep that wedge shape even on the backhand. This tip works beautifully on both.
- Film Yourself: Check that you’re not breaking the paddle angle or getting too “handsy.” The motion should be clean and simple.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Try to Win the Rally—Set It Up
The third shot drop isn’t about flash. It’s about control. The golf wedge technique puts you in position to move up to the net and win the rally from there.
So if you’re trying to crush your third shot with spin or pace? Dial it back. Get into “chip shot” mode. Smooth. Controlled. Predictable.
Control First, Winners Later
The best part of this technique? You don’t need to be a golf pro—or even know how to hold a 9 iron—to use it. Just treat your pickleball paddle like a wedge, trust your shoulder, and keep the motion simple.
Give it a shot next time you’re drilling. We think you’ll be amazed how quickly your third shot drop starts feeling less like a gamble—and more like a weapon.
Big thanks to Coach Will East for the tip. 🙌
Now go get your drop game dialed. The kitchen line is waiting.
