Great training videos! I would love to see video series demonstrating the difference in what is defined as 2 to 5 skill levels. Demonstrate difference between 3.5 and 4.0 for example. Show skill shots that a 4.5 player can make vs a 3.5. Just a thought Thanks.
Great video, as I rarely use this shot. I'm gonna experiment more with this shot since it makes so much more sense in terms of hitting the ball at a higher contact zone. The only thing I don't like is I feel that repositioning into a semi or closed stance while at the kitchen with my backswing in a groundstroke formation signals to my opponent I will most likely drive it. But since keeping my opponent back is usually the solid play, this technique will allow me to drive 3rd shot drops I would normally dink
Yes this is very true, this is why you will see good players have different options when they step back: a hard drive, a topspin roll at the feet, or a topspin dink into the kitchen. When you have these 3 shots with the same setup, your opponents won’t know what’s coming!
Thanks for another excellent vid! Are you hitting that step back topspin shot w a continental grip? And as a follow up, do you use a continental grip for your non slice forehand serve returns? If so, I recall from tennis that it is hard to generate topspin w a continental grip; maybe it’s different with a Pickleball? Thanks!
@@primetimepickleball Yes, that makes sense. There are proponents of using one continental grip for all pball shots which would be the simplest if it works for you, but I tried that briefly and not so good. So I’ve settled into eastern forehand grip for my forehands that I want to drive and/or put topspin on (and normal serves, not drop serves), and continental for everything else. Fortunately it’s a very slight shift. Thanks again for replying!
In terms of keeping youl eye at the opponent: I do not see how that is possible. When I am hitting a ball I am focused only on seeing the ball, and yet I can usually see my opponents in my peripheral vision. I now believe that pickleball should be played on an unconcious level. The only things I am concentrating on is seeing the ball and the angle of my opponents paddle. And yet I still have a wide range of peripheral vision. All skeet shooters know this. Thoughts, Jordon? To take this thought further, when I hit a 3rd shot drop I don't look at my target as I am hitting. I visualize the target in my mind. (I actually look at my drop target before I serve; that helps me later visualize it in my mind.) In fact, if I prematurely lift my head to see where my drop is going my drop will probably go high.
If they are up to the kitchen would you still use this shot? Or if they are still coming in? I would also guess that it depends on how high their third shot drop bounces.....if its low might be tough even with topspin
I typically use this shot when my opponent is still on their way in. After they hit their 3rd shot drop, they will always have to make their way through the transition zone. If their drop does not bounce significantly high, you’re probably better off dinking the ball.
Often lower level players will take there right handed third from their partner on the other side of the center line. As they come forward it is often going strait. This leaves the outside shot, pass their backhand open. To set the play up serve about two feet from the center even side and watch the returners approach from there. If the odd side player comes over to take the ball and comes strait foreword, look for the passing shot to his outside.
To take this one shot more, if you hit a 3rd shot drop and you see your opponent step back to hit a roll, how should you react? Should you come forward quickly and stop to split step as they make contact: come forward carefully to about mid-court range, or stay back? Let's assume your opponent has a good step back roll
If your opponent has a good step back 4th shot, you need to be aware of this coming in. This is why it’s important to work on your reset shots coming in to neutralize their hard shots by hitting them back into the kitchen. Don’t sprint to the net, but make your way up quickly while you also give yourself lots of time as you split step correctly to handle and neutralize their attacks.
Not sure what you mean, as the first 4 shots can be a little different every time. In this video, we talk about a very common scenario where the player at the baseline elects to hit a 3rd shot drop.
You have to run up as far as you can, and then split step before they hit the ball. The more space you close, the less court you give them to hit into. So this also means you really have to work on your reset volleys as well.
Players that don't split step or just keep coming forward get hit by the ball. Hands are down and can't defend a drive! Thanks again for the information.
The problem I see is the better players have momentum when they do a 3rd shot drop and are actually at nvz line before the 4th shot. A novice or new player yes definitely makes sense.
If your opponent has a good step back 4th shot, you need to be aware of this coming in. This is why it’s important to work on your reset shots coming in to neutralize their hard shots by hitting them back into the kitchen. Don’t sprint to the net, but make your way up quickly while you also give yourself lots of time as you split step correctly to handle and neutralize their attacks.
