goes up—giving you the arc you want to hit a good shot.
The motion of the shot is going to be a lot like a serve in
pickleball or a softball toss as you’re coming through in an
upward motion.
Remember, when you are tossing or hitting the ball in this
drill, the trajectory of your shot should be an arching motion.
To quote Brian Staub, “The apex of your shot should be on
your side of the net.”
THE THIRD SHOT DRILL
Here’s a very simple drill to help you work through the key
elements of hitting this shot. What you’re going to do first is
you’re going to go back to the baseline. You’re going to put
your paddle down. You’re going to grab a ball, put it in your
paddle hand, get low, and go through the motions of trying to
toss the third shot drop into the kitchen.
After you do that 10 or 20 times and you feel comfortable
lifting the ball and staying low, you’re going to pick up your
paddle again. You’re going to drop the ball, let it bounce, and
then actually hit the third shot drop with your paddle. As a
result, the trajectory of your shot should be very similar to the
toss you just had.
RUSTY: We really hope this has been helpful. And now
there’s only one thing left to do, and that’s go play! •
Rusty Howes is the founder of Rumer Studios and
executive producer and creator of Pickleball Channel.
Wesley Gabrielsen is a high school history
teacher/boys tennis coach at McMinnville High
School as well as a Team Onix sponsored player.
He’s also an 11-time USAPA National Champion,
six-time Canadian National Champion, two-time
Tournament of Champions Winner and two-time US
Open Champion.
JUNE/JULY 2020 | MAGAZINE 39