How the Third Shot Drop Drill in Pickleball Teaches Adaptability—On and Off the Court
As someone who worked on Wall Street and in higher education, I’ve seen firsthand that great leaders aren’t just about having a vision—they’re about being flexible when things change. That’s why, at Pickleball Leadership, we use pickleball to teach about leadership and teamwork. This week, I want to talk about a popular pickleball drill that’s going viral on YouTube and explain the leadership lesson it teaches us all.
The Drill: Mastering the 3rd Shot Drop
The most popular pickleball drill video this week is “Mastering the 3rd Shot Drop: Slice, Cup, and Topspin Variations” from the Pickleball Playbook channel, with pro Ryan Fu. It’s gotten thousands of views in just a few days, so it’s clear that players everywhere want to improve this important shot.
So, what is the third shot drop?
It’s a soft, controlled shot played after the serve and return, meant to land gently in your opponent’s kitchen (the non-volley zone). When done right, it takes away your opponent’s advantage and gives you a chance to move up to the net.
In the video, Ryan shows three different ways to do it—slice, cup (or scoop), and topspin. Each one requires a little change in how you hold the paddle, how you angle it, and how you move your body, depending on the ball you get. The drill challenges players to practice each shot from both the forehand and backhand sides, and it emphasizes the need to quickly adapt to changing ball speeds, spins, and trajectories.
The Leadership Lesson: Adaptability
Here’s where the magic happens. To do these third shot drops well, you can’t just rely on muscle memory. You have to pay attention to what’s happening, adjust your technique, and respond to what’s coming at you right away. In other words, you need to be adaptable.
Why does this matter for leaders and teams?
In the workplace, adaptability is like being a pickleball pro. It’s about being flexible and ready to change when things get tough, like when a project shifts direction, a client changes their mind, or the market takes a wild turn. Just like on the court, the best leaders figure out what’s new, adjust their game plan, and keep their teams moving forward—even when things get stressful.
Here’s how you can apply this pickleball lesson to your life:
- On the Court: Next time you practice the third shot drop, focus on staying loose and ready to change. Don’t just keep doing the same thing—try different spins and speeds to see how your mind shifts.
- In the Workplace: When something unexpected happens at work, use the same adaptability. Take a moment to think things through, then adjust your strategy. Encourage your team to do the same, and watch how they become more resilient and innovative.
Ready to Lead Through Pickleball?
At Pickleball Leadership, we believe that every pickleball drill is a leadership lesson in disguise. Want to learn more about how to bring these lessons to your team or organization? Check out our books, workshops, and coaching plans designed to build leadership and teamwork—one pickleball rally at a time.
Let’s keep growing—on the court and in the boardroom.
For more leadership insights through pickleball, subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on YouTube. And don’t forget to try the third shot drop drill this week!
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