🏓 The Drip Shot: Pickleball’s Sneakiest Strategic Play

Is it a drop? Is it a drive? Nope—it’s the drip.

At IPOP, we’re always helping players level up their game—and today, we’re spotlighting a shot that more and more advanced players are using to stay one step ahead: the drip shot.

It’s not as well-known as the drop or the dink, but once you understand how the drip shot works, you’ll see why it’s quickly becoming a favourite among pros. It’s smart, strategic, and perfect for taking control of tricky rallies.

Let’s break down what the drip shot is, why it works, when to use it, and how you can practice it—and then we’ll show you how to book a private coaching session to master it yourself.

 

 

🎯 What Is the Drip Shot?

The drip shot is a third-shot drive—but not one designed to win the point outright. Instead, it’s a strategic setup that helps you control the rally and create a much easier opportunity to drop the ball on your next shot (usually the fifth).

Picture this: your opponent returns serve deep and fast. Traditionally, we’re taught to use a third-shot drop—but when that return has too much pace or depth, attempting a precise drop from the baseline becomes risky.

That’s where the drip comes in.

Instead of forcing a soft shot from a tough position, you hit a controlled drive aimed at pressuring your opponent. The goal is to elicit a rushed or awkward reply, giving you the opening to move toward the net confidently and to execute a cleaner drop on the fifth shot.

Here’s pickleball pro Ben Johns on how to do the drip shot:

 

 

🧠 Why the Drip Shot Works

The drip shot isn’t about power—it’s about pressure and positioning. Here’s why top-level players use it:

  • It disrupts your opponents: a well-placed drip forces off-balance returns or weak replies.

  • It helps you transition: after dripping, you move forward and are better positioned for a fifth shot drop.

  • It buys time and reduces risk: when the third shot drop is too dangerous, the drip gives you another chance to set the tone.

 

 

đź•’ When to Use the Drip Shot

Use the drip shot when:

  • You receive a deep or hard return that makes a soft drop difficult

  • You’re off-balance or not quite in position for a clean drop

  • You want to change the tempo and disrupt your opponents’ rhythm

  • Your opponents are moving forward too fast or are not set

🎯 Ideal targets for the drip:

  • Low at the feet

  • The middle gap in doubles play

  • Backhand side of a less mobile player

 

 

🏋️ How to Practice the Drip Shot

Dripping is all about control. You want to drive the ball just hard enough to apply pressure, without overhitting.

Practice Tips:

  • Aim for low, fast shots that land at your opponents’ feet

  • Drill sequences: third shot drip → fifth shot drop

  • Practice hitting from awkward stances and transition zones

  • Work on your footwork so you can move forward quickly after the drip

And don’t forget: the follow-up fifth shot drop is just as crucial as the drip itself. That’s when you regain control and ideally take over the kitchen line.

When you hit the fast drip shot at your opponent's feet, if they are able to return it at all, it won’t be a quality shot, and they will be towards the back of the court. This is a good time for a drop shot – the fifth shot drop.

Even if they are able to get to that one, they are off their game, and you are in control of the rally.

 

 

đź‘Š Final Thoughts: Get Drippy With It

The drip shot is a crucial strategic option for anyone seeking to elevate their pickleball game. It provides more flexibility when the drop isn’t available and helps you take control of points, especially when things get complicated.

🎓 Ready to learn how to drip like the pros?

Book a private lesson with one of IPOP’s certified coaches who can teach you the intricate details on how to hit the perfect drip shot and take control of more rallies.

Whether you’re training solo or bringing three friends, we’ll help you build confidence in your third-shot strategy and learn how to drip, drop, and dominate.

👉Book now at ipop.fun → Or, click “Book a Coach” in the menu on your CourtReserve app and reserve your private lesson today.

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