Stop Botching Your Third-Shot Drop: Quick Fixes to 2 Common Mistakes

The less your paddle moves before contact, the less can go wrong

If you ask Tanner Tomassi, most players are overcomplicating the mechanics of their third-shot drop.

In a recent breakdown, he highlighted the two primary culprits behind a failed drop. If you’re tired of getting punished for your transition game, it’s time to simplify.

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1. You Have Way Too Much Movement The first mistake is what Tanner calls the "all-in-one" motion.

You know the feeling: the ball is coming deep, and you’re trying to judge the bounce, set your feet, and swing all at the same time. It’s chaotic. When you try to do everything in one frantic second, your timing goes out the window.

Instead, you need to get that paddle down early . The moment you see the ball heading your way, your paddle should already be in position.

Think of it like a pendulum. If the paddle is already low, all you have to do is lift with your shoulder. No extra backswing, no wristy flicking; just a smooth, controlled lift. It’s about removing the variables. The less your paddle moves before contact, the less can go wrong.

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