Third Shot Drop Success by Skill Level

Everything has a purpose...

We have spent a couple of days discussing what defines a successful third shot drop. But what are the expectations for success? As you might guess, the expectations vary significantly by skill level. The International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association has established standards for their ratings system. Their ratings closely correspond to USAPA ratings, although the USAPA standards for each shot are not as specific. The IPTPA standards are shown below.

Skill Level 2.5
• Is developing 3rd shot drop by dinking from the transition area
• Attempting to hit 3rd shot drop from baseline during match play
3rd shot drop from transition area (middle of the court)
     • Forehand 4/10
     • Backhand 4/10

Skill Level 3.0
• Is developing 3rd shot drop by dinking from the transition area
• Attempting to hit 3rd shot drop from baseline during match play
3rd shot drop from transition area (middle of the court)
     • Forehand 5/10
     • Backhand 5/10
3rd shot drop from baseline
     • Forehand 1/5
     • Backhand 1/5

Skill Level 3.5
• Can perform 3rd shot drop from the baseline
• Attempting to hit 3rd shot drop from baseline during match play with greater success
3rd shot drop from transition area (middle of the court)
     • Forehand down the line 6/10
     • Forehand cross court 6/10
     • Backhand down the line 6/10
     • Backhand cross court 6/10
3rd shot drop from baseline
     • Forehand down the line 2/5
     • Backhand down the line 2/5

Skill Level 4.0
• Better consistency when performing 3rd shot drop from the baseline
• Can hit 3rd shot drop from baseline during match play with greater success
3rd shot drop from transition area (middle of the court)
     • Forehand down the line 4/5
     • Forehand cross court 4/5
     • Backhand down the line 4/5
     • Backhand cross court 4/5
3rd shot drop from baseline
     • Forehand 6/10
     • Backhand 6/10

Skill Level 4.5
• Can consistently hit 3rd shot drop from baseline during match play
3rd shot drop from baseline
     • Forehand down the line 4/5
     • Forehand cross court 4/5
     • Backhand down the line 4/5
     • Backhand cross court 4/5