THE COACHING CAMPUS / DRILL LIBRARY
Underhand Toss
A beginner third shot drop drill that removes the paddle so players can focus on the movement pattern and the trajectory.
VIEW THE COURT PLAN
SKILL LEVEL
Beginner
PLAYERS
1
PRIMARY SHOT TYPE
Drop
TRAINING TYPE
Technique/Skill
THE EXERCISE
What you're working on
The third shot drop is widely considered the most important stroke to master in pickleball, the shot that separates beginners from more advanced players. Its purpose is to hit an unattackable ball that forces opponents to hit upwards, while giving you the time needed to advance to the kitchen line and get into the point. This beginner drill strips the shot back to its core mechanics, removing the paddle entirely so players can focus purely on the movement pattern and feel of the trajectory.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
A collection of balls, net and kitchen as the target (no paddle required)
01 / COURT PLAN
See how the drill works
Follow the player positions and numbered sequence in the diagram.
CLICK TO ENLARGE THE DIAGRAM
02 / ON COURT
Run the drill
Drill Set Up
One player, a collection of balls, no paddle required. Start in the transition zone or middle of the court, with the kitchen as the target.
How to run it
- Start in the transition zone, facing the kitchen.
- Bend at the knees and engage the core for balance.
- Using an underhand motion, toss the ball towards the kitchen, following through towards the target.
- Aim to land the ball softly inside the kitchen.
- Once you achieve a couple of successful tosses, take a step back towards the baseline.
- Repeat the process, gradually working back until you are tossing from the baseline.
Coaching Points
- Bend at the knees, do not hunch over from the waist.
- Use the shoulders, legs, and core together to drive the movement, not just the arm.
- Follow through towards the target to guide the ball into the kitchen.
- The goal is a soft, arcing trajectory that lands unattackably low in the kitchen.
- Progress only when you are landing the toss consistently, do not rush towards the baseline.