Groundstroke Deep Dive: Why Pickleball is Different

An often overlooked and underestimated shot in pickleball is the drive. Contrary to popular belief, the drive is just as essential as the drop or dink. If you’re not using it to create opportunities, you’re missing a key element of your offensive game. The drive isn’t just a power shot—it can be a versatile weapon used to apply pressure, force errors, and set up winning points in a variety of ways. 

1. Test Your Opponent’s Ability to Handle Pace

One of the best reasons to use a drive—especially early in a match—is to test your opponents. I often recommend using a third-shot drive right away when you’re unfamiliar with who you’re playing. Choose one player and drive the ball at them. If they handle it cleanly, try the other. If they struggle, keep targeting them until they prove they can adjust. Just like a drop, though, placement matters. A low, fast drive is ideal—high drives are easier to attack and more likely to go out if your opponent lets them go.

2. Create “Shake and Bake” Opportunities

A well-placed drive can set up a classic “Shake and Bake” play, where one player drives the ball and their partner crashes the net to poach a weak or popped-up return. This strategy thrives on catching your opponents off guard and forcing rushed reactions. By driving the ball low and fast at your opponent, you increase the chance of a mishit or high return, giving your partner the green light to finish the point at the net. When executed well, it’s one of the most aggressive and effective ways to end points quickly. This can be quick, easy points when your opponent gives you a short return of serve. 

3. Set Up an Easier Fifth Shot

Driving the third shot can help simplify your fifth shot. When your opponent hits a deep return of serve, hitting a drop from the baseline can be tough. But if you drive that third shot, their block often comes back shorter and lands closer to the kitchen. This gives you more court to work with and makes your next drop easier to execute. It’s a smart way to turn a defensive situation into a more manageable one, allowing you to transition to the net more effectively.

In today’s game, where speed and pressure play a huge role, the drive deserves just as much attention as the drop or dink. Whether you’re testing your opponents’ ability to handle pace, setting up a “Shake and Bake,” or simply making your fifth shot more manageable, the drive is a critical tool that can tilt points in your favor. Don’t underestimate its value—develop it, use it wisely, and you’ll become a far more dynamic and dangerous player on the court.

How to Hit an Effective Drive

Executing a strong drive isn’t just about swinging hard—it’s about combining technique, placement, and control. Here are the key elements to focus on:

1. Use a Compact Swing
In pickleball, you don’t need a huge backswing to generate power. In fact, your paddle should never go behind your body. A common mistake is taking a big wind-up and then decelerating at contact, which kills your power and timing. A short, fluid motion is far more effective. Not only is it easier to repeat consistently, but it also keeps you in control and reduces the chance of mishits. The longer your swing, the more time the ball has to drop, increasing the risk of missing the sweet spot. Keep it tight, quick, and smooth.

2. Hit Out in Front
Make contact with the ball in front of your body, not beside or behind you. This allows you to transfer your body weight into the shot and guide it where you want it to go.

3. DROP THE TIP OF THE PADDLE

I never played tennis, so forgive any ignorance—but one major difference I’ve noticed is how much lower the ball bounces in pickleball. Unlike tennis, where the ball naturally comes up to a comfortable height, pickleball often forces you to create lift on your own. That’s why dropping the tip of your paddle during your stroke is so important. It helps you lift the ball and get it over the net.

But here’s the catch: if you only drop the tip and don’t do anything else, the ball will likely sail long. That’s where topspin comes in. As you lift the ball, you need to roll over the top of it to generate spin. This topspin brings the ball back down into the court, giving you a more aggressive and consistent drive. 

4. Stay Low and Balanced
Bend your knees and keep your weight forward. A low stance helps you drive through the ball and maintain balance, especially when moving into the shot from deep in the court.

Conclusion: Add the Drive to Your Arsenal

The drive is more than just a backup plan when your drop isn’t working—it’s a powerful, strategic tool that can keep your opponents off balance and open the door to easy points. Whether you’re using it to test your opponent’s hands, set up a “Shake and Bake,” or create a better look on your fifth shot, a well-executed drive adds variety and pressure to your game.

Just remember: it’s not about brute force. Technique, timing, and court awareness all play a role in hitting an effective drive. Use a compact swing, make contact out in front, drop the tip of the paddle to lift the ball, and stay low and balanced through the shot. Master these fundamentals, and the drive won’t just be another option—it’ll become one of your go-to weapons.

Looking to add more power and precision to your game? Start with the drive.

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