Drop Shot Domination

The most asked question we get at Quick Pickle is, “How do I hit a better drop shot?”

Whether you come from a different racquet sport or are new to pickleball, it’s the toughest shot to master…

A couple years ago, I was playing pickleball and watching some players on a nearby court.  I noticed a man on court #2 that looked about 65 years old.   He was the kind of person that everyone gravitates toward like a local celebrity meets Santa Claus.  He had an infectious smile and probably would be just as happy waiting in line at the DMV.

As I moved closer and continued to watch the foursome, I saw that he was placing the ball in the kitchen EVERY TIME!  It didn’t matter if he was at the baseline or at the non-volley zone.  It was beautiful, and I was jealous.  You would have thought he invented the game or lived on a cot next to the court, so he could practice every day.

There were some other players hitting good shots, but nothing as smooth as his.  I’ve never seen somebody so happy playing pickleball and assumed he must have been a tennis pro in a previous life.  I could picture him twenty years ago hitting tennis balls to ladies at their country club on a Tuesday morning gently reminding them to “hit the ball on the rise”.

Normally, I wouldn’t walk up to somebody and ask them, “How’d you do that?”  But the wonderful thing about pickleball is that everybody is your friend at the courts.  If it’s your first day or your 100th, players are so welcoming and unlike any other sport I’ve seen.  With that relaxed environment and belief that he’d love to talk with me I asked him, “How’d you do that?”

“Do what?” he said.  I asked him how he was so good with his third or fifth or even seventh drop shot.  He motioned for us to sit down at the covered picnic table and we started talking pickleball.  I found out his name was Ken and he played 4-5 times per week.  He used to play tennis but laughed when I asked if he was a tennis pro.  “Tennis pro?  My wife is going to love it when I tell her that one.  She might not believe me, so you may need to stop by the house to prove it.”

He explained that he used to have a terrible time hitting that shot.  “That dog won’t hunt” is the expression he used.  Ken said he tried everything to get better- practice more, watch other players, go to clinics, watch tournaments and read articles or books.  It took a long time and he said, “when you’re my age, you don’t have a long time.” 

I told him I was working on a project to partner with the top players and teachers to teach their strategies and techniques to players of all levels.  “Go on”, he said. 

“Ken, I’m not your age and I still don’t have a long time to do everything you did.  There’s a better way.”

I explained further that by breaking down all aspects of the drop shot from the basics up to advanced skills can save you time and get you playing at a higher level. 

He said I was on to something and he hadn’t heard of anything like that.  “It makes sense.  My wife watches videos on crafting and this is way more exciting!”

I thanked Ken for his time and assured him that, “That dog will hunt”.

Course #1:  Drop Shot Domination

It was critical to partner with a top player that was also a great teacher.  That led me to Daniel Moore, one of the best players in pickleball and a former collegiate tennis player.  His Gold Medal count is in the double digits and a fantastic instructor evident by the number of clinics he hosts throughout the year.     

There are 12 modules in the video course.  Once you purchase the course, you’ll get an email granting you access to the videos on our website.  You can view them on your laptop, smart tv or phone or download to watch on your tablet on the court.

If you are new to Pickleball, the first four modules will teach you “What is a Drop Shot”, “Philosophy of the Shot”, “Basics” and “Key Principles”

If you are an intermediate player, the next modules will focus on “Paddle Grip”, “Footwork”, “Where to hit the ball”, “After you hit your shot”, “When not to hit a third shot drop” and “Double Positioning”

If you are an advanced player, the “Advanced techniques” module will show how to hide your shot, using spin or slice techniques, strategies for playing against bangers and where to hit your drop shot…

On top of all that, the final chapter focuses on Drills and Games you can use

Here is what Melissa McCurley, Owner of PickleballTournaments.com said of the courses-

“Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of pickleball's finest. Daniel is not only a world class Pickleball player and instructor he is also a world class person!  I had the opportunity to play Mixed Doubles in Spain with Daniel (September 2017) in the pro division.  We walked away with the 4th place aluminum medal, but the experience to be on the court with Daniel was pure gold for me!”

Course #2:  Dinking to Gold

When you order Drop Shot Domination, you’ll also get a FREE access to Dinking to Gold.  We want you to feel confident whether you’re standing at the kitchen line as well as the baseline…

Dinking to Gold is 8 modules of beginner to advanced training led by Daniel Moore…

So just like Drop Shop Domination, this course contains the same modules but focuses on how to improve your dink shot…

Pickleball is about patience and letting your opponent make mistakes…

The dink shot is the ultimate patience shot in the sport…

In this course you’ll learn how to hit the shot, what to do if you’re in trouble, where to hit your dink shot and paddle positioning…

You’ll also find out about double strategies, how to use top spin and a backhand slice, when to use a lob shot and an Erne shot…

Finally, you’ll see one of Daniel’s favorite games to play while training with another player…

BONUS:  Daniel and I sit down for an interview…

You’ll find out how he got introduced to Pickleball, his advice to players interested in competing in tournaments, if he thinks Pickleball will be in the Olympics and much more…

Gale Leach, author of The Art of Pickleball shared her thoughts on the courses-

“I've known since I began writing about pickleball that video has tremendous power to teach concepts and movements that are difficult to describe in print. Since then, I've watched hundreds of pickleball videos, but often the pros go too fast, don't explain how they execute their movements, or tell the "why" behind their teaching. 

Quick Pickle's video, "Drop Shot Domination," taught by pro Daniel Moore, is different. It explains the how and why of successfully executing the soft third shot. Beyond that, it could be used as a short course for new pickleball players, since it covers most general parts of pickleball play. 

The video describes the philosophy behind hitting the soft third shot and deals with the aspects of play that make that shot work. From the basics, like how to hold the paddle and footwork, to advanced techniques and strategies—all topics are explained using a white board and then demonstrated at a perfect tempo. A great combination.

Take time to watch this video. You'll enjoy it and come away with a better understanding of the third drop shot and the great tool it is.”