4 Topspin Drop Fixes That Stop Your Third Shot Popping Up
Industry

4 Topspin Drop Fixes That Stop Your Third Shot Popping Up

The Dink June 11, 2026 Today
The Dinkindustry
The topspin drop turns your third shot from a liability into pressure. Coach Cori Elliott's four fixes stop the pop ups for good.
The topspin drop has become a staple in modern pickleball, allowing players to turn their third shot into a powerful attacking opportunity. However, for many players, the topspin drop can also be a liability, as it often results in the ball popping up and giving their opponents an easy put-away. Coach Cori Elliott, a renowned pickleball instructor, has identified four key fixes to help players master the topspin drop and stop the pop-ups for good. The first fix is to focus on the contact point of the paddle. When hitting a topspin drop, it's essential to make contact with the paddle at the top of the ball, rather than at the bottom. This allows the ball to spin forward and downward, reducing the likelihood of it popping up. To achieve this, players should aim to hit the ball with a slightly closed face, using the edge of the paddle to impart spin. The second fix is to adjust the angle of incidence. When hitting a topspin drop, the ball should be angled slightly downward, so that it hits the ground at a 45-degree angle. This allows the ball to spin forward and downward, reducing the likelihood of it popping up. To achieve this, players should aim to hit the ball with a slightly more vertical swing, using the face of the paddle to impart spin. The third fix is to focus on the follow-through of the swing. When hitting a topspin drop, it's essential to follow through with the paddle, keeping it in contact with the ball for a fraction of a second longer than usual. This allows the ball to spin forward and downward, reducing the likelihood of it popping up. To achieve this, players should aim to keep their arm extended and their wrist firm, using the elbow and forearm to generate power. The fourth and final fix is to practice the spin control of the topspin drop. When hitting a topspin drop, it's essential to control the amount of spin imparted on the ball, so that it lands softly on the ground. To achieve this, players should practice hitting the ball with different levels of spin, using the edge of the paddle to control the amount of spin imparted. By incorporating these four fixes into their game, players can master the topspin drop and turn their third shot into a powerful attacking opportunity. As Coach Cori Elliott notes, "The topspin drop is a game-changer in pickleball, but it requires practice and patience to master. With these four fixes, players can stop the pop-ups and start dominating their opponents."
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The Dink https://www.thedinkpickleball.com/topspin-drop-4-fixes-for-a-third-shot-that-stays-low/

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