Are you practicing the wrong things? Many players spend hours chasing the “perfect” serve, grinding away at third shot drops, or trying to master spin. But here’s the reality—these are pickleball shots holding you back and distracting you from becoming a better pickleball player.
I’m CJ Johnson, and I help pickleball players over 50 live their best lives on and off the courts. In this post, I’ll answer common questions like “Should you add spin in pickleball?” and “Is the third shot drop worth practicing?” so you know exactly what shots to focus on to win more pickleball games.
Should You Focus on Power or Depth When Serving in Pickleball?
Search “pickleball serve tips” and you’ll find endless advice on adding spin or blasting with power. But here’s the truth: pickleball serve depth beats spin every time.
The purpose of the serve isn’t to score outright—it’s to make the return harder.
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A deep serve forces shorter returns, giving you an easier third shot.
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It also makes your opponent’s path to the NVZ longer, buying you more time.
If you want to win more matches, focus on deep and consistent serves instead of flashy power or spin.
Is the Third Shot Drop Overrated in Pickleball?
The third shot drop gets way too much attention. YouTube makes it look like you need a flawless drop into the kitchen every time—but here’s the problem:
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Players who chase perfection often skim too close to the net.
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That leads to balls dumped into the net—instant point lost.
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And at the 3.0–4.0 level, most points are lost in the first four shots anyway.
Instead of perfection, prioritize pickleball consistency tips like net clearance and keeping the ball in play. Even a pop-up gives you a chance. A net ball gives you none.
So yes, the third shot drop is important—but at most levels, it’s overcoached and overpracticed.
Should You Add Spin to Your Pickleball Shots?
Spin is everywhere—topspin drives, slice returns, sidespin serves. But one of the biggest pickleball mistakes to avoid is adding spin too soon.
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If you’ve played tennis or table tennis, spin might come naturally.
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But if you haven’t, it usually creates more errors than winners.
The cleanest way to hit your target is with a straight paddle path through the ball. Adding spin changes that path and increases inconsistency.
So, should you add spin to your pickleball shots? Not until you’ve built consistency first. Spin is a tool, but it’s not a shortcut to becoming a better player.
What Shots Should You Focus on to Win More Pickleball Games?
If the serve, third shot drop, and spin are the three shots distracting you from becoming a better pickleball player, where should you spend your practice time?
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✅ Deep, consistent serves. They immediately put pressure on your opponent.
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✅ Safe third shots with net clearance. Forget perfection—just keep the rally alive.
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✅ Consistency before spin. Build control, then layer in advanced skills.
Pickleball doesn’t reward flash—it rewards steady play. If you want to win more games, cut unforced errors and focus on fundamentals. That’s how you become a stronger, more reliable player.
And if you’re not sure what to practice next, I’ve got a free training that gives you a step-by-step roadmap to improve your game.
Together, we’ll build your confidence, one smart shot at a time.
CJ Johnson
Hey there — I’m a professional three-sport athlete and coach who has spent my entire adult life earning a living from playing and coaching sports. Since I started coaching more than three decades ago, one thing has remained the same: My commitment to see students not as they are but as what they can become and to move heaven and earth to help them realize their untapped potential. You should know that when it comes to helping pickleball players over 50 live their best lives on and off the courts, I'm an expert. Good pickleball is not just technique; it's the mind and body working holistically. That's why I'm also a personal trainer and weight management specialist. When I’m chillin', you'll find me watching Star Trek with my husband John and our two fur babies, Shirley and Ralph. (Yes, Happy Days)