Free IPTPA The Third Shot: Drop vs. Drive Mechanics Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When is a third shot drive most strategically advantageous?
- When both opponents are established at the Non-Volley Zone line.
- When one or both opponents are still moving back from the baseline. (Correct answer)
- When your partner is positioned at the baseline with you.
- Only when hitting the ball down the middle of the court.
Correct answer: When one or both opponents are still moving back from the baseline.
A third shot drive is most effective when the opponents are caught back near the baseline, as it gives them less time to react and get to the non-volley zone. Driving at an opponent who is already at the NVZ line is a low-percentage shot that can be easily countered.
Question 2: What is the primary mechanical difference in the swing path for a third shot drop versus a third shot drive?
- The drive uses a high-to-low swing path, while the drop is low-to-high.
- The drop uses a gentle, ascending 'lifting' motion, while the drive is a more linear, forward motion. (Correct answer)
- Both shots use the exact same swing path, but with different paddle speeds.
- The drop requires an exaggerated wrist snap, while the drive requires a firm wrist.
Correct answer: The drop uses a gentle, ascending 'lifting' motion, while the drive is a more linear, forward motion.
A third shot drop requires a low-to-high, gentle lifting motion to create an arc that lands softly in the kitchen. In contrast, a drive uses a more linear, forward swing path to generate pace and penetration through the court.
Question 3: A student is consistently hitting their third shot drops into the net. Which is the most likely cause related to their body position?
- They are standing too close to the baseline.
- Their shoulders are perfectly parallel to the net.
- They are bending at the waist instead of bending their knees. (Correct answer)
- They are using too much backswing.
Correct answer: They are bending at the waist instead of bending their knees.
Failing to get low by bending the knees is a common cause for netting third shot drops. A low body position allows the player to get under the ball and execute the necessary low-to-high lifting motion for a successful drop.
Question 4: The ideal contact point for a soft, controlled third shot drop is typically:
- Close to the body and beside the hip.
- As low to the ground as possible.
- Directly above the player's feet.
- Out in front of the body. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Out in front of the body.
Contacting the ball out in front of the body allows for better control, balance, and use of the proper kinetic chain. It enables the player to see the ball, paddle, and target in their field of vision and execute the gentle lifting motion required.
Question 5: When teaching the third shot drive, what is the key coaching cue for generating power from the ground up?
- Using a tight grip and snapping the wrist at contact.
- Keeping the feet stationary and swinging only with the arm.
- Rotating the hips and torso through the shot. (Correct answer)
- Taking a very large, looping backswing.
Correct answer: Rotating the hips and torso through the shot.
Effective power generation for a drive comes from the kinetic chain, starting with the legs and rotating through the hips and torso. This transfers energy efficiently into the arm and paddle, creating pace without solely relying on arm strength.
Question 6: A player is consistently popping up their third shot drops. What is the most likely cause related to their paddle?
- The paddle face is too open at the point of contact. (Correct answer)
- The grip pressure is too light.
- The backswing is too short.
- The paddle face is too closed at the point of contact.
Correct answer: The paddle face is too open at the point of contact.
An open paddle face at contact will cause the ball to go upwards, resulting in a high, attackable pop-up. The player needs to learn to maintain a more neutral or slightly closed paddle face and use a lifting swing path, not an open face, to create the arc.
