The September 15 edition of PlayPickleball Weekly is built for players who want something useful to take onto the court. This issue covers six ways to shape a third-shot drop, a doubles decision at the kitchen, two pro stops, and the new PlayPickleball app for iOS and Android.
One third-shot drop does not fit every rally
There is more than one way to soften your third shot. This PlayPickleball lesson walks through six options and explains when each one can make the trip to the kitchen easier.
Start by learning the difference between:
The push drop: a high-loft, beginner-friendly option that buys time.
The shovel drop: useful when the ball gets beside or behind your body.
Topspin and slice drops: options for applying pressure or recovering when you are pulled wide.
Try this in your next game: Use the push drop as your default, then notice which balls force you to reach or change your paddle path. That is your cue to practice a second option.
Watch 6 Ways to Hit a Third Shot Drop
Read the companion PlayPickleball lesson
Help preserve pickleball’s history
Pickleball is growing quickly, but its future also depends on preserving the people, stories, and history that shaped the game.
The Pickleball Hall of Fame launched the Keepers 100, an inaugural group of 100 individuals, families, and organizations contributing $500 or more to strengthen the Hall and its mission.
Contributions help preserve pickleball’s history, honor Hall of Famers and inductees, connect generations, and support a sustainable future for the Hall.
Coaches Corner: Who takes the drive up the middle?
The receiving team sends its return crosscourt. The right-side server sets up for the third shot and drives a two-handed backhand toward the middle. Both opponents are right-handed and established at the kitchen line, and the ball is headed toward the seam between them.
Who on the opposing team should take the drive?
Bonus question: In advanced play, where should that player block the drive?
The answer
The left-side player should take the drive. The ball is on that player’s forehand, and the right-side player is likely still getting set after returning serve and moving to the kitchen. The stationary player is usually better positioned to handle the ball than the partner who is still moving.
If the drive is easy to control, block it back to the player who hit it. If that player’s partner is charging for a poach, consider blocking behind the poacher. Against a strong drive, the first priority is simply to keep the block low so it cannot be attacked.
Coaches Corner guidance from Kurtis Campbell, former touring pro.
Pro pickleball: Two stops from the September 15 week
PPA Veolia Arizona Open
The Veolia Arizona Open was scheduled for September 14 through 20, 2026, at Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa. Main-draw coverage began Thursday on PickleballTV, with select coverage on FS1 and FS2.
What to borrow: Watch how teams decide whether a third shot is good enough to move forward. A well-timed stop in the transition zone often matters more than racing to the line.
See the Arizona Open schedule or view the PPA broadcast guide.
APP Overland Park Open
The APP Overland Park Open was scheduled for September 17 through 20, 2026, at AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk in Overland Park, Kansas. Player registration closed September 12. At the time this issue was prepared, spectator tickets were available for Thursday through Sunday.
View Overland Park spectator tickets or see the APP Tour schedule.
Play more pickleball
Make your next game easier to find, get help with a rules question, or connect with an instructor.
The PlayPickleball app is now on iOS and Android
Use the PlayPickleball app to find and register for tournaments from your phone, or create free recreational events with friends and keep the group organized.