The Most Overlooked Shot in Pickleball: The Fourth Shot

Whenever we discuss the most important shots in pickleball, the serve, return, or third shot often receives the most attention.

While these shots are certainly deserving of that distinction, practicing them shouldn't come at the expense of the fourth shot.

This article discusses one of the most overlooked shots in pickleball and explains why having a great one can wreak havoc on the opposing team.

What Is the Fourth Shot in Pickleball?

The fourth shot in pickleball is the return following your opponent's third shot.

If that's confusing, you can just count:

The serve is the first
The return of serve is the second
The third is... well, the third
Then, there's the fourth

It's a response from the non-serving team, and it often determines whether or not the serving team will successfully make it to the kitchen line.

Commonly, the team that makes it to the kitchen most often wins the match, which is precisely why the fourth shot matters so much.

A well-executed fourth shot can:

Keep your opponents back: By hitting a well-placed fourth shot, you can prevent your opponent from advancing to the kitchen.
Neutralize a strong third shot: If your opponent hits a powerful third shot drive, a strong block or counter aimed at their feet can end the point and your opponent's opportunity to score.
Set up the rest of the rally: If you successfully keep your opponents back with the fourth shot, you put pressure on them to try and force their way up – giving you even more advantage as the rally continues.

Common Fourth Shot Mistakes

Even experienced players make mistakes with their fourth shot, often due to poor decision-making or improper technique. Here are some of the most common mistakes:

Overhitting: Some players feel the need to hit the ball hard on the fourth shot, resulting in errors or balls going out of bounds. This is especially true on a third-shot drive, where you can use your opponent's power against them. Focus on placement, not power.
Conceding the kitchen: Just because your opponents hit a good third shot drop doesn't mean you should just concede the kitchen to them. If you think the ball will bounce at least knee or waist high, step back and focus on applying topspin toward your opponent's feet.
Misjudging the third shot: Whether it’s a soft drop or a fast drive, misreading your opponent’s third shot can leave you in a bad position for the fourth shot. In a time like this, you may want to concede the kitchen, simply to keep the rally going, but when you do, aim for their backhand or try to get them off balance.

How to Master the Fourth Shot

Like any skill in pickleball, mastering the fourth shot takes practice. Here are a few drills that can help you improve your ability to respond effectively to third shots and take control of the rally.

#1 - Third Shot Drive and Block Drill

This drill helps you react to your opponent’s third-shot drive and focuses on controlling your return. It’s a great way to develop consistency in blocking hard-hit shots and maintaining control of the rally.

How to do it:

Have your partner stand at the baseline and hit third-shot drives.
Your goal is to block the drive with a controlled fourth shot, sending the ball deep and low into their court.
Practice both forehand and backhand responses, alternating shot placement between the middle of the court and the sidelines.

Key Focus:

Keep your paddle up and in front of you, ready to block.
Focus on absorbing the power of the drive and redirecting the ball with control.
Try not to stab at the ball since the timing for doing that needs to be exact if you want to hit a good counter back.

#2 - Fourth Shot Placement Drill

This drill helps you improve your shot placement, which is crucial when dealing with both drop shots and drives.

How to do it:

Stand at the baseline while your partner hits third-shot drops.
Your task is to place your fourth shot in specific target areas, such as deep in the corners or at your opponent’s feet.
After each shot, reset to your starting position and continue practicing different placements.

Key Focus:

Aim for precise, well-placed shots that challenge your opponent’s positioning.
Prioritize accuracy over power to maintain control of the rally.

#3 - High third shot, Fourth Shot Smash

When your opponent sends you a high third shot, you'll need to know how to smash it so that the next ball has little chance of coming back. Many amateurs make the mistake of getting too excited, taking their paddle back too far, and smashing the ball either in the net or past the baseline.

Instead, focus on control, keeping your paddle out in front, and making contact as high as you can to prevent fourth-shot mistakes.

How to do it:

Your partner hits a high ball as their third shot.
Quickly position yourself under the ball and respond with an overhead smash or a deep return.
Practice both aggressive and controlled responses to keep your opponent guessing.

Key Focus:

Quick footwork is essential for positioning yourself under the high arcing ball.
Focus on precision when hitting your smash to maximize your advantage.

Remember, while the fourth shot might not get as much attention as the serve, return, or third-shot drop, it plays a pivotal role in dictating the outcome of the rally. So don't forget to practice it when you're out there trying to improve your game.