Drive
Also known as: groundstroke drive, flat drive
A drive is a hard, flat or low-trajectory shot hit from mid-court or the baseline, intended to push opponents back or force a weak return.
The drive is pickleball's power groundstroke. Unlike the controlled dink, a drive is hit with pace through a compact swing, keeping the ball low over the net and deep in the opponent's court. Drives are effective off a short or high return, but hit into a controlled kitchen exchange they often pop up and give the opponent an easy put-away. Understanding when to drive versus when to drop is a core tactical decision.
Example
After a weak third-shot drop that lands short, the returner drives the ball hard at the server's feet as they try to advance.
Why it matters
Knowing when to drive and when to drop decides who controls the rally. SwingVantage tracks your swing tempo so you learn to read attackable versus unattackable balls.
Frequently asked questions
When should I drive instead of drop on the third shot?
Drive when the opponents are caught out of position or the return lands short. Drop when they are settled at the kitchen line — a drive into their wheelhouse will be put away.
Related terms
- Third-Shot DropThe third-shot drop is a soft shot hit from the baseline that lands in the opponent’s kitchen, giving the serving team time to advance to the net.
- Third Shot DriveA third shot drive is a hard, low-trajectory shot hit from the baseline on the third shot, used instead of a drop to put pressure on the returning team and force a defensive pop-up.
- Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone)The kitchen is the 7-foot non-volley zone on each side of the net. You may not hit a volley (a ball out of the air) while standing in it — you must let the ball bounce first.
- DinkA dink is a soft, controlled shot hit from near the kitchen line that arcs just over the net and lands in the opponent’s kitchen, forcing them to hit up.
Related guides & benchmarks
Put this into your swing
SwingVantage can spot this in your own swing — free to start.