How to Master the 4th Shot in Pickleball: A Guide for 3.0 to 5.0+ Players

Hey, Rylan back with another gameplay advice post. As a pickleball coach and educator, I’ve seen players struggle with executing effective 4th shot strategies a lot.

The 4th shot is a pivotal yet underrated aspect of the game that can make or break rallies. While we focus a lot on the serve, return, and 3rd shot, it’s important to give some attention and love to our 4th shot game if we want to thrive at higher levels.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my insights and experience-tested advice to help you master this critical shot and win more rallies.

The Importance of the 4th Shot in Pickleball

The 4th shot occurs after your opponents hit their 3rd shot return of serve. It’s your chance to seize control of the point. Here’s why the 4th shot matters:

• You have the advantage at the kitchen line, so use it! The 4th shot is your opportunity to pressure your opponents.
• Avoid being too passive. Don’t just dink it back and surrender your position. Be assertively aggressive with your 4th shot.
• It sets the tone for the rest of the rally. A strong 4th shot can quickly win you the point.

Quick Transitions to the Kitchen Line

Your first objective is to get to the kitchen line rapidly after your return. The faster your transition, the more likely you’ll get there in time to take the 4th shot out of the air.

• Speed is key. Don’t hesitate – sprint to the kitchen line. This allows you to take control right away.
• Taking the 4th shot in the air gives you an advantage. So rush up to position yourself for it.

Responding to 3rd shot drives

Once at the kitchen line, your goal is to volley the 4th shot back at the opponent who hit the previous drive. There are two key reasons for this:

• The driver may still be recovering from their stroke, making them vulnerable.
• Hitting it back at the driver prevents their partner from poaching the ball.

So keeping the 4th shot away from the driver’s partner maintains your control of the point.

Target Their Feet

Aim to hit the 4th shot low, targeting your opponent’s feet. This forces them into a defensive position, allowing you to dictate the rally.

• If you can be aggressive, go for a put-away. Otherwise, keep them scrambling with low shots.
• Don’t allow them time to get set up. Keep up the pressure.

Maintain the Angle of the Ball

When you receive a hard-hit drive, don’t attempt any fancy direction changes. Keep your 4th shot at the same angle that the ball came to you.

• Altering the angle too drastically often leads to errors.
• Stick to the incoming trajectory to maintain control and consistency.

Avoid the Middle

Specifically, avoid hitting your 4th shot into the middle of the court. This leaves you vulnerable to the driver’s partner poaching.

• Instead, aim cross-court to reduce poaching opportunities.
• Protect yourself and your partner by avoiding the middle.

Finesse the Angle Drop Shot

When faced with a well-executed angle drop shot, don’t try to overpower your 4th shot. Use finesse instead of force.

• Attacking will often result in your opponents gaining the net.
• Control the pace and placement to keep your opponents stuck behind you.

Play It Safe When Needed

If your opponent hits an outstanding drop shot, it’s sometimes wise to play it safe and concede the kitchen.

• Recognize truly exceptional drops from your opponents.
• Avoid taking unnecessary risks. Keep your cool and stay in the point.

Handle Those In-Between “Yellow Zone” Balls

Balls in the mid-range “yellow zone” height require balance between aggression and restraint.

• Don’t go for a winner and risk missing. But don’t be overly passive either.
• Aim for your opponent’s feet to keep up pressure without overhitting.
• Use good judgment to find the right level of controlled aggression.

Respect Your Opponent’s Position

An essential 4th shot skill is acknowledging when your opponents have executed a good 3rd shot and earned their way to the net.

• If their 3rd shot was well-placed and they’re moving forward, adjust your strategy.
• Show respect for their positioning. Don’t force aggression when it’s unwarranted.

Avoid Unforced Errors

Focus first and foremost on avoiding errors like faults and mishits. Keep your 4th shot in play.

• Don’t get carried away trying fancier shots. Stick to higher percentage options.
• Remaining consistent and minimizing errors is the priority.

Backhand Efficiency

In general, you can cover the court better by using your backhand more often for the 4th shot. This allows smoother movement and footwork.

• Don’t forget your backhand! It’s an asset for controlling the 4th shot.
• The forehand requires more dramatic repositioning. Your backhand can give you better court coverage.

Recap of the Key 4th Shot Strategies

To summarize, here are the most essential tips for 4th shot success:

• Quickly get to the kitchen line to take it out of the air.
• Hit back at the driver to reduce their poaching partner’s impact.
• Keep your opponents defensive with low shots targeting their feet.
• Maintain the incoming angle rather than attempting severe direction changes.
• Use finesse when needed against well-placed drop shots.
• Find the right balance of controlled aggression for yellow zone balls.
• Respect truly exceptional drop shots from your opponents.
• Avoid unforced errors at all costs.
• Use your backhand to maximize coverage and fluidity.

The 4th shot presents you with pivotal opportunities to control the game. By mastering these key strategies and tactics, you can dramatically improve your pickleball performance.

With the right techniques, mindset, and court positioning, your 4th shot can become a formidable weapon in your pickleball arsenal. So get out on the court and practice these tips – you’ll be dominating 4th shot rallies in no time. Good luck out there.

-Rylan