The player still moving to the kitchen.
That is your target. Every time.
A lot of players just drive the ball hard and hope for the best. But who you aim at matters just as much as how hard you hit it. Drive at the wrong person and all that pace goes to waste.
Target the Player in Transition
A player moving from the baseline to the kitchen is off balance. They are focused on getting into position, not on defending a hard drive coming at them mid-step.
That is your window.
The player already settled at the kitchen line is a completely different story. They are balanced, ready, and positioned to block your drive cleanly or send it right back at you.
Same shot. Completely different result depending on who you aim at.
How to Execute It
Step 1: Read the court before you swing.
Check which player is still moving. That is your target.
Step 2: Aim at the transitioning player.
Drive the ball directly at them while they are still mid-step and off balance.
Step 3: Keep it low and controlled.
A ball that sits up gives a settled player an easy put away no matter how hard you hit it. Low and flat wins.
Step 4: Be ready for the fifth shot.
A good drive at the right target usually produces a weak return. That is your opportunity to finish the point.
The third shot drive is not just about pace. Pick the right target before you swing and the rest of the point gets a whole lot easier.
