A planned two-shot sequence: drive the third ball aggressively, then drop the fifth ball softly into the kitchen. This combination solves the problem of difficult backspin returns making the third shot drop inconsistent, and is a hallmark of evolved pickleball play.
Hit a purposeful third shot drive — not to win the point, but to create an easier ball. The drive "bullies" the backspin off the return, producing a more predictable volley response. Transition forward during and after the drive. Play the fifth ball as a drop volley, using the simpler ball flight (less spin) to execute a cleaner drop into the kitchen. The key insight: you're trading a difficult drop (third ball off backspin) for an easier drop (fifth ball off a flat volley).
Many returns have backspin that makes timing the perfect third shot drop extremely tricky. Instead of fighting the spin, pros drive the third ball to "bully the spin off" — the acceleration neutralizes the backspin. They're happy to deal with a volley to then drop, because the fifth ball drop off a flat volley is dramatically easier than a third ball drop off backspin.