Why Dylan Frazier’s Third Shot Drive and Shake and Bake Strategy Are Game-Changers in Pickleball

Dylan Frazier’s aggressive third shot drive and “shake and bake” strategy are transforming pickleball’s traditional gameplay. His approach ditches conventional wisdom, emphasizing controlled power shots and dynamic court positioning. The third shot drive catches opponents off guard when they’re slow to reach the non-volley zone, while his shake and bake tactics create chaos by shifting traditional court roles. These innovations have influenced top players like Gabe Tardio and sparked a complete rethinking of team dynamics. The evolution continues.

While many players stick to traditional pickleball strategies, Dylan Frazier has completely rewritten the playbook. His groundbreaking approach to the third shot drive, combined with the devastating “shake and bake” strategy, has left opponents scratching their heads and scrambling to adapt.

It’s not just about power – it’s about precision and timing. Frazier’s genius lies in his understanding of when to deploy the third shot drive. Instead of automatically going for the drop shot, he capitalizes on weak returns that float too high or land too shallow. When opponents are slow to reach the non-volley zone, boom – that’s when he strikes. His strategic approach includes planting his feet after driving to ensure pinpoint accuracy. The key is maintaining a decent margin over the net to minimize errors.

Precision and timing define Frazier’s mastery – he strikes when returns float high or opponents lag behind, revolutionizing the third shot drive.

And here’s the kicker: he doesn’t even hit it at full power. A controlled 60-70% power shot is all it takes to set up the next phase of his attack. The graphite paddle selection enhances his precise control during these strategic plays. The “shake and bake” follow-up is where things get interesting. After the drive, Frazier’s positioning strategy throws traditional court dynamics into chaos.

By encouraging right-side players to step into the center and take control, he’s basically telling decades of pickleball convention to take a hike. Players like Gabe Tardio and Hayden Patriquin have jumped on this bandwagon, and they’re making it work. His approach to dinking isn’t exactly orthodox either.

Frazier emphasizes a low-to-high motion that keeps opponents guessing. Add some topspin to those dinks, and suddenly what should be a gentle exchange becomes a nightmare to return. It’s all about court positioning and control – and Frazier’s got both in spades.

The impact of these strategies on the sport can’t be overstated. Traditional left-side dominance? That’s so last season. Frazier’s 50/50 court role has teams rethinking their entire approach to the game.

And he’s not done yet. As the sport evolves, Frazier keeps pushing the boundaries, experimenting with new techniques and adapting to whatever challenges come his way. In the world of pickleball, that’s what separates the good from the great.