The “Shake & Bake”, also known as the “Drive and Crash,” is a doubles strategy in pickleball that’s gaining popularity as the sport continues to evolve and become faster. Traditionally, players relied on the third-shot drop to transition to the net. However, with more players favoring a third shot drive, the Shake & Bake is a strategy that you need to study in order to learn how to implement it as well as counter it.
Before diving into why this strategy works so well, let’s first understand what the Shake & Bake actually is.
What is Shake & Bake strategy?
This strategy can only be used by the serving team in doubles pickleball. It works when one player drives the third shot, while their partner “crashes” toward the net. By moving in quickly, the partner at the net is ready to take the fifth shot as a volley, often putting them in an ideal position to finish the point with a winner.
The key to executing the Shake & Bake successfully is clear communication — the player planning to drive the third shot should let their partner know beforehand. This allows the crashing partner to anticipate the play and position themselves effectively.
In addition to shortening rallies, this strategy helps the serving team build momentum and maintain an aggressive edge throughout the point.
How to Execute the “Shake & Bake” in Pickleball
Like any other pickleball strategy, the “Shake & Bake” requires plenty of practice and clear communication between partners to execute it effectively. Once you and your partner establish a reliable routine and build confidence in this play, it can become a powerful weapon to help you win more matches.
To master the Shake & Bake, there are five key elements you need to focus on.
1. Hit a Quality Third Shot
The foundation of a successful Shake & Bake lies in hitting a strong, low, and consistent third shot over the net. A well-driven shot keeps your opponents on the defensive and sets up your partner for an attacking opportunity.
If the third shot is too high or poorly executed, it gives the opposing team a chance to counter with an aggressive return, often targeting the partner who has crashed toward the net. In that situation, the crashing player becomes vulnerable and has to rely on the infamous “chicken wing shot’ for any chance to get back into the rally.
That’s why the player at the net must place full trust and confidence in their partner’s ability to deliver a quality third shot that keeps the ball low and difficult to attack.
2. Have Strong Placement of the Third Shot
A quality third shot in pickleball is more about placement than power. As mentioned earlier, the third shot should stay low over the net — a high shot gives your opponents an easy opportunity to attack aggressively.
When driving your third shot, focus on targeting the weaker opponent, especially the one who struggles to handle fast-paced shots or block effectively. Aim for their backhand side or the tricky “chicken wing” area near the backhand-side shoulder. Hitting to these spots often forces a pop-up return, setting up an easy put-away opportunity for your crashing partner.
Additionally, if your opponents are stacking or switching sides, take advantage by directing your drive toward the player in motion. Players who are moving are more likely to make unforced errors—such as popping the ball up—giving your team the upper hand in the rally.
3. Move Your Feet to Crash the Pickleball Net
Remember, the “Shake & Bake” is a set play. This means the partner who is not hitting the third shot must immediately crash or rush toward the net as soon as the third shot is struck.
The strategy becomes far less effective if the crashing partner hesitates or fails to move in aggressively. Any delay gives the opposing team time to recover and reduces the pressure on them, making it harder to create an opportunity for a winning shot. In other words, if the crashing player is slow to move their feet, the put-away opportunity may never materialize.
If you’re the crashing partner, focus on quick footwork and get to the Non-Volley Zone (or Kitchen Line) as fast as possible. This position gives you the best chance to attack the fifth shot and, ideally, finish the point.
However, if you realize — or your partner signals — that the third shot was of poor quality, you should stop your forward momentum immediately. Instead of crashing in, shift to a defensive mindset and prepare for an aggressive return from your opponents.
4. Try to Set Up the “Right” Partner
Some pickleball players have exceptional third shots—especially strong, driven third shots—while others excel with quick reactions and fast footwork at the net. Because of this, it’s important to pair the right roles between partners when executing the “Shake & Bake.”
Ideally, the player with a reliable and powerful third-shot drive should be the one to take that shot whenever possible. Of course, this depends on where the opponent places their return—sometimes the return may land too far across the court for that player to reach.
Meanwhile, the partner with quick feet and sharp reflexes should be the one to crash toward the net and look to finish the point with a put-away shot.
It’s also worth noting that it’s often easier for the crashing player when their forehand faces the middle of the court. For example, a right-handed player will have this advantage when positioned on the left (odd) side, while a left-handed player benefits more from the right (even) side. This positioning allows for stronger forehand attacks and better court coverage.
Finally, remember that the fourth shot is often directed toward the player who stayed back to hit the third shot. That’s why positioning the crashing player with their forehand toward the middle not only improves their attacking potential but also makes the Shake & Bake smoother and more effective.
5. Communicate with Your Partner
Always make it a priority to communicate with your partner on the pickleball court — and this is especially important when using the “Shake & Bake” strategy.
Before the game begins, take a moment to discuss and agree on when to drive the third shot, who will hit it, and who will crash toward the net. Having this plan in place before the point starts helps you avoid confusion or hesitation during play.
Additionally, if the third shot isn’t executed well, make sure to alert your partner right away. Even a quick heads-up can give them enough time to prepare for a potential aggressive fourth shot from your opponents. Clear, early communication can make all the difference between winning and losing the point.
The term “Shake & Bake” specifically refers to the strategy where one player drives the third shot, and their partner crashes toward the net to finish the point with a volley.
You might see a similar movement pattern when the third shot is a drop shot, but in that case, the play is called “poaching.”
It’s important to understand the distinction between the two terms, as using the right terminology helps ensure clear communication and better coordination with your partner on the court.
How to Defend Against the “Shake & Bake” in Pickleball
The “Shake and Bake” is one of the most popular and widely used strategies in pickleball, especially at higher levels of play. Because it’s so common, learning how to defend against it effectively can give you a big boost of confidence on the court — even when facing more experienced or higher-rated opponents.
So, if you’ve come to HomeforPickleball HQ in search of smart tactics to counter the Shake and Bake, you’re in the right place. Stick around to discover how to turn defense into opportunity!
Return the Serve with a shot just like your serve
Players are encouraged to use the “Shake & Bake” only when they receive a weak return of serve, as it’s much easier to drive the third shot when the return comes back slow and high with extra bounce.
To make it harder for your opponents to use this strategy against you, try hitting your service returns the same way you would hit a solid baseline drive.
In other words, aim to hit your returns deep and flat. A deep return forces your opponents to generate more power on their third shot, giving you and your partner extra time to react. Keeping the ball low makes them hit upward on the shot, which increases the chances of an error or an out-of-bounds drive.
This simple adjustment can make your game far less inviting for anyone looking to pull off a Shake & Bake against you.
Have Smart Placement of the Return of Serve
As mentioned earlier in tip #4 for executing the “Shake & Bake,” some players excel at hitting powerful third-shot drives, while others have quick reflexes and fast footwork at the net.
When you’re on defense against this strategy, try to return the serve to the player with the weaker third-shot drive. This player will find it harder to set up an effective Shake & Bake, reducing the pressure on your team.
Another smart tactic is to target your return toward the more aggressive net-crashing player. By forcing this player to stay deeper in the court to handle the return, you prevent them from rushing forward and applying pressure at the net.
In short, thoughtful placement of your return of serve can disrupt your opponents’ timing and make it much more difficult for them to pull off the Shake & Bake successfully.
Hit the Fourth Shot Down
When your opponents hit a third-shot drive and attempt a “Shake & Bake”, your main goal should be to neutralize the drive.
To do this, aim to direct the ball down toward their feet. This makes it much harder for them to attack or volley aggressively. If you have good touch and control, you can also try to reset the ball softly into the Non-Volley Zone (or Kitchen), taking away their offensive momentum entirely.
By keeping your return low and controlled—either at their feet or in the Kitchen—you prevent your opponents from getting a pop-up to attack. In other words, you eliminate the “Bake” from their “Shake & Bake.”
Hit the Fourth Shot Out of Reach
Another effective way to neutralize the “Bake” portion of the “Shake & Bake” is to place your fourth shot out of the crashing player’s reach.
You can do this by aiming your fourth shot toward the sideline of the player who hit the third shot, or toward the sideline behind the crashing player. This is especially effective when that sideline is on the crashing player’s backhand side.
Most players who crash the net tend to move toward the middle of the court, leaving open space behind them. Since many players also have weaker backhand put-away shots than forehands, hitting to this area can make your opponents uncomfortable and force an error. (Of course, watch out for players with strong two-handed backhands!)
Lastly, remember to keep your fourth shot low or aimed at the crashing player’s feet. A low shot prevents them from getting the ball above net height—exactly the kind of setup they need for an easy put-away.
Limit Your Switching or Stacking
Switching and stacking are advanced doubles strategies used in pickleball to keep each player on their preferred side of the court. However, if you’re playing against a team that frequently uses the “Shake & Bake”, you’ll want to be cautious about using these tactics.
Stacking and switching require extra movement right after the serve or return. When you’re facing opponents with powerful third-shot drives, that additional movement can increase your chances of making unforced errors.
If you find that your team is consistently getting beaten by the Shake & Bake while stacking or switching, try staying in your original positions instead. You can even fake a switch and then stay put — this limits your movement and helps you stay more stable and ready to handle the incoming drive effectively.
Conclusion: Mastering and Defending the “Shake & Bake” in Pickleball
The Shake & Bake isn’t just another flashy tactic—it’s a game-changing strategy that separates good teams from great ones in modern pickleball. By combining a well-driven third shot with an aggressive net crash, it allows the serving team to seize control early and finish points fast. But just as important as mastering this move is knowing how to defend against it—through deep, low returns, smart placement, and disciplined positioning.
Whether you’re attacking with confidence or countering with precision, understanding the Shake & Bake can dramatically elevate your doubles play. Keep practicing, communicate with your partner, and soon you’ll be turning this high-speed strategy into a reliable winning weapon on the court.
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