Pickleball Doubles Play: Who Owns the Middle?

We recently had the pleasure of chatting with Gina Cilento, a multi-medal-winning senior pro and coach, to get her expert insights on the age-old question of who covers the middle in doubles play.

Here’s what we learned from her and other seasoned players in the community.

The Basics of Middle Coverage

Gina explains that there’s often confusion about who should take the middle shot, especially among intermediate and advanced players. The traditional rule of “forehand takes the middle” is common, but it’s not always the best approach.

The decision often depends on the trajectory and speed of the ball. Gina mentions, “If the ball is coming down the middle and I have a forehand, I’ll likely take it. But if it’s coming fast and from a tricky angle, it might be better for my partner to handle it.”

Watch Gina’s in-depth analysis on who should cover the middle in doubles play.

Making Clear Calls

So one of the biggest takeaways from our chat with Gina is just how crucial communication is on the court. She highlights that talking with your partner—using phrases like “mine,” “yours,” or “I got it”—is essential. This helps avoid confusion, prevents missed balls, and ensures both players are on the same page.

Gina puts it perfectly: “The formula I worked out with my partner is all about clear communication, especially in mixed play where roles can be different.“

So, don’t be shy—keep those lines of communication wide open to dominate the middle!

4 Practical Tips for Better Middle Coverage

Here are some key tips based on Gina’s insights:

1. Communicate Clearly: Make sure you and your partner are vocal about who’s taking the shot. Use clear, decisive calls.
2. Assess Trajectory and Speed: Decide who takes the middle based on the ball’s path and velocity.
3. Stay Flexible: Be ready to adapt your strategy depending on your partner’s strengths and the dynamics of the game.
4. Watch the Pros: Observe professional players and how they handle middle shots, then practice these techniques.

More On Court Tips from Experienced Players

Here are some great tips from seasoned pickleball players on how to handle middle coverage:

• Forehand Rule Isn’t Absolute: While “forehand takes the middle” is a popular rule from tennis, it’s really about who has the better shot opportunity without breaking formation. Just as coach Gina highlighted, you should always pay attention to the ball’s trajectory. As one player put it, “Forehand takes the middle is good, but the ball’s trajectory should determine who takes it.”
• Who’s the Stronger Player: Think about who can make the stronger play without disrupting your team’s positioning. One community member noted, “Sometimes sticking too strictly to the forehand rule leaves you out of position.”
• Advanced Play: As you advance, understanding who takes the middle relies more on game sense than strict rules. As a seasoned player explained, “The player opposite the ball usually has the better shot.”
• Collaborative Play: Sometimes it’s better for both players to go for the middle ball rather than let it pass by. A casual player mentioned, “We sometimes hit each other’s paddles, but it’s better than watching the ball go by.”
• Positional Awareness: Watch how pros position themselves. For instance, as one observer noted, “Tyson McGuffin positions himself based on his partner’s shot, enhancing his game.” This level of awareness can really improve your game.

Remember these tips during your next match to improve your teamwork and overall performance.

Stay tuned for more expert insights in our next article!