Let’s be honest, being frozen out while your partner is getting hammered isn’t just frustrating. It’s a strategic challenge. You’re watching dinks fly to their backhand, drop shots drag them out wide, and your paddle’s collecting dust. But don’t just stand there.
There’s a lot you can do—and this guide will show you how to turn the tide without stepping on your partner’s toes (unless you’re stacking, of course).
First, Understand the Targeting Game
Targeting in pickleball isn’t personal—it’s tactical. Opponents aim at who they perceive as the weaker player. It’s efficient, especially in mixed doubles or when one player has a clear vulnerability (like a shaky backhand or slower movement).
But here’s the key: targeting is a pattern, and patterns can be disrupted.
Mindset Check: You’re Not a Bystander
Just because the ball isn’t coming to you doesn’t mean you’re out of the game. When your partner is being targeted, your role shifts—from hitter to helper, from striker to strategist.
You still have a job to do:
- Shift your position to cover more court and be ready to poach.
- Stay active—bounce on your toes, keep a ready stance, show you’re engaged.
- Talk to your partner—call shots, encourage them, and keep the connection strong.
- Watch your opponents—notice patterns and help adjust your team’s strategy.
You’re not just waiting for your moment—you’re helping create it. Staying mentally and physically involved can be the difference between frustration and a momentum shift. The more present you are, the better your partner plays—and the stronger your team becomes.
1. Reverse the Pattern: Stack or Switch Sides
One of the most effective ways to shake up targeting is to change the visual layout of the court:
- Stacking puts the stronger player in position to receive more balls.
- Reverse stacking swaps your positions to mess with the opponent’s muscle memory.
Example: If they’re hammering your partner’s backhand, switch sides and give them your forehand. Make them think twice. This subtle shift can lead to hesitation, missed targets, and forced errors.
Caution in Rec Play: Communicate before stacking. Some players view it as too serious for casual games. If you’re in a laid-back session, ask your partner if they’re cool with it first.
2. Take More Court—But Take It Smartly
The simplest fix? Take more responsibility for court coverage. Shift closer to the middle. Cover balls that would typically be your partner’s, especially if they’re struggling to return under pressure.
Here’s how to do it without causing chaos:
- Move to center court during dinks or returns.
- Call “mine” early and loud to avoid collisions.
- Cover their sideline occasionally if they’re pinned deep or falling behind pace.
Bonus Tip: If your partner is being pinned by third shot drops, lean in and poach when the ball is slow or high. You’ll not only relieve pressure—you’ll send a clear message: “We’re both still in this rally.”
3. Refine Your Movement: Play Quiet, Stay Ready
When you take more court, footwork becomes everything. Avoid big lunges and aggressive shifts that leave gaps open behind you. Instead:
- Shuffle into position rather than stepping across.
- Lean in for dinks instead of full-body movement.
- Always reset to a neutral, balanced position after each hit.
Think of yourself as the stabilizer. The more controlled your movements, the easier it is to poach or reset when needed.
4. Call Timeouts and Reset the Energy
If the targeting leads to a downward spiral—missed shots, low energy, frustration—it’s time to pause and reset.
- Call a timeout (especially in tournament play).
- Don’t over-coach your partner—build them up instead:
- “You’ve hit that shot a hundred times, just keep swinging.”
- “We’re fine. Let’s just reset and refocus.”
- Or, if all else fails: make them laugh.
Reminder: “Hit your serves!” or “Don’t leave that up next time!” is not coaching—it’s criticism, and it kills morale.
5. Use the “Cheat-In” or “Fake-Out” Technique
This is a fun one—and it works surprisingly often.
Before the serve or return, step slightly out of your usual position to tempt your opponents into hitting to you. They think you’re vulnerable… but you’re ready.
Example: Cheat toward your partner’s side before a return. If they try to exploit the gap, you pounce and flip the script.
Just be sure to reset quickly so you’re not caught out of position.
6. Change Shot Direction: Redirect the Rally
If your partner is stuck in a crosscourt pattern—especially during dinks—the best way to break it? Hit down the line.
Why it works: It interrupts the rhythm, pushes the opponents out of their comfort zone, and buys your partner breathing room.
Encourage your partner to hit dinks or drops straight instead of feeding the same opponent over and over.
7. Communicate Clearly and Often
Don’t wait until you’re losing to talk strategy. During the match:
- Call balls early and decisively (“Mine!” / “Switch!”).
- Praise good shots, even if they’re basic (“Nice drop!” / “Good try!”).
- Check in between rallies: “Want me to take more court?” / “Let’s try switching sides.”
Communication reduces pressure and builds trust, especially when one player is under fire.
Bonus Drill: “Middle Menace”
Purpose: Practice covering the middle and poaching under pressure.
Setup:
- One player feeds balls slightly left or right of the centerline.
- You practice stepping in from your side to intercept (forehand or backhand).
- Focus on soft resets, dinks, and attack-ready posture.
Goal: Build awareness and footwork so taking more court becomes second nature.
Don’t Just Watch—Step In and Shift the Game
When your partner is getting targeted, it’s easy to feel stuck. But you’re not a bystander—you’re part of the solution. The key is to stay engaged, shift the strategy, and support your teammate without throwing off the rhythm.
✅ Quick Checklist:
- Stack or switch sides to break the pattern
- Take more court (especially the middle)
- Move smart and reset to neutral quickly
- Communicate clearly—on every point
- Redirect dinks and drops down the line
- Use movement fakes to throw off opponents
- Call timeouts to reset energy and mindset
- Stay positive—encouragement goes a long way
TL;DR:
Targeting happens. Great teams adapt.
Poach, shift, talk, and help your partner reset. You don’t need to hit every ball—you just need to help change the flow.
