There’s a moment in every rec game where it happens—The ball floats down the middle, and both players freeze for a beat, unsure who’s taking it. Or worse: both go for it. Or even worse: neither does.
Most players have heard the old saying: “Forehand takes the middle.” It’s been treated like gospel in doubles play. The player whose forehand is in the center should step in and take control. Simple, right?
But here’s the thing—that rule might be holding you back.
We’ve been testing and hearing something different on the courts: a smarter, more positionally sound strategy called “Respect the X.” And once you understand it, it just makes sense.
This article is a breakdown of what it means, why it works, and how adopting it could quietly win you more points without changing a single shot in your toolkit.
First, What Is the “X”?
Think of a doubles court. Now draw two diagonal lines—one from each server to their crosscourt returner. That’s your “X.”
It’s a simple visual that connects each player to the one diagonally opposite them. According to the Respect the X strategy, shots that travel along those diagonal lines should be handled by the player at the other end of that line.
So if a return of serve comes down the middle but slides along your diagonal axis of the X, that’s your ball—even if it’s headed toward your partner’s forehand.
Yes, even if it’s a backhand for you.
Yes, even if you’ve been told your whole pickleball life to default to the forehand.
Yes, this might break your brain a little at first.
But it works. Here’s why.
Why “Forehand Takes the Middle” Can Backfire
Sure, it’s easier to hit a ball with your forehand. But defaulting to it—especially when the ball is down the middle—creates two major issues:
1. You’re Reaching for a Ball That’s Moving Away from You
In many cases, taking a forehand down the middle requires lunging across your body. The shot is traveling away from you, which makes timing and control harder. That reach can cause mishits or unforced errors—especially on third shot drops.
2. You Leave a Gaping Hole Behind You
If you slide over to poach a ball from your partner, you may hit it—but now there’s a wide-open space where you were. Good opponents will punish that with a clean winner into the gap.
Why Respecting the X Is Smarter
Now let’s flip it.
If the player on the X axis—even if it’s a backhand shot—takes the ball, a few great things happen:
✅ 1. The Ball Is Moving Into the Body
It’s easier to hit a backhand when the ball is coming toward you rather than away. Your balance improves, timing gets cleaner, and the risk of error goes down.
✅ 2. Court Coverage Stays Intact
Because you’re not overreaching into your partner’s territory, you stay in position. There’s no hole left behind. That next shot? You’re ready for it.
✅ 3. You Create Predictability and Trust
One of the biggest problems in doubles is uncertainty—two players hesitating or both jumping for the same ball. Respecting the X gives you a framework to decide who takes the middle. That means better teamwork, better rhythm, and fewer arguments mid-rally.
It’s Not a Hard Rule—It’s a Smarter Default
Like most things in pickleball, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all law. There will still be times when the forehand makes sense. Maybe your partner is way out of position, or you have a dominant forehand drive you trust more than their backhand reset.
But most of the time? Respecting the X improves your consistency, positioning, and teamwork.
Especially on third shots, dinks, and midcourt resets—where decision-making and balance matter more than power—this strategy makes life easier.
Respect the X, Win the Rally
Old habits die hard. You might feel weird at first letting a ball go by that you could take. But give it a shot. Watch how your team stays tighter. Notice how many fewer unforced errors show up. See how many rallies you win just by being in better position.
So next time that middle ball comes floating in,
Don’t just ask “Who has the forehand?”
Ask yourself: “Whose X is it?”
Let that guide your choice—your win column might just thank you.
