is focused on making his own game work for you . He is the setter in volleyball and the guy who passes off the basketball while at the same time is not afraid to take his shot when it is there . He can step up , but he doesn ’ t push you off the mark to do it . He drills and works on his own game . He practices with a purpose for every shot . He gives 100 % in matches . He can poach and put the ball away .
When he serves , the Universal Partner can place the serve . He does not serve wide and hard to the opponent ’ s forehand , giving the opponent multiple choices of angles for you to scramble to cover . The Universal Partner keeps the serve deep to give his partner time to react . He signals his partner when he is going to give a short serve , or a wide-angle serve to the backhand . No surprises . He communicates . His serve is consistent . He does not have delusions of grandeur and does not serve like a maniac on important points . He stays within himself .
When the Universal Partner receives , he tells his partner where he will return the ball . No surprises . The partner at the net needs no surprises . A “ heads-up ” is always in order . A strong partner goes deep down the middle and sets you up to poach . He does not give the opponents angles — it will just make the partner look bad when he gets passed . Good partners keep the ball deep so that in the event of a lob , their partners will have time to cover the lob . If you are not practicing keeping the ball deep , you are not being a dedicated partner , pure and simple . Hard and short shots will drive your partner to partner-search and rightfully so . You are giving the opponents options and expecting your partner to be a mind reader .
Volleys — OMG , place the ball . Do not just whack the ball somewhere . There is a logical place that minimizes available options . It is geometry . Euclid would have been a 5.5 player . If you cannot angle the volley away , keep it deep down the middle . If it is a first volley , keep it deep so that you and your partner can set up at the non-volley zone ( NVZ ) line . The Universal Partner places the ball
The Universal Partner places the ball and controls the pace . Controlling the pace controls the game .
and controls the pace . Controlling the pace controls the game . Position yourself at the NVZ line to cover the logical shot . You are not assigned a spot like hopscotch and have to stick to it . You need to ask your partner where he wants you to stand in order to create a funnel to force your opponents to hit to your stronger player . Stand where your partner needs you . Reminder : it is all about him .
Overheads : The Universal Partner covers his own overheads . That takes practice . The key to overheads is placement . If you hit harder than you can recover , you leave yourself open and your partner scrambling . Keep your overheads deep if you can ’ t angle them off for winners . If you do not have a clear spot to hit , go deep down the middle and close in for the next shot . The Partner from Hell hits hard , harder than he has time to return to the NVZ line , and he leaves a hole for the opponents to score . Control the overhead . Pace is called for when an opening is there . Placement is called for when the opponents are in a stable position .
Every shot you hit should be made considering the consequences of that shot on your partner . If you are playing mixed doubles , he wants to look good . She wants you to win for her . If you are playing women ’ s doubles , she needs to have confidence shots . If you are playing men ’ s doubles , your partner needs some razzle-dazzle-paddle-bumping setups . Not you — your partner . You make it happen for him ! Good pickleball doubles is all about trust — trust that it is truly a team effort . •
Alice Tym was ranked 13th in the world for tennis in the ‘ 60s . She ’ s been named USPTA Coach of the Year and is a USPTA Master Professional . As a 4.5 pickleball player , she won gold in Huntsman , NSGA Nationals , US Open , and USA Pickleball events around the country . Alice is an IPTPA member , SSIPA founding board member , Bainbridge Cup Originator and gold medalist in Spain , Italy , and Germany .
JULY / AUGUST 2023 | MAGAZINE 81