Covering the Court as a Team
Covering the court as a team means you track the ball and cover your opponents ’ potential shots as a team . Imagine the serving team has made it up to the kitchen and hit a dink to the opponent on their right . The player on the serving team in front of the ball will move into position to cover their line , their body and some of the court in the middle . This may only account for about one-third of the court . Their partner will move toward them and cover the rest of the middle ; this may be a third of the court . So as a team , roughly two-thirds of the court is covered .
This will take away the opponents ’ potential shots down the line , at the right-side player ’ s body and middle of the court . If they attack across the left side of the player on the left , let that ball go out since a low ball attacked from that position will be out . If they attack any of these other spots , you are covering the court as a team — and are in good positions to counter effectively . If they dink to the other third of the court , the left-side player ’ s backhand , this player will have time to get it and keep the rally going .
If you move with your partner as a team , you will both be in good court position throughout the point . This will remove some of the chaos and bring more control to your side of the court . Notice that the court is not “ your half ” and “ my half .” Instead , you might cover a smaller area , like one-third of the court , but as a team you are better positioned to effectively cover the court . This will make it so that you are not caught out of position or lunging for a ball . Instead , you and your partner will be set and ready to react to whatever shot your opponent hits .
Triangle Rule
The ball path of the speed-up and the counter regularly creates a triangle . A speed-up crosscourt generally comes back at your partner straight ahead . If you attack across the body on the inside of the court , the ball comes back toward the middle . With the triangle rule , you will be able to anticipate where the ball is going to go .
Many players speed up a ball and hope to win the point . By understanding the triangle rule , you can start a speed-up and look for the ball to come back in a predictable place . When you hit a speed-up , look to position yourself strategically based on this insight . Attack across your opponent ’ s body and anticipate the ball coming back toward the middle . Expect a crosscourt speed-up from your partner to return straight at you . Use this understanding to cover the triangle pattern when you start a speed-up or when countering your opponents ’ attacks .
At higher levels the speed-up comes back . You ’ ll want to understand the triangle rule so that you are not only ready , but you are anticipating the next shot . This will help you when any player attacks — look to cover in this triangle pattern , and you will be better able to attack and counterattack . It will seem as if your hands got faster , when it is your mind that becomes sharper .
Conclusion
Working as a team on third shot drops and covering the court as a team will get you and your partner into the non-volley zone and in good court position more consistently . This team-centered approach enhances your ability to control the court and anticipate shots like poaching . Understanding the triangle rule instills confidence in your attacks and counterattacks , resulting in better preparation for subsequent shots and increasing your chances of winning points . Mastering these doubles strategies will help you remove some of the chaos and replace it with strategic play that is much more predictable and repeatable . •
Kyle McMakin is a touring pickleball professional , former Division I tennis player ( UC Davis ) and head pro for LevelUp Pickleball Camps . Kyle is a two-time Triple Crown winner . His DUPR is above 6.0 in both singles and doubles .
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THE TWO PLAYERS OPPOSITE THE BALL HAVE SHIFTED INTO POSITION , ARE SET , AND READY TO REACT , EFFECTIVELY COVERING THE COURT TOGETHER AS A TEAM .
MARCH / APRIL 2024 | MAGAZINE 27