Simple Tips to Improve Teamwork With Your Pickleball Partner

Chemistry plays a major part in the success of a doubles team. Two less-skilled players who work together can beat two highly-skilled players who don’t mesh any day of the week.

There are plenty of things you can do to help build chemistry with another player. Selkirk Pro Athena Trouillot lays out simple tips to improve teamwork in a new video.

The video revolves around the third shot and how partners decide how to advance in the court.

Where to Stand

Athena recommends the partner not hitting the third stand slightly ahead, as in, closer to the net than the player hitting the third. Since the player hitting the third will have the first judgment on the shot’s quality, the advanced court position allows the partners to advance together on a good drop.

Of course, if that drop is no bueno, it’s important to retreat back and prepare to play defense. Athena says “You have to be able to make adjustments based on the shot your partner hits with their third.”

Partner Communication

Don’t be afraid to call your shot. You should be the first one on the court to know if your third is good or in trouble. So tell your partner. Say ‘Good’ or ‘Go’ and ‘Watch’ or ‘High’ on a bad one.

The more time they have to react, the better. You can move forward or back in the court to be best prepared for the next shot.

Body Langauge

Body language is another way to read your partner. If they are moving forward and balanced into their third, then the odds of them hitting a good shot go way up.

If they are pushed back behind the baseline and are off balance, then prepare to play a little defense. Pay attention to whether they're hitting a forehand or backhand to improve your anticipation.

By the end of a few games, you should have a pretty good idea where their thirds are going and the odds that they will be successful. No matter if they are good or bad, knowing in advance will help give you an edge.