If you’ve ever watched a ball sail through the middle of the court while both you and your partner assumed the other had it — you’re not alone. Communication is one of the most overlooked yet crucial parts of successful pickleball play. Great teams don’t just rely on skill — they talk, anticipate, and move together.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to improve partner communication at every stage of the game — from pre-match discussions to fast-paced rallies.
Start with a pre-match conversation
Before you even serve the first ball, have a quick chat with your partner. Discuss who prefers which shots — for example, who typically takes the middle ball or which side each person feels strongest on.
Even a short conversation can make a huge difference. Some players prefer to take middle balls on their forehand; others are more confident with their backhand. Understanding each other’s strengths and tendencies helps prevent confusion later on.
Master the middle ball
The middle ball often causes the most confusion, especially when both players hesitate or reach at the same time.
A good rule of thumb:
- Before the match, agree who takes most middle shots.
- During play, stay vocal — use short, clear calls like “Mine!” or “Yours!”
- At the kitchen line, remember the “Respect the X” rule — if the ball is traveling diagonally toward you, it’s usually yours.
As points get faster and communication becomes harder, rely on nonverbal cues and court positioning. Move together as if you’re connected by a 5–10 foot “rope.” This helps you stay in sync and cover the court effectively.
Help each other with “out” balls
One of the best ways to support your partner is by calling “Out!” when you recognize a ball is sailing long. The player receiving the shot is often too focused to judge accurately, so a vocal partner can save crucial points.
Also, if your partner is backing up for a lob that might go long, communicate — “Leave it!” or “In!” — to help them make the right call.
Don’t chase the trash
If you hit a weak third shot (a “trash” ball) that sits up high, don’t rush the net — stay back and defend. On the other hand, if you hit a solid drop, call “Go!” to move forward together.
These quick verbal cues — “Go!” and “Stay!” — help partners move as a unit and avoid leaving open spaces on the court.
Communicate during lobs
Lobs can create chaos fast, especially if both players go for the same ball.
A simple system helps:
- If the lob is short, the front player calls, “I got it.”
- If it’s deep, the back player with the forehand in the middle should take it.
After retrieving the lob, remember to call “Switch!” if you need to change sides, so your partner knows to cover the open court.
Use hand signals when “unwinding the stack”
At higher levels, many players use hand signals before the serve to communicate whether they’ll switch or stay after returning.
- Open palm: Switch.
- Closed fist: Stay.
- Moving hand: Fake switch.
If the return pushes you deep and you can’t complete the switch, call “Stay!” to cancel it. This helps prevent confusion when the rally gets intense.
Communication in pickleball isn’t just about calling balls — it’s about anticipation, teamwork, and trust. The best partners read each other’s positioning, stay vocal, and move together.
Next time you step on the court, take a minute to talk through your plan, agree on cues, and keep that “rope” between you tight. The result? Fewer free points — and a lot more wins.