Weak Partner? Stay Home — Don’t Play Both Spots

Summary

Ava Pickleball’s blunt doubles tip: if your partner is struggling, overcompensating makes it worse.

Going for every ball creates confusion. Stay in your normal position, communicate, and take the middle only when you can reach it without abandoning your whole side — otherwise you get passed. Make the opponent hit one more ball and give your partner a chance to play theirs.

Key takeaways

• Overcovering both spots confuses the pair and opens passes
• Take middle only when you can still own your side
• Communicate and let partner play their ball

Action items

• One set: no hero poaches — only balls you can reach without leaving the alley
• Use a pre-point “I’ve got middle / you’ve got middle” call