By Henry Vincent, Pickleball Leagues Vice President
The two most dangerous words in pickleball: “Mine!” and “Yours!” There’s a moment in every pickleball match that doesn’t show up on the scoreboard but somehow decides the match anyway. It usually sounds like this: “Mine!” “No, yours!” silence … ball hits the court. Point over. No ATP. No Erne. No fancy spin from that new paddle, just two teammates standing at the kitchen line, staring at each other. Welcome to pickleball’s most underrated unforced error — miscommunication!
We spend a lot of time working on third-shot drops, resets, and dinks. But there’s a “third shot” nobody practices: Calling the ball. This might be the most important shot you hit all day.
Strong teams don’t just move well, they communicate well. For example, saying, “Switch!” loud and early enough for your partner to know. “Mine!” with confidence and “Watch it!” when your partner is about to hit the ball and you know it’s definitely going to be out. The best part is communication doesn’t require talent. It’s just smart.
Another display of effective communication between players is having a game plan before the match begins. There’s an old joke in pickleball: “If you want to test your opponents, hit every ball down the middle.” Nothing reveals chemistry, or lack thereof, faster than splitting your opponents. We all know the saying, “down the middle solves the riddle.”
Here’s what usually happens: If both opponents go for the ball, there’s bound to be paddle collision. If neither goes for the ball, well that’s an easy point for the other team. Great teams solve this before the match even starts. They discuss whether the forehand or stronger player will take the middle, or whoever calls it first owns it. No debate. No hesitation. No couples counseling required after the match.
Next is the “Selective Hearing Phenomenon.” Every team has it. You call “Out!” Your partner plays it anyway. Now everyone’s confused, including your opponents. Suddenly, four people are replaying the point like its instant replay at the US Open. The moral of the story: If you’re going to call it, commit to it.
Finally, good communication is not just about winning points. It’s about avoiding frustration between partners, which prevents unnecessary disputes and keeps the match flowing and fun. Let’s be honest: Half of the “Was that in?” drama starts right after a ball drops between two players who both thought the other had it. Clear communication equals fewer arguments, which equals better sportsmanship. That’s the goal of a successful ALTA match.
Overall, pickleball is a game of inches, but it’s also a game of good communication. The next time you step on the court, don’t just bring your paddle; bring your communication skills. The most dangerous words in pickleball aren’t “nice shot,” they’re: “I thought you had it.”
