Drill

Drills

Pickleball

Middle Ball Ownership Calls

Eliminate confusion on middle balls with a consistent calling system

10 min
6 x 10 middle-fed rallies
Beginner

Why this drill

Builds toward eliminate confusion on middle balls with a consistent calling system.

Instructions

  1. 1Partner feeds balls down the middle seam repeatedly.
  2. 2Apply the rule: forehand takes the middle unless the partner calls 'mine' first.
  3. 3Call the ball loudly and early, before the ball crosses the net.
  4. 4Track any point where both players go for it or neither does.

What to focus on

Early, loud, decisive calls on every middle ball.

Recommended reps

6 x 10 middle-fed rallies

Common mistake

Both players hesitating and letting a middle ball drop for a lost point.