Pickle With Felicity

Why Is Staying Back a Problem?

Picture this: you’re in a game of pickleball, and you move up to the kitchen after hitting a solid third shot. But then, you notice your partner isn’t moving up with you. Instead, they decide to stay back, hovering near the baseline. What do you do? Should you move back, stay at the kitchen, or something in between?

This is a common conundrum, especially in recreational play, so let’s break it down.
Moving up to the kitchen line after a third shot is generally considered the optimal strategy in pickleball. It allows you to apply pressure, control the net, and put yourself in a better position to win points. When your partner stays back, it puts you in a tough spot, both physically and strategically. Suddenly, you’re left exposed, and the opposing team now has multiple attack options.

When you’re up at the kitchen line and your partner is lingering at the baseline, a few things happen:

Open Angles: Your opponents can exploit the angle between you and your partner. If they hit a shot to the opposite side of the court, they can create a wide gap that’s very challenging to cover.
Easy Targets: You become a sitting duck for powerful slams. If the opposing team directs a shot to your partner and they return a weak, high ball, your opponents can slam it at you, making defense nearly impossible.
Strategies for Beginners: How to Handle a Hesitant Partner
Partner Stays Back Do You Stay Back Too(2)
If you or your partner are beginners, communication is key. Let them know that advancing to the kitchen line gives your team the best chance at winning. Beginners often stay back because they feel more comfortable returning shots from the baseline—it’s less intimidating. However, kindly encourage your partner to take small steps toward the kitchen after hitting a return, explaining that moving forward is the key to gaining control.

If they still feel uneasy about moving up, stay back with them. While this might not be ideal, staying back together helps create a unified defensive position. This strategy will also allow you both to practice your third shots, resets, and defensive skills without opening yourselves up to unnecessary attacks.

HOW TO CHOOSE OR CHANGE YOUR PICKLEBALL PARTNERS:

Red Flag #1: The Blamer
If your partner is quick to point fingers every time a shot is missed or a point is lost, that’s a red flag. Pickleball is a team sport, and mistakes happen. Constantly being blamed is not only frustrating, but it’s also counterproductive.

Instead of sulking, your partner should focus on teamwork and how to adjust together.

Red Flag #2: The Know-it-All
Ah, the partner who always knows better. They’re quick to dish out unsolicited advice on shots you missed or strategies they haven’t even mastered themselves.

If you’re constantly being told how to play but never seeing improvement from their end, you’ve got a know-it-all on your hands. A good partner gives feedback constructively, not constantly.

Red Flag #3: The Silent Treatment
bad pickleball partners
On the other end of the spectrum is the partner who says nothing. When you make a mistake, they sulk in silence, leaving you to feel like you’ve just committed a major crime. Good communication is key in any partnership.

If your partner can’t offer encouragement or even basic feedback, it can make the game less enjoyable.

Red Flag #4: The Ball Hog
You know the type—they’re everywhere on the court, taking shots that are clearly yours and leaving you standing there like a spectator. The ball hog can throw off your rhythm and make you feel like you’re just there to hold the paddle.

Teamwork is key, and a good partner knows when to step aside and let you take your shots.

Red Flag #5: The Over-Apologizer
While it’s nice to acknowledge mistakes, constant apologizing can become distracting and even frustrating. If your partner apologizes for every single missed shot, it can sap the fun right out of the game.

What to Look for in a Good Pickleball Partner
Now that we’ve covered the red flags, let’s talk about what you should actually look for in a partner.

Good Attitude: A positive outlook trumps skill level. It’s far better to play with someone who can shake off mistakes and laugh about it than with someone who gets frustrated after every point.

Consistency: You want a partner who plays with some level of consistency. Sure, everyone has off days, but wild unpredictability in play can make it hard to establish any rhythm.

Communication: It’s not just about calling “mine” or “yours.” The best partners can talk through strategies, make adjustments on the fly, and keep things upbeat even when things aren’t going your way.

Adaptability: Flexibility is essential, especially in tournament play. If something isn’t working, you need a partner who’s willing to switch up strategies rather than stubbornly sticking to a failing plan.

When It’s Time to Change Partners
If you’re constantly clashing with your partner—whether it’s because of a lack of chemistry, different play styles, or just negative vibes—it might be time to call it quits. Here’s when you know it’s time to move on:

Toxic Behavior: If your partner’s attitude is affecting your enjoyment of the game, it’s time to reconsider. Pickleball is supposed to be fun!

Lack of Improvement: If you’ve played together for a while but haven’t improved as a team, it might be time to find a partner that clicks better with your style.

No Fun: At the end of the day, pickleball is a game. If you’re not having fun with your current partner, don’t be afraid to switch it up.

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