One of the most common things I hear in doubles pickleball is:
“You’ve got the middle.”
Usually, what that really means is:
“If the ball is on your forehand, it’s your shot.”
Unfortunately, that’s not always true.
A better principle is one many experienced doubles players know well:
Respect the X
When deciding who takes a middle ball, don’t focus solely on forehand versus backhand. Instead, imagine an “X” drawn across the court. If the ball travels along your diagonal line of that X, it is generally your responsibility to take it—even if that means hitting a backhand.
Let’s look at a couple of examples.
Scenario 1: The Returner Stays Back
Your team is receiving. You’re on the left side and have already advanced to the kitchen line.
Your partner returns serve crosscourt and remains near the baseline.
Knowing your opponent likes to drive down the line, you shade toward the sideline to take that shot away.
Your opponent sees the opening and drives the ball toward the middle. The ball travels into the right half of the court, where your partner is positioned.
You recover toward your normal position and expect your partner to take the shot.
Instead, the ball sails through untouched.
Then your partner says: “That was yours. You had the middle.”
No.
Here are several reasons why:
- The forehand player would have to reach or lunge for the ball.
- Taking the ball with the forehand leaves a large gap behind that player.
- The returner should already be moving through the transition zone, not standing at the baseline.
- The ball is moving into the returner’s body, making the shot easier to execute, even as a backhand.
In this situation, the ball belongs to the player on the diagonal—not necessarily the player with the forehand.
Now, let’s make a small adjustment.
If the opponent’s shot travels toward the middle but remains within easy reach of the net player—perhaps requiring only a step or two—the net player should absolutely take it. Court position matters.
The player closest to the ball still has priority.
Scenario 2: Applying Pressure
Now suppose your partner returns serve down the line.
As the net player, you should immediately shift toward the middle. In fact, you can often cross slightly over the centerline to apply pressure.
Many players stay too wide because they’re worried about the sharp crosscourt angle.
In reality, most opponents either can’t hit that shot consistently or can’t hit it well enough to hurt you.
If they do manage to thread the needle behind you, tip your hat and move on to the next point.
More often than not, your aggressive positioning will either force an error or allow you to poach the next ball.
What Does “Respect the X” Mean?
“Respect the X” is a doubles strategy that assigns responsibility for middle balls based on court geometry rather than forehand versus backhand.
If the ball travels along your diagonal line of the imaginary X, it is generally your ball—even if you must hit a backhand.
This approach offers several advantages:
- Reduces confusion in the middle.
- Prevents paddle collisions.
- Eliminates those painful hand smashes between partners.
- Keeps court coverage balanced.
- Creates clearer expectations during fast exchanges.
Communication Still Matters
Even players who understand Respect the X occasionally get it wrong.
I know I do.
Sometimes I take a backhand in the middle that my partner should have played. Other times I leave a ball assuming my partner will take it.
The easiest solution is to discuss middle-ball responsibilities before the match and communicate during play.
A simple “mine” or “yours” can prevent a lot of frustration. (Superstition dictates to me to never say “I’ve got it.” That is the kiss of death.)
And remember: Respect the X isn’t limited to kitchen-line play. The concept works when both players are at the baseline, in transition, or engaged in a dink battle.
The next time someone tells you, “You’ve got the middle because it’s your forehand,” remember:
The middle doesn’t belong to the forehand.
The middle belongs to the player who should take it.
This is a pretty good video on Respect the X. It shows scenario 1 pretty well at the 3:50 mark (or so).
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