Who Covers the Middle? (The Question for the Ages)

Solving the classic on-court question once and for all

You’ve seen it happen, both partners both freeze on a ball cruising down the middle, each assuming the other’s got it. The point drops dead, the opponents grin, and you both mutter, “Yours.” Covering the middle might sound simple, but it’s one of the most misunderstood parts of doubles pickleball, especially for intermediate players.

Here’s why it matters: most winners in pickleball come through the middle. It’s the biggest target, the lowest part of the net, and the easiest place to cause chaos. The teams that control the middle tend to control the match.

So, who should take it? At the beginner and novice levels, the player with the forehand in the middle (a righty on the left, or a lefty on the right) has the advantage. That swing is cleaner, quicker, and far more consistent. But as your skill progresses, both players are going to have to cover the middle depending on the nature of the rally. 

Here’s where covering the middle becomes a true team effort. When the ball goes crosscourt, say it’s on your opponents’ right-hand side, your team should mirror the ball. That means your left-side player slides slightly toward the sideline to cover the line, and your right-side player shifts middle to close the gap. This coordinated movement forms what’s known as the “X” method. Imagine a subtle X shape connecting both teams—each player diagonally opposite the ball adjusting their position together.

Moving this way keeps your angles tight and your coverage balanced. It also prevents one of the most common amateur mistakes, standing still while the play shifts. When you and your partner move together, you’ll start cutting off easy winners and dictating where rallies go next.

And here’s a counterintuitive tip, you don’t actually have to guard the line too tightly. Leaving a few inches of daylight out there forces your opponents to go for a hero shot—a perfect, high-risk down-the-line attempt. Most players can’t hit that consistently. They’ll either clip the net or send it long.

And on the flip side, when you see your opponents covering “their side” of the court and leaving the middle open, take the shot. And try just a 50% speed up. Just a bit more pace, but you don’t need to fire down the middle, just rely on their being out of position to either win the point or earn yourself a pop up you can put away.

So talk with your partner. Decide who’s taking middle balls, practice moving in sync, and trust the geometry of the “X.” Because once you start covering the court as one fluid unit, those frustrating middle shots turn into confident, controlled returns.

After all, in doubles pickleball, the middle isn’t just open space, it’s the heartbeat of teamwork. Cover it together, and you’ll make your opponents play on your terms.