As is the case with any sport, as fun as the game is, there are times when you end up with a “bad” pickleball partner.
Sometimes it’s simply a case of different styles or skill levels, but there are also those cases when a player has their own rulebook, their own sense of timing, and their own approach to the game that just feels a little too difficult to adjust to.
We’ve all been there and, as we continue to play pickleball, we’re all likely to come up against this again. So, here are a few tips on how best to handle “bad” pickleball partners without losing your cool (or your game).
1. If your partner never comes up to the kitchen line
As frustrating as it can be when you are perfectly positioned and ready to dink and dominate, while your pickleball partner is still halfway back on the court, the trick is really just to reframe your expectations.
When a partner stays back, you may want to position yourself a little deeper too, or angle dinks across the court, instead of down the middle, where your partner isn’t covering.
You can also encourage them to move up, in a gentle and friendly way, by saying something like: “Shall we try moving to the kitchen for a bit and see how that works?”
In cases when a partner really doesn’t want to move closer to the net, your best move is to keep your returns deep.
2. If your partner poaches too much (especially on their backhand side)
It’s a fairly common complaint that some players think every ball that comes down the middle belongs to them. It’s even worse when they reach awkwardly with a backhand and miss ... repeatedly.
If this happens, do your best to redirect your shots away from the middle. This allows your pickleball partner space and helps to diffuse tension.
3. If your partner sprints to the net before the return of serve
There are often cases where a partner takes off before they’ve even hit the return, and then by the time the ball comes back, they’re caught mid-court.
When this happens, anticipate their early dash and cover the deep returns yourself.
If you are returning, try lobbing the ball deep to give your partner more time to recover.
If you’re serving, be ready to play singles for a brief moment until they reappear at the line.
Just think of it as taking one for the team!
4. If your partner speeds up every dink rally
Yes, pickleball is supposed to be strategic, and when you’re playing a friendly game and your partner is playing super aggressively, it can be frustrating.
If a partner speeds up every dink rally, adjust your play so you are ready for the hard hits. To do this, keep your paddle out in front of your body and focus on resets.
In summary: Try to be nice
When it comes to open play pickleball, you can choose your pickleball paddle and your pickleball attire, but you don’t always get to choose your partner.
“Bad” pickleball partners can throw off your rhythm, but they don’t have to ruin your fun.
In addition to teaching you adaptability and patience, those less-than-ideal partnerships can help strengthen your game and often make for great stories off the court.
So, the next time you find yourself with a “bad” partner, remember the golden rule of open play: stay positive, adjust your strategy, and focus on keeping the ball in play.
