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Stop Losing the Middle to Lefties
Use these 5 tactics to own the court against any left-handed opponent.
PICKLEBACK CLUB
August 05, 2025
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Hey Picklebackers! 🏓✨
Lefties. Love them or fear them, they change the entire dynamic of a doubles match. Whether you’re teamed up with one or staring them down across the net, knowing how to adjust your positioning, shot selection, and communication is the difference between getting picked apart and taking control of the game.
✅ When You’re Playing WITH a Lefty Partner
🔁 1. Positioning: Use the Forehands in the Middle
Ideal setup: Righty plays the left side, lefty plays the right side.
Why? This puts both players’ forehands in the center, covering the “money zone” — the most frequently targeted area in doubles.
Example: On a third shot drop or drive, the player with the forehand in the middle (usually the lefty if they’re on the right side) should take the lead on attacking or putting balls away.
🧠 2. Middle Ball Priority
On balls down the center, default to the player with the forehand in the middle (unless the ball is clearly drifting to one side).
You’ll cover more court and reduce confusion if you predetermine who takes middle balls, dinks, and overheads.
🔥 3. Use Stacking and Switching Wisely
If one player is stronger (or more comfortable on a particular side), consider stacking to keep them there — especially on serves and returns.
Example: If the lefty has a great forehand drive or roll, keep them on the right side to poach more in the middle.
@collinjohns_pb Maximize your duo potential with these pro tips for righty and lefty partnerships 💪 #pickleball #propickleball #pickleballtips #pickleballcoach
🎙️ 4. Strong Communication is Key
Clarify early who covers lobs, middle dinks, and overheads.
Many teams fall apart with miscommunication between lefty/righty pairings, especially if they’re not used to playing together.
🚫 When You’re Playing AGAINST a Lefty
🎯 1. Pick on the Backhand
Most left-handed players have a weaker backhand (just like most right-handers).
Hit low drives, deep returns, and dinks toward their right hip or sideline — this usually jams them and forces awkward contact.
Bonus: If they’re back on defense, target their non-paddle side to keep them resetting rather than attacking.
🚨 2. Don’t Feed Their Forehand If It’s in the Middle
If the lefty is playing the left side, their forehand is wide — no big threat.
But if they’re on the right side, their forehand is in the middle — they’ll likely poach and attack.
Avoid dinking or dropping toward that middle area, unless you can pull it low or use spin to create a misread.
🌀 3. Expect Different Spin and Angles
Lefties often hit with natural sidespin or topspin that breaks in directions you're not used to (especially on serves and cross-court dinks).
Adjust your positioning to receive serves or dinks that may “tail away” or “cut in.”
🧩 4. Exploit Confusion if They Don’t Communicate Well
Hit down the middle with pace or spin — especially at the non-verbal “gray zone” — to see if the lefty/righty pair calls the shot late or collides.
Most lefty/righty teams that don’t play together often will struggle with coverage down the middle or with lob defense.
🏓 5. Force the Lefty Wide
If the lefty is on the left side, pull them wide with crosscourt dinks — their backhand is now toward the middle, so their offense is neutralized.
On serves/returns: hit deep to their backhand corner to push them back and cut off their angle of attack.
🔑 Key Practice & Tactical Tips
Scenario | Strategy Tip |
|---|---|
Partner is a lefty (righty-lefty) | Keep forehands in the middle, assign clear roles |
Opponent is a lefty | Target their backhand, especially when stretched |
Playing a lefty on right side | Avoid middle — poach risk is higher |
Cross-court dinks vs lefty | Expect spin, don’t overreach, reset patiently |
Overheads/lobs in middle | Pre-assign who takes high balls (no hesitation) |
Whether your partner is a southpaw or you’re staring one down, these lefty-specific tactics will keep you in control of the court. Start practicing them today — because in pickleball, the middle belongs to the team that claims it.
Got a favorite lefty tactic of your own? Reply and share it with us — we might feature it in the next
Dill-lighfully yours,
Your PICKLEBACKCLUB Team 🥒🎾
