How many times have you heard:

“The forehand always takes the middle.”

It’s one of the most common rules in pickleball…

And it’s completely wrong.

The truth?

✅ The forehand only takes the middle when there’s enough time to react.

Think about an opponent hitting a third-shot drop.

The ball is traveling slowly, giving the forehand player time to move and take control of the middle.

But once all four players are at the kitchen line, everything changes.

The ball is moving too fast for players to rotate responsibilities.

Instead, the player diagonal to the ball takes the middle.

Why?

Because they’re already in position.

This eliminates confusion, prevents collisions, and ensures every zone is covered.

Stop thinking “forehand takes middle.”

Start thinking:

Slow ball = forehand takes middle.

Fastball = diagonal player takes middle.

That one adjustment will instantly improve your court coverage.

Here’s your video tip:

✌️

Till next week,

-Tanner

 P.S. One week from today, I’ll be sharing an early registration form for an opportunity to work directly with me on your pickleball game this summer.

The early registration is ONLY available to my email subscribers.