Right Side in Pickleball – Advanced Tactics
Dominate the Right Side in Pickleball: Seize Control
Pickleball doubles strategy often centers on which side of the court you play. For too long, the right side has been labeled “defensive” or “less aggressive.” Today, we are setting the record straight and showing why you can dominate from the right side in pickleball. This article will explain how to seize every opportunity and become a powerful force on the right. Our goal is to help you transform from a cautious, traditional right side player to a dynamic shot maker who drives your team to victory.
Quick Summary of the Right Side in Pickleball
- Adopt a proactive mindset that embraces offense from the right side.
- Apply strategic footwork to intercept key shots and steal time from your opponents.
- Coordinate closely with your left side partner on poaches and middle coverage.
- Master transition play and volley to volley warfare to shut down aggressive opponents.
Why Focus on the Right Side in Pickleball?
Many pickleball players assume the left side player is the “alpha,” simply because they have a forehand in the middle. Historically, the right side was viewed as defensive, tasked with soft resets and consistent dinks. Yet the modern game is evolving rapidly. We see top pros like Dylan Frazier and Gabe Tardio prove that the right side can be a hub of offense. If you are comfortable on this side, there is no reason you cannot seize control and dictate the pace of the match.
In our earlier article, Playing the Right Side vs Left Side in Pickleball, we explored core differences between the two positions. Now, it is time to zero in on one question: How can you dominate the right side in pickleball? We will dive deeper into advanced tactics for players ready to upgrade their court presence.
Explaining the Stereotype
The right side has long been labeled “supportive” or “non-aggressive.” Players often hang back, relying on the left side partner to handle flashy offense. That creates an unbalanced dynamic and can leave your team short of potential winners. In top tier pickleball, both players must generate offense, punish floaters, and apply pressure.
This new article stems directly from feedback we collected from pickleball pros, reinforcing one idea: the right side is no longer passive. Smart footwork, timely poaches, and well placed attacks can transform your role from a neutralizing backboard to a constant threat.
The Key Elements of a Dominant Right Side
Step-by-Step Strategy: How to Play the Right Side in Pickleball
This step-by-step guide breaks down the key strategies for dominating the right side of the pickleball court. From pre-game planning and early positioning to smart shot selection and adaptive play, you’ll learn how to stay aggressive without sacrificing consistency. Whether you’re setting up your partner or capitalizing on mid-rally opportunities, this section shows how to be a steady but dangerous force on the right.
- Pre-Game Planning
Take a few minutes to identify each opponent’s weaknesses. Decide if you will crash poaches off your partner’s drive or mostly play safe until mid-rally.
- Position Early
As soon as the opponent’s return looks short, shift forward. If it is a deep return, stay disciplined and prepare to reset.
- Let the Forehand in the Middle Take Priority
Trust your left-side partner to handle most middle dinks with their forehand—it’s usually the higher percentage play. But if a ball floats and you’re in position, step in decisively. Balance teamwork with opportunism.
- Maintain “Off-Ball Pressure”
Even when you are not hitting the ball, keep your body slightly closer to center, ready to intercept. Your presence alone can force the opponent into errors.
- Look for Opportunistic Speed-Ups
Attack out of the air if the ball is near net height. Aim a couple of inches off your opponent’s hip or jam their elbow to reduce their counterattack angles.
- Communicate Post-Shot
If you poach successfully, call “Switch!” or immediately move back. Keep verbal cues crisp and clear, so no one is guessing who covers which area.
- Balance Aggression & Consistency
The right side requires a lower error rate, but never become purely defensive. Mix in well-timed attacks to stay dangerous.
- Adapt on the Fly
If the opponents handle your poaches or speed-ups well, dial back and focus on resets. If they appear nervous, ramp up the pressure again.
Proactive Footwork
Your foundation for success begins with footwork. This does not mean you must dash wildly or chase every ball. Instead, practice controlled, proactive movement:
- Read the return early: The moment you see a weak or high ball to your partner, step in and look to poach or volley out of the air.
- Banana route on third shots: When your partner drives from the left, you can arc forward, anticipating a high return. This approach shortens your reaction time and puts defenders on alert.
- Return to base quickly: If your poach attempt fails or you reset the ball, slide back to your coverage zone without hesitation.
Remember: Good footwork does not mean reckless movement. Reading the point before it unfolds ensures you arrive in time and with balance.
Seizing Middle Opportunities
In doubles, “owning the middle” is crucial. That does not only apply to the left side partner. As a right side player, consider intercepting balls that float near center, particularly if you can volley them out of the air. Doing so denies opponents time to recover and signals that you are a real threat.
If a ball bounces near the center, default to your partner’s forehand, particularly if they thrive on middle control. Still, don’t hesitate to take initiative on floaters or if your partner is off balance. The element of surprise can break your opponent’s rhythm. That unpredictability often causes hesitation and can draw net cords, popped-up returns, or rushed mistakes.
Adjust Court Position Based on Your Own Shot Quality
Your footwork should be linked to how well you struck the previous shot. If you just hit a great roll dink or drive, expect a weaker reply and be ready to close in. If your shot floated or landed short, stay disciplined or take a small step back to prepare for a possible counterattack.
Counterattacks and Resets
Historical stereotypes suggest right side players only reset. While resets are vital, you also need counters that punish opponents. When you receive a hard drive or speed up aimed at your left shoulder, shift your body or your paddle quickly to greet the shot:
- Backhand Shield: Many advanced players default to a stable backhand block or flick. Present a firm backhand that neutralizes pace and sets up your next shot.
- Forehand Flick: If you read an attack early, pivot slightly to open up your forehand. This forces opponents to defend your cross-court or down-the-line counters.
Still, you do not want to become predictable. Keep mixing resets and counters to confuse aggressors. If you feel jammed, opt for a high quality dink. But if you sense a pop up, turn it into an offensive push or flick.
Coordinating with Your Left Side Partner
Before any match, talk through exactly how you plan to handle middle balls, poaches, and transitional chaos. Although you are on the right, you may occasionally step left to pick off crucial shots, then return quickly to your zone. Consistency in communication prevents collisions or missed chances.
Pro Tip: Use a short and clear call out like “Mine!” if you plan to poach or intercept. If the ball is borderline, your partner should trust you to handle it. This approach fosters synergy, enabling both players to defend or transition effectively.
Aggression at the Kitchen Line
Stepping all the way in is essential to dominate from the right side. If you hang back, opponents have room to angle or drive easily. Instead, close the Gap by planting yourself at the non-volley zone, especially when you or your partner have forced a short return.
Look to volley anything remotely high. Quick decisions here keep your foes on the defensive. Better still, if you read a weak shot cross-court to your partner, move diagonally forward, “banana in,” or “crash,” and intercept that ball mid flight.
You are not overstepping your bounds by playing big at the kitchen line. Instead, you are demanding respect from your opponents, making them think twice before floating the ball your way.
Practical Examples from the Pros
In several pro matches, big name players like Dylan Frazier and Gabe Tardio dominate the right side by stepping in aggressively and pressuring the opposition. When their left side partner hits a strong shot, these top right side players do not just watch. They lean in, even if it means partially occupying the middle for a moment. That slight threat often forces hasty mistakes.
Similarly, watch how Colin Johns manages resets. He rarely fails to neutralize powerful attacks, effectively re-lobbing or blocking with a stable grip. This combination of unshakeable defense and timely offense proves unstoppable. Study these players and realize your right side presence can mirror their skillful approach.
Transitioning from Defense to Offense
A hallmark of next-level right side play is how seamlessly you move from neutral or defensive positions into offense. When you are pinned deep, concentrate on returning the ball with enough depth or spin to buy time. Then hustle forward, ready to pounce.
Here is a typical scenario:
- Your left side partner drives the third shot cross-court.
- The ball returns to them or to you in mid-court.
- You accelerate forward, anticipating a possible mid-height return you can pick off.
- If it stays low, no problem, reset or block.
- If it floats: Attack firmly, especially near the opponent’s hip or elbow.
This swift shift from a calm defensive posture to a lethal volley can intimidate your opponents, forcing them to attempt overly precise shots that lead to unforced errors.
Balancing Consistency with Selective Offense
Classic “right side” roles focus on consistency, but you also need to be a threat. Punish floaters at net, use a short compact swing to jam the opponent’s elbow, and do not be afraid to generate offense if the ball sits up. If you never attack, the other team will test you relentlessly without fear.
A Balanced Mindset: Offense and Consistency
While aggression is key, it must pair with consistency. An overly aggressive right side player who commits frequent errors is a liability. Strive for a balance:
- High-Percentage Shots: Choose your speed ups wisely. Fire away only when you sense a real chance of success.
- Steady Defense: If you are jammed or off balance, use your dinking and reset skills to prolong the rally. A well placed dink can frustrate your opponent into a mis-hit.
- Controlled Volleys: Avoid over swinging. Often, minimal motion yields a crisp volley that drops sharply in your opponent’s court.
Letting the Left-Side Partner Take the Middle…But Stepping Over Periodically
Yes, your left-side partner usually has a forehand in the middle. However, if you catch a high ball drifting center or see your partner off-balance, do not be afraid to step over from the right and take it with a backhand volley or flick. This keeps your team unpredictable and prevents your left-side partner from having to do all the offensive work.
Off-Ball Movement and “Off-Ball Pressure”
Even when you are not the one hitting the ball, your positioning is crucial. Slide slightly inward from your sideline if you sense your partner’s ball is threatening. Lean in or take a half-step forward whenever opponents are scrambling or hitting a weak shot. This “off-ball pressure” forces errors because the opponent sees you hovering at the net, ready to pounce.
Predictable Patterns and Pre-Game Planning
Spend a few minutes before the match identifying the other team’s weaknesses and your best patterns. For instance, if your partner’s drive is strong and their backhand is weaker, target that backhand consistently and crash from the right. Jot down one or two “go-to” strategies so you are ready to capitalize on early opportunities rather than always reacting on the fly.
Reading Returns Early to Crash the Net
Several pros emphasize “reading” the return the moment the opponent strikes it. If you see a short, high, or attackable return to your partner, do not wait passively. Begin shifting forward (sometimes called the “banana route”) before they even hit the third shot. This early move can set up put-away volleys or easy poaches, putting opponents on the defensive right away.
Crucial Communication Tips
You cannot dominate without your partner’s full cooperation. Here are some quick ways to maintain synergy:
- Pre-Serve Huddle: Call out potential return locations. Decide if you plan to switch or poach.
- In-Rally Reminders: Use short words like “Switch!” or “I got it!” to clarify last second changes. Keep it loud and decisive.
- Post-Point Adjustments: Did you clash paddles or leave a gap in the middle? Discuss it immediately. Fine tune your coverage on the spot.
Communication and Trust When Crashing
If you plan to “crash” your partner’s third shot by stepping in for a volley, communicate ahead of time. Agree on a simple code (e.g., “Drive on 3rd, I’ll poach”). If your partner’s third floats too high, be ready to either retreat or reset. Mutual trust ensures you do not leave open court space if the poach fails.
Common Right Side Mistakes
Knowing what not to do is just as important as learning best practices. Avoid these pitfalls:
- Hesitating to Poach: If you see a mid-height ball, attack. Holding back leads to missed opportunities.
- Ignoring Footwork: Poor lateral movement leaves you chasing shots. Practice quick splits and explosive push offs.
- Overcommitting to the Line: If you hug the line, you risk leaving a large middle gap uncovered. Shift slightly inward but remain poised to let out balls fly.
- Forgetting to Communicate: Even top-tier players verbally confirm who takes middle or borderline shots. Do not assume your partner “knows.”
Short Table: Comparison of Defensive vs. Offensive Right Side
| Style | Primary Focus | Common Outcome | Ideal Adjustment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional (Defensive) | Soft resets, consistent dinks | Left side partner must handle most offense | Increase aggression, step into the middle when safe |
| Modern (Offensive) | Frequent poaches, quick footwork | Shared offensive workload, unpredictability | Use controlled aggression and clear communication |
Another Useful Resource
We have covered the fundamentals of dinks and resets in previous articles on PickleTip.com. For a deeper look at transition skills and better shot selection, visit our strategy section at PickleTip.com for more free resources.
Putting It All Together
“Dominating the right side in Pickleball” is not about overshadowing your left side partner. It is about evolving beyond the old notion that you must stay defensive. You can punish returns, intercept short balls, and finish points on your own terms. Balance is crucial. Know when to apply pressure and when to keep a rally going. Develop unstoppable footwork, coordinate with your partner, and practice a fluid transition from defense to offense.
FAQ about the Right Side in Pickleball
Not in the modern game. Top-level players show that a smart, active right-side partner can poach, volley, and pressure opponents just as much. The key is knowing when to step in and when to play consistent dinks or resets.
Evaluate your partner’s shot and the opponent’s depth. If your partner hits a low drive or drop, start moving in as soon as you see the return floating. If it is deep or your partner is off-balance, stay home and be ready for defense.
Most of the time, yes—especially if their forehand is a weapon. But don’t be passive. If a high dink floats near the middle and you’re confident with your backhand flick or volley, take the shot. Mixing things up keeps opponents guessing and prevents your team from becoming predictable.
Clear and early communication is essential. Use short calls like “Mine!” or “Yours!” right as you commit. After a poach, either call “Switch!” if you end up on the left, or quickly move back to your right side so you do not leave large gaps.
Start small. Practice half-volley put-aways at net, focusing on aim rather than power. Even a controlled poke to the opponent’s elbow can force a miss. As you gain more confidence, you can add power, but accuracy and timing come first.
Right Side in Pickleball
Ready to upgrade your right side game further? Check out our detailed right side vs left side guide for additional insights. Next step: Jump on court, experiment with these strategies, and watch how quickly you can dominate from the right.
Get on court. Get aggressive. Play smart. Dominate from the right. Push your game forward and show opponents that a right side player can be every bit as aggressive, often more so, than the left.
Want more high-level tips? Find more strategy guides on PickleTip.com and take control of your doubles game.
