The 30-second version
- The team that controls the kitchen line wins the large majority of points — positioning is the #1 strategic concept in pickleball.
- After your return, get to the line; on serve, use the third-shot drop to advance.
- Move as a unit — both up or both back, and mirror your partner side to side.
- Cover the middle and communicate — most balls (and most confusion) happen there.
Part of our guide to improving your pickleball game.
You can have great shots and still lose if you’re standing in the wrong place. Positioning is the invisible skill that decides most pickleball points — and the core idea is simple: get to the kitchen line and control it, together.
Why is the kitchen line so important?
The team at the non-volley-zone (kitchen) line can hit down and volley, dictating the point; the team stuck back is forced to hit up and defend. At every level above beginner, the team that gets to the line and holds it wins the vast majority of rallies. Everything else in positioning serves this one goal: get up, and stay up.
How to get to the net
- Returning team: hit a deep return, then move straight to the kitchen line — you have time, so use it.
- Serving team: you start back, so you need a third-shot drop to advance safely. Drop, move up through the transition zone, and take the line.
- Don’t retreat off the line unless you’re lobbed — stepping back hands the advantage right back.
Move as a team
- Both up or both back. Never leave one player up and one back (except briefly in transition) — it opens a huge gap.
- Mirror side to side. If your partner slides to cover a wide ball, you slide with them, staying about 8–10 feet apart. Think of an invisible rope connecting you.
- Cover the middle. Most balls come through the middle, and it’s where partners hesitate. Agree in advance who takes the middle (usually the forehand, or the player the ball is hit toward), and call it.
What about stacking?
Stacking is an advanced positioning tactic where partners line up on the same side before the point so they can keep their stronger sides (e.g., both forehands) in the middle, then switch to their preferred sides after the serve or return. It’s worth learning once your basic positioning is solid, but getting to the line and moving as a unit matters far more first.
Positioning drills
- Return and run: return deep and sprint to the line every point until it’s automatic.
- Shadow the line: with a partner, move side to side along the kitchen line staying connected, covering angles together.
- Middle-ball calls: practice calling “mine” / “yours” on every middle ball so it becomes reflex.
Common positioning mistakes
- Staying back at the baseline instead of advancing.
- One up, one back, leaving a gap opponents exploit.
- Not covering the middle, or both players lunging for it.
- Retreating off the line when pressured instead of resetting and holding.
Which levels this skill helps
This skill shows up on these rungs of the skill ladder:
Frequently asked questions
Why is the kitchen line so important in pickleball?
The team at the kitchen (non-volley-zone) line can volley and hit down to dictate the point, while the team stuck back has to hit up and defend. At nearly every level, the team that controls the line wins most rallies.
How do I get to the net in pickleball?
On the return, hit deep and move straight up. On the serve, use a third-shot drop to advance safely through the transition zone. Then hold the line and don’t retreat unless you’re lobbed.
Should both players be at the net?
Yes — the goal is both partners up at the kitchen line together. Never leave one up and one back for long (except while transitioning), because it opens a big gap for opponents to attack.
Who covers the middle in pickleball doubles?
Agree in advance — commonly the player with the forehand in the middle, or the player the ball is hit toward. Most balls come through the middle, so calling “mine/yours” and communicating prevents missed balls.
What is stacking in pickleball?
Stacking is an advanced tactic where partners line up on the same side pre-point and switch afterward, to keep their stronger sides (often both forehands) in the middle. Learn it after your basic positioning and net movement are solid.
Want a coach to fast-track it?
Reading is one thing — grooving it under pressure is another. I run private lessons and clinics in Central Mass that drill exactly these skills. Your first session is half off.