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Who Has the Middle? | Philly Programs Are Here | Footwork & Offense Secrets
Universal Rackets Weekly Pickleball Update: Coaching - News - Tips
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Universal Rackets Weekly Update!
Let’s Talk About Your Pickleball Game…
🔑 Key Takeaways
⬆️ Forward = Offense, Backward = Defense
📏 Forehand Takes the Middle
🗣️ Communication Wins Points
⏳ Stop Trying to Win Points Too Early
🎯 Attack the Right Balls Only
🌸 Spring Programs Are In Full Swing & DUPR Rating Clinics
👟 Footwork Is Everything
Want To Win More Points? Move Forward — Not Backward
If you want to win more points in pickleball, this is one of the simplest concepts you need to understand:
Forward = Offense
Backward = Defense
And yet… most players are constantly moving the wrong way.
They get pushed back.
They give up the kitchen.
They lose control of the point.
The Goal Is Simple
Your goal in every rally should be:
➡️ Move forward to the kitchen
➡️ Establish position
➡️ Stay there
The team at the kitchen controls the point.
The team moving backward is reacting.
Why Players Get Pushed Back
Most players don’t lose position because they have to…
They lose it because of poor decisions.
The biggest one?
They let the ball bounce.
When you let the ball bounce at the kitchen, you give up your position and allow your opponent to take control.
The Fix: Take It Out of the Air
Instead of backing up or letting the ball drop, you should:
➡️ Take the ball out of the air
➡️ Volley whenever possible
➡️ Hold your ground at the kitchen
Volleys keep you forward and in control.
Bounces push you backward and into defense.
The Only Time You Should Move Back
There is really only one time you should move backward:
When your opponent is about to attack or smash the ball.
In that moment, taking a step back gives you:
• More time
• Better reaction
• A chance to reset
But after that?
You should immediately work your way forward again.
The Bottom Line
If you want to win more points:
Move forward.
Stay forward.
Volley to hold your position.
Only move back when you absolutely have to — and then take the kitchen right back.
Control the kitchen, and you control the match.
🌸 Spring Pickleball Philly Area Programs Are In Full Swing!
Our programs are designed for players of all ages and skill levels and built around fun, structure, competition, and real improvement.
Here’s what’s included this season:
✅ Adult Clinics
✅ Junior Clinics
✅ Pickleball & Tennis Summer Camps
✅ DUPR Rating Clinics
✅ Competitive Tournaments
✅ Indoor & Outdoor Options
✅ Multiple Skill Levels
✅ Weekday & Weekend Offerings
Whether you’re just getting started, looking to improve your rating, or ready to compete in tournaments, our structured programs are built to help you play smarter, move better, and gain confidence on the court.
Spots are filling quickly as spring kicks off — secure yours today.
👟 Drill of the Week: DIY Footowrk Drills
Who Has the Middle? Should You Take Middle Balls?
“Down the middle solves the riddle.”
But here’s the real question:
Who actually takes that middle ball?
If you’ve ever hesitated and watched a ball go right between you and your partner… you’re not alone.
Middle balls are one of the biggest sources of confusion in doubles pickleball — and they cost players points all the time.
Let’s simplify it.
Rule #1: Forehand Takes the Middle
The default rule is simple:
➡️ Forehand covers the middle
Why?
Your forehand gives you:
• More reach
• More control
• More power
Trying to take a middle ball with your backhand often leads to weaker shots or hesitation.
If your forehand is in the middle — it’s your ball.
Rule #2: Follow the Ball (Advanced Players)
At higher levels, it’s not just forehand vs. backhand — it’s about positioning and momentum.
➡️ If the ball is pulled to the left side, the right-side player takes middle
➡️ If the ball is pulled to the right side, the left-side player takes middle
This allows the player moving toward the ball to take control.
Less reaching. More balance. Better shots.
Rule #3: Communication is King
When in doubt — call it.
“MINE!”
“YOURS!”
Calling the ball early removes hesitation and keeps both players committed.
Silence leads to confusion.
Communication wins points.
The Bottom Line
The middle is where a lot of points are won — but only if someone takes it.
✅ Forehand in the middle is the default
✅ Follow the ball as you improve
✅ Communicate every time
Next time the ball goes down the middle, there should be zero hesitation — just a confident decision and a better shot.
Stop Trying to Win the Point Too Early
One of the biggest mistakes players make in pickleball is trying to end the point too soon.
They see a slightly high ball… and go for a winner.
They get a decent drive… and try to crush it.
They speed up balls that aren’t attackable.
And what happens?
Unforced errors.
The point doesn’t end because of your opponent.
It ends because of you.
The Problem: Forcing Offense
Not every ball is meant to be attacked
In fact, most points are won because someone makes a mistake, not because someone hits a perfect winner.
When you try to force offense too early, you:
• Take unnecessary risks
• Reduce your margin
• Hand your opponent easy points
The Better Approach: Build the Point
Instead of asking:
“How do I win this point right now?”
Ask:
“How do I make this point easier?”
That means:
• Hit one more ball
• Keep the ball in play
• Wait for the right opportunity
Know When to Attack
You should only speed up or attack when the ball is:
➡️ Above the net
➡️ In front of your body
➡️ You’re balanced and in control
If the ball is below the net?
You’re not attacking.
You’re resetting.
Patience Creates Opportunities
The more balls you make, the more pressure you put on your opponent.
Eventually, they will:
• Pop the ball up
• Miss
• Give you an easier ball
That’s when you attack.
Not before.
The Bottom Line
You don’t need to win the point early.
You need to win the point eventually.
Be patient.
Make one more ball.
Wait for the right opportunity.
And you’ll win a lot more points — without forcing anything.
Program Spotlight: DUPR RATING CLINICS
Ready to get rated and see where your game really stands?
Our DUPR Rating Clinics are designed to combine competitive match play with real coaching, giving you a clear path to improve and track your progress
What You’ll Get
• Competitive matches that count toward your DUPR rating
• Coaching & feedback from Universal Rackets instructors
• Skill evaluation (technique, positioning, shot selection & partner play)
• A structured, high-energy environment to improve faster
Within 24–48 hours, you’ll receive a coach-assigned DUPR rating based on your performance.
Clinic Details
📅 Dates: April 26th & May 24th
📍 Location: Radnor Activity Center
🕔 5:00–6:30 PM: Advanced Beginner / Intermediate
🕡 6:30–8:00 PM: Intermediate / Advanced
Register here at www.radnorpickleball.com
Program Spotlight #2: JUNIOR TENNIS & PICKLEBALL SUMMER CAMPS ARE HERE!
Summer is coming fast — and our Junior Tennis & Pickleball Summer Camps are officially open for registration!
Universal Rackets summer camps are designed to do more than just keep kids active. Our camps focus on skill development, confidence, teamwork, and FUN, all in a structured, positive environment led by professional coaches.
Whether your child is brand new to the sport or already competing, our camps meet them where they are and help them level up — both on and off the court.
What to Expect at Universal Rackets Summer Camps:
• Tennis & Pickleball options
• Ages grouped by age and skill level
• Beginner → Advanced instruction
• High-energy drills, games, and point play
• Emphasis on fundamentals, movement, and sportsmanship
• A fun, welcoming environment kids love
Our coaches create an experience that keeps kids engaged, learning, and excited to come back each day — while parents can feel confident their child is in great hands.
📍 Multiple Locations Available
📅 Weekly & Multi-Week Options
🎾 Tennis & Pickleball Camps Offered
Spots fill quickly every summer — especially beginner and prime-time sessions.
Lesson of the Week: Pickleball Footwork Secrets That Instantly Improve Your Game
Thank you for reading and we can’t wait to see you on court!
-Universal Rackets