Why Staying Back in Pickleball is the Most Selfish Move You Can Make

As a pickleball pro coach, I’ve seen players lose games not because of poor technique but because of poor teamwork. One of the most glaring—and selfish—mistakes I see is players who refuse to move up to the kitchen line with their partner. If you’re guilty of this, it’s time for some tough love. Let me explain why staying back doesn’t just hurt your game; it also lets your partner down.

1. You Leave Your Partner to Fight Alone

When you hang back, your partner is forced to cover most of the court on their own. At the kitchen line, they’re constantly under pressure, taking fast-paced volleys while you sit comfortably at the baseline. Teamwork means standing shoulder-to-shoulder and sharing the load. By staying back, you’re saying, “Good luck—you're on your own!”

2. You Destroy the Offensive Advantage

Pickleball is won at the net. The closer you are to the kitchen line, the more angles and opportunities you have to apply pressure on your opponents. By staying back, you force your partner to play defense while your team misses out on chances to control the game. Success in doubles comes from a united front, not from one player hiding in the backcourt.

3. You Sabotage Court Positioning

The moment you stay back, you create a giant gap between you and your partner. This gap becomes a target for your opponents, who will easily exploit the space with angled dinks and well-placed shots. You’re not just weakening your team’s defense—you’re handing the other team easy points.

4. You Break Trust and Team Dynamics

In doubles pickleball, trust is everything. Your partner needs to know you have their back—literally. When you don’t come up to the kitchen line, you’re signaling that you’re unwilling to play as a team. This lack of support erodes trust and creates frustration, making it harder to build a winning partnership.

Pickleball isn’t just about your skills; it’s about how well you play with others. Staying back while your partner battles at the kitchen line isn’t just a tactical mistake—it’s selfish. Commit to moving up with your teammate, share the challenges and rewards of the game, and watch your partnership—and your performance—soar.