Middle ball communication

Setup

1. One pair side by side at the kitchen line; the coach (or another pair) feeds from the opposite kitchen line. Waiting pairs stand outside the court.
2. Protective eyewear is strongly recommended: two paddles swing close together on middle balls.
3. Before starting, the pair agrees a default for middle balls, for example: the player with the forehand in the middle takes it unless the partner calls first.

How it runs

1. The coach feeds dinks and soft volleys at or near the middle.
2. The player taking it calls 'Mine!' before the ball crosses the net; the partner answers 'Yours!' and holds their position.
3. Score 1 point for a clear call and a good reply. No point if both go, neither goes, or the call comes after contact.
4. After 10 feeds, partners swap sides so each learns both roles. Then repeat with the pair standing in the transition zone.

Coaching points

• Call early and loudly: a late call is the same as no call.
• Common defaults are 'forehand in the middle takes it' or 'the player diagonally opposite the hitter takes it', because they have the better angle. Pick one and stick to it.
• The partner who isn't hitting still moves, shifting to cover the space the hitter left.
• If in doubt, say something: 'You!' is better than silence.

Common mistakes

• Both players reaching and clashing paddles.
• Calling 'Yours!' after the ball has already gone past.
• Both leaving it, each thinking the other had it.