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Tip of the day

You're calling the 3rd shot too late

Most teams give up two or three free rallies a game for one reason: nobody calls the ball. The point is lost before contact because both players hesitate, and at the last second someone blurts "yours."

The fix is to say "you" or "me" the instant the ball leaves your opponent's paddle, well before it crosses the net. Deciding at the bounce is too late.

Calling early takes your partner from late, rushed preparation to an early paddle and a balanced shot. Even if your first call is wrong, saying it early leaves time to correct it to "no, me."

Three questions to answer fast every time the ball comes back: whose ball is it, what shot am I hitting if it's mine, and where do I move if it's my partner's.

When you can't tell whose ball it is, respect the X: the ball traveling crosscourt is arriving toward you and away from your partner, so it is usually yours. Drive the bus and tell your partner what to do, even in mixed.

Key points

Call "you" or "me" the moment the ball leaves the opponent's paddle, not when it bounces.
Early calls turn your partner's rushed, late prep into an early paddle and a cleaner shot.
Say it early enough that you can still correct a wrong call to "no, me."
Solve three things fast: whose ball, what shot if it's yours, where to move if it isn't.
When unsure, respect the X and take the ball coming crosscourt toward you.

Watch the full tutorial