Should you cross the line to hit along the "X" OR stay? | Pickleball Strategy

[@JournaloftheScotts]

Would be great to see different videos on different parts of the court. Can you address any exceptions to the rule?

[@BestPickleballCoach]

You can break the "X" whenever it makes sense: poach, better attack, etc. The problem arises when you break the "X" without any reason. Think of it as always trying to take the best shot for your team. Hope this helps.

[@dalevoigt8612]

While I do at time use respect the x theory; in this case I would revert to (workhorse, terminator concepts) from Helle Sparre. In that case the person in front of the ball has first dibs on putting the ball away depending on ball height. That cross-court shot is a shared responsibility, double covering the middle. The farther back player has a bit more time to react to a fast-paced ball. If the front player does not move for the ball, the player farther back on the cross-court axis covers it. Helle has a whole course on playing doubles pickleball. There are some you tube videos that cover portions of her course.

[@BestPickleballCoach]

Helle has some great concepts for sure. There are different ways of framing the issue out. As long as you are getting to the same result, awesome.

[@gary7309]

Although I agree with the respect the X in concept, an additional factor comes into play with which player's forehand is best suited to hit/play the shot, ie a lefty playing the even court would have a better shot in this scenario, imo

[@BestPickleballCoach]

Hi Gary. Am a fan of this thinking. It is important to think through these things in a way that makes sense, which your comment shows you are. There are areas where we can discuss constructively different approaches and this is one of those. Appreciate the comment.

[@jonicatanese5576]

If this shot is a low dink shot then respect the x concept is a must, regardless of forehand or backhand. Too many times I find the person who is not the x receiver take that ball and almost always it ends up in the net.

[@BestPickleballCoach]

Agreed. Have you seen the videos where we broke down a dinking rally with RTX? That rally sets up amazing cause there is one that is let go and one that is not. Worth a watch. It is in the RTX Playlist.

[@rykeerodriguez9559]

Can't download it anymore

[@BestPickleballCoach]

Thank you for letting me know. I have updated the links and you should be good to go