Help! My Pickleball Partner Won’t Come to the Net!

Why Your Pickleball Partner Won’t Come to the Net (And How to Help Them)

Have you ever played pickleball with a partner who refuses to move up to the non-volley zone? It’s one of the most common frustrations in recreational pickleball play.

Why Recreational Pickleball Play is Unique One of the best things about pickleball is that you don’t need a set partner to play. You can go to open play, meet new people, and enjoy a social, fun game. However, not all players follow the same strategic norms. One of the biggest challenges? A partner who lingers at the baseline or in the transition zone instead of coming up to the net.

What Should You Do? Before you offer advice, take a moment to understand why your partner is staying back. This is a conversation best had between games, not during play. You might say something like, “You’re a good player, but I noticed you don’t always come up to the net. I’m curious—what’s your reason?” Then, listen carefully. Chances are, their reasoning falls into one of these categories:

1. They Don’t Understand the Strategy of Coming to the Net

Some players do things because they were told to, without fully understanding why. Your partner may not be coming to the net because they don’t understand why they should play at the net.  The key to pickleball strategy is controlling time and space. When your team is at the non-volley zone and your opponents are not, you take time away from them, making it harder for them to react. Helping them understand this advantage can encourage them to move forward.

2. It’s a Habit

Old habits die hard. Some players come from sports like tennis, where staying back is common. In doubles tennis, one player is often at the net while the other stays back. If your partner is a former tennis player, they may believe if you come up to the net, they should hang back.  They might not even realize their positioning is hurting their pickleball game. A quick explanation can help them adjust.

3. They’re Overwhelmed by Advice

Think back to when you started playing. Were you bombarded with tips? Stand here! Move there! Don’t step in the kitchen! Too much advice can lead to confusion and hesitation. When partners should come up to the net is a prime example of too much advice.  If your partner seems unsure, ask what they’re thinking about on the court. Simplifying their focus can make a big difference.

4. They Fear the Lob

Some players stay back because they’re worried about getting lobbed. While lobs do happen—especially in indoor play—they aren’t as dangerous as people think. Lobs are difficult to execute consistently, and staying back to guard against them often results in losing more points than the occasional well-placed lob.  More points are won by partners coming up to the net.

5. They Lack Speed

Not everyone can sprint to the net in one go, especially in a sport popular with players over 50. If speed is an issue, suggest two simple strategies:

• Hit a higher, softer return to buy extra time to come up to the net.
• Use a split step to stay balanced and continue progressing toward the kitchen line after each shot.

6. Fear of the Hard-Hit Shot

Some players are afraid of fastballs at the net because they aren’t confident in their blocking skills. The good news? Blocking is a skill that can be improved with practice. You can help your partner come up to the net more frequently by drilling how to block with them.  Also, encourage them to work on their soft game and reaction time.

Conclusion: Be a Coach, Not a Critic

It’s easy to get frustrated with a partner who won’t come to the net. But instead of offering quick tips that might overwhelm them, take the time to understand their reasoning and guide them toward a better strategy. If you’d rather not coach them yourself, point them to a helpful YouTube playlist or article that explains the importance of net play. Sometimes, hearing advice from a different source can make all the difference!

By approaching the situation with patience and understanding, you can help your partner improve while keeping the game enjoyable for both of you.

If you have enjoyed using these suggestions, check us out at Better Pickleball for more ways you can grow in your game!