Let's talk about the art of communication in pickleball. Or rather, let's question why yelling 'YOURS!' after a ball whizzes by feels like my only viable strategy. I posted about this on Instagram — check it out.
Mine Means Commitment
When you take the plunge and yell 'mine,' you better mean it. Don't yell 'mine,' take a couple of steps, and then decide coffee sounds better than cardio. That ball is now your responsibility. Own it. Love it. Possibly frame it.
The Illusion of 'Yours'
There's a tiny window when yelling 'yours' is helpful, and it's way before the ball bounces behind me. If it's the latter, congrats, you just narrated my failure.
The Middle Ball Standoff
Ah, the dreaded middle ball. We both see it. We both hesitate. It lands. Cue the classic exchange: 'I thought you had it.' 'No, I thought YOU did.' Wonderful. Let's replicate this high-level conversation for every crucial point.
Secret Agent Hand Signals
I hear advanced players use hand signals. Meanwhile, if my partner starts waving fingers behind their back, I'm calculating margarita quantities. Maybe we're not there yet. Let's stick to words until further notice.
TED Talk Timeout
Look, there's a fine line between communication and feeling like I'm getting a mid-match seminar. 'Keep it lower.' Ah, yes. My bad for aiming for their nose. Please, continue enlightening me.
We don't need a pregame PowerPoint to get through a match. Call the ball, say 'switch' when we're switching, and please, paddle tap like we're still friends. Because if communicating becomes more complex than IKEA instructions, I'm playing singles.
Here's to less awkward stares and more middle balls handled with grace. Or at least with fewer arguments.