Do opponents keep sneaking shots past you down the line when you’re at the net? Are those sharp angled backhands eating you alive? Do balls keep slipping through the middle even when you and your partner are both up?

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Here’s the truth: it’s not always about swinging harder or hitting faster; it’s about standing in the right spot. A few small positioning tweaks can make your life a whole lot easier.

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Follow these simple guidelines and you’ll stop giving away free points (at least from bad positioning). And remember, every point matters when it comes to improving your DUPR pickleball rating.

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Key Positioning Tips

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1. From Baseline to Kitchen: Don’t Get Stuck in The Middle

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After you return serve, don’t hang out in the middle of the court. Get up to the kitchen line (NVZ) as quickly as you can. That’s where most points are won. Hanging in mid-court just makes you a target.

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Want to know how the pros handle it? Check out Bobbi Oshiro’s tips on how to avoid getting stuck in transition after the return. 

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2. Stay Centered:  Own the Angles

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You already know hanging out in mid-court is a bad idea. But when it comes to targets, the middle is gold. Whether you’re playing singles or doubles, hitting down the middle takes away your opponent’s best angles. Less open court for them means less running for you and fewer chances for them to put the ball away.

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Serving and returning through the middle is one of the smartest plays in pickleball. It keeps things simple, sets you up for the next shot, and forces your opponents to play straight at you instead of pulling you wide. Want to sharpen those skills? Check out these serving tips and returning tips.

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Pro tip: When your opponent hits a ball down the middle, don’t try to get fancy. Creating angles from the middle is tricky. Play with safe margins, aim high over the net, and resist the urge to paint the lines. Control beats flashy here, every time.

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3. Move With Your Partner

Here’s the rule: if your partner moves, you move. Imagine you’re tied together with a short rope.

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A good guideline: split the court into three lanes from baseline to kitchen. You and your partner should never be more than one lane apart. If you are, you’ve basically left a wide-open fourth lane for your opponents to target. .

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Talk it Out
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Quick calls like “mine,” “yours,” “line,” or “middle” go a long way. The clearer you are, the fewer freebies your opponents get.

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Pro Tip: If you’re not the one hitting the ball, don’t just stand there; adjust. Slide a step closer to the NVZ, shift your angle, or cover more court. Even a small move can pressure your opponents into mistakes and make you and your partner feel like a real team.

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4. Stay Ready & Anticipate

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Your “ready position” is your foundation:

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• Feet: Keep them about shoulder-width apart. Too wide, and you’ll struggle to move side-to-side. Too narrow, and you’ll lose balance.
  
  
• Paddle: Hold it between hip and chest height, tilted slightly toward your backhand. Why? Because around 80% of shots can be handled with your backhand, and only about 20% with your forehand. That extra prep makes a huge difference.
  
  
• Mindset: Being ready isn’t just about stance; it’s about expecting the next ball and being set to react, not surprised by it.
  
  

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Stay sharp, stay balanced, and you’ll find yourself winning more rallies simply by being in the right posture before the ball even comes your way. The more points you win, the more likely you are to improve your pickleball ratings. 

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Real-Life Positioning Scenarios

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Scenario 1: Your Partner Gets Lobbed

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Don’t just stand there watching them run. As soon as you see the lob:

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• Switch roles: You slide back toward the baseline to cover middle court.
  
  
• Let your partner chase it down, and you’re ready to reset if they send back a defensive shot.
  
  

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Scenario 2: After a Deep Return

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You just hit a solid, deep return. Now sprint up to the NVZ line. Don’t hang back to “admire” your shot. If you stay behind the baseline, your opponents will control the rally from the kitchen while you’re stuck on defense.

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Scenario 3: Opponents Love Cross-Court Dinks

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If the ball keeps going cross-court, slide with it. You and your partner should shift together diagonally, keeping that “rope” tight. Don’t leave the middle wide open; it’s the first place they’ll attack if you drift apart.

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Scenario 4: You’re Playing With a Stranger

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Happens all the time at open play. Keep it simple:

• Stand close to the center so you can cover the middle.
  
  
• Use easy cues like “mine” and “yours”.
  
  
• If they’re out of position, don’t panic; just reset back to the middle and keep the rally going.
  
  

How Better Court Positioning Boosts Your DUPR Rating

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Good positioning isn’t about looking fancy; it’s about making smarter, cleaner plays. When you’re in the right spot, you cut down on unforced errors, stay in control of points, and force your opponents to work harder for every shot. That kind of consistency is exactly what shows up in your results; and over time, in your DUPR.

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In doubles especially, positioning is what separates a scramble from a strategy. When you and your partner move together, cover the right lanes, and close off angles, you’re not just reacting; you’re dictating. That teamwork builds pressure, creates opportunities, and makes you a tougher pair to beat.

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Bottom line: you don’t need pro-level hands to win more points. With smart positioning, you’ll feel less rushed, play more confidently, and see your DUPR rise.

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Check out the next pickleball tournament near you and start implementing these tips! 

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