I Need Some Help, Partner

On numerous occasions I've asked my partner for help on an "out" call and all I get is a strange look like he was playing somewhere in the middle of the parking lot at the time. So I thought it might be time to review some of your responsibilities when your partner is playing the ball.

1 - If I am playing the ball during a rally, then I expect my partner to make any "out" calls. If I am standing over the line or off the court a little bit, I CANNOT SEE WHEN THE BALL IS OUT. Remember the rule - you MUST be able to see space between the ball and the line and you CANNOT see that unless the ball is at least 2-3 inches out. Your partner CAN see space if there is any and should make that call. It drives me CRAZY when there is a close call is made by the person standing OVER the ball. Simply NOT possible.

2 - If I am receiving a serve, then I expect my partner (at our NVZ) to be doing some work. Please watch the server for foot faults and serve violations. If you have a referee then you can't do much about them, but you can politely remind the ref if you see it and he doesn't. Without a ref you can do even less, but you can at least mention it to your opponents and then you will be inside their heads when they next serve.

3 - I am still receiving the serve and it MUST clear the NVZ line. I am in the worst position on the court to make that call. It is my partner's responsibility to call it since he can see the required space between the ball and the line.

4 - Still receiving the serve and the center line is part of the receiving area. So my partner CANNOT make those close calls. As the receiver, I have the best view to call them.

5 - On wide serves off the side of the court, both my partner and I have a good view but he has a better one, especially since I am likely to be in motion towards the line to hit the ball.

6 - On long serves, as the receiver, it is impossible for me to see the required space and make close calls. Again, this is my partner's call. And again, it drives me crazy to see receiver's make close LONG calls - they CANNOT see them accurately.

So for those of you that like to pause for coffee and a cigarette when you are not directly involved in the play, I have just listed FIVE items that are your responsibility. Please take care of these while I look after the ball. Thank you.

Michael Gauthier
Rally Academy
Pickleball Strokes