Communication and Respect the X: Deciding Who Takes the Ball

Clear Communication Reduces Unforced Errors. Move as a Team and Respect the Ball's Direction. Call the Ball Early to Decide Who Takes It.

Use verbal communications to avoid confusion of who hits the ball
Respect the X: regardless of whose forehand it is, the person who the ball is moving towards gets to hit the ball
If the ball is high and attackable, you can poach even if it is moving towards your partner
Understanding who is taking which ball leads to fewer unforced errors on the court
It’s fine to cross over the middle line
The key is to move as a team and work together to win the point
Respect the direction of the ball
Say your command as soon as possible
With two forehands in the middle, you have to be even more clear about who takes the ball
With two backhands in the middle, it’s all about the angle of the ball - poaches are harder without a forehand
Call the ball before it crosses the net, so your team has more time to figure out who’s taking the ball