How a Match Works
Talking to your partner in doubles (so nobody freezes)
In doubles, it is easy for both players to leave a ball for the other. Prevent this with calls like "mine" or "yours," and by agreeing who takes middle balls. Shouting "out!" at a ball in the air is a call to your partner, not a line call.
In doubles, a ball that comes between the two partners is sometimes left by both of them, with nobody hitting it. Partners call out to each other to make it clear who will hit (The Dink).
Common calls
The rules do not set any words for these calls. Any words are fine if you and your partner agree on them. Talking to your partner is seen as important in doubles (Selkirk), and guides from paddle makers and coaches introduce short words like these:
| Call | Meaning |
|---|---|
| me | I'll hit it, so back off (for example, a middle ball that the player on the right can hit well with a backhand) (Selkirk) |
| you | I can't reach it, so you hit it (for example, a middle ball the player on the left can't reach) (Selkirk) |
| mine | I'll chase it and hit it (for example, a drop volley or a lob) (Selkirk, The Dink) |
| yours | Leave it to your partner (for example, on a lob) (Selkirk, The Dink) |
| out | Don't hit it, let it go (it looks like it is going out) (Selkirk, The Dink) |
| bounce it | Let it bounce, and hit it if it lands in (Selkirk) |
| go | You hit it (Selkirk) |
| switch | Swap your roles (positions) (The Dink) |
| ball! | Your ball is about to roll into the next court. It warns the players on that court (USA Pickleball, Selkirk). The court the ball rolled into replays the rally (Replay the rally when something gets in the way (hinder)) |
It is said to be important to call early and loudly (The Dink). If both of you go for the ball and your calls clash, these guides suggest that the player who called first hits it (The Dink), or that the player with the forehand gets priority (Selkirk).
Playing in Japan
If you play in Japan, the English words me, mine, you, out, switch and ball are used as they are, so you can call in English. Japanese players also use some Japanese calls. They are good to know, so you understand your partner:
| Japanese call (romanized) | What it means |
|---|---|
| "Uchimasu" | "I'll hit it." Used like "mine" |
| "Hai" | Literally "yes." Here it means "I've got it" |
| "Makaseta" | "I'll leave it to you." Used like "yours" |
| "Onegai" | Literally "please." Here it means "you take it," like "yours" |
| "Miokutte" | "Let it go." Used like "out" when the ball looks like it is going out |
| "Booru itta!" | "The ball went over!" Used like "ball!" when your ball rolls into the next court |
These are examples, not rules. Agree with your partner on the words you will use.
How this fits with the rules
Telling your partner "out!" or "let it go" while the ball is still in the air is just a call between partners. It is not a line call, and play does not stop (8.F.4). An "out" after the ball lands is a line call, and play stops there (8.F.1, 8.F.2). For more, see Line call etiquette.
Calls are meant for your partner. When an opponent is about to hit, you must not shout or make noise to distract them (10.F). In a match with a referee, if the referee decides you distracted the opponent, it is a fault for you (20.I.1).
Who takes a middle ball?
The rules do not say who should hit it. But if both players hit the ball, it is a fault (10.D.2). It is said to be important to talk this over with your partner before the match (DUPR).
Source and review
- Rulebook
- USA Pickleball Official Rulebook (2026 edition)
- Sections
- 8.F.4, 8.F.1, 8.F.2, 10.F, 10.D.2, 20.I.1
- Applies to
- USA Pickleball
- Effective
- January 1, 2026
- Last reviewed
- October 10, 2026
How to read the sources: numbers like (8.F.4) are rulebook sections, and links are outside sources. An "Author's note" is the author's personal experience, not an official rule.