For the pickleball third shot, in many situations, you should step in front of your partner to use a forehand shot. This is always a better option than your partner using their backhand for the 3rd shot.
Your opponent is trying to target the server’s backhand, hoping they will use it and give them an advantage.
Stepping in front of your partner to use a forehand shot versus their backhand is always your best play. You and your partner should be on the same page when this happens.
Stepping in Front to Play the Third Shot Hit towards the Server’s Backhand
The illustration below shows the player with their forehand in the middle stepping in front and communicating they will hit the third shot.
In this scenario, the serve is returned up the middle but more in the direction of the server.
You served and the serve is returned up the middle. You partner has their forehand in the middle and sees you may have to use a backhand shot to hit the 3rd shot.
Your partner steps in front of you to use their forehand for the third shot.
It may be a little uncomfortable and depending on your experience playing with your partner. They may not like it when you do this.
They may think you are intentionally hogging the court because you don’t trust them.
You partner may question you when you step in front of them. Educate them on this and let them know you think it would have been their backhand on the return and that your forehand shot is always the better play in pickleball. Even if it involves stepping in front of them to make the shot.
Summary
As you advance you will use your forehand shot in pickleball to cover for shots heading towards your partner’s backhand in many scenarios on the court.
Just make sure to always communicate.
This is an important concept in pickleball for the third shot and other shots. To advance you will need to be confident, take control and make this move.