In today’s fast-evolving world of professional pickleball, controlling the middle of the court is essential. Pro player Zane Navratil takes us inside one of the most important tactical shifts in the modern game: how to dominate from the middle using precision, aggression, and awareness.
The middle of the court is an opportunity. From this position, you can cut off angles, dictate pace, and force errors. Zane explains how modern doubles teams are utilizing left-side players more aggressively to set the tone of a rally. That means quick reactions, confident hands, and a strong understanding of your partner’s role.
Techniques That Win
Zane walks through several techniques that are key to middle-court dominance:
- Aggressive Dinks: Instead of simply resetting or going soft, today’s top players are using offensive dinks to keep their opponents off-balance and open up the court.
- Cross-Court Speed-Ups: Zane breaks down when and how to speed up the ball cross-court—especially from the left side—and how to prepare for the inevitable counterattack.
- Shot Anticipation: A huge part of owning the middle is predicting your opponent’s next move. Zane offers tips on body positioning and visual cues that can help you read the play and stay one step ahead.
Gear That Gives You an Edge
That’s where the SQAIRZ XRZ Pickleball Shoe comes in. Built with patented stability tech, a roomy toe box, and a SmartTraction™ outsole, the XRZ keeps you grounded and explosive through every lateral move, speed-up, and counter. It’s the only shoe Zane trusts to match the demands of today’s aggressive style of play—and the results speak for themselves.