Do You Know What It Actually Means?
“Respect the X” is one of those pickleball phrases that gets tossed around on the court — often confidently, sometimes vaguely, and usually right after a ball shoots through the middle while both partners hesitate.
So what does it actually mean?
And does it still apply in today’s faster, more aggressive game?
This week on Pickleball Obsession, Tracie sits down with legendary coach Deb "PicklePongDeb" Harrison to clear up one of the most misunderstood concepts in doubles play. If you’ve ever thought that was your forehand or I thought you had it, this episode is for you.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
What “Respect the X” really means — and why it’s about ball direction, not forehands
Which player should take balls coming through the middle (and why drifting causes trouble)
How the X applies differently in women’s doubles vs. mixed play
When it’s smart to break the X — and when doing so gets you burned
How beginners and intermediate players can learn this early to build better habits
Why trust and communication matter more than assigning blame when a ball gets throug
Deb also shares practical guidance on footwork, recovery, and positioning — all in a way that’s easy to visualize and immediately usable the next time you step on the court.
Short, practical insights for recreational players who want answers.
Listen and subscribe on your favorite streaming service
Did someone forward you this? CLICK HERE to receive it weekly!
OUR SPONSORS
