You always want a friend by your side.

When you and your partner are together, you form a barrier that your opponents must penetrate. This is true whether at the baseline or at the kitchen line. You should try to move in unison back to front, side to side.

The only time you start apart is when your team is receiving the serve. The receiver needs to move up quickly to join his partner after returning the serve. Set up your side-by-side defensive barrier as soon as you can.

When you and your partner are not together, you leave open spots on the court for your opponents to target. The larger the opening the bigger the target.

Bev writes a weekly email blast for our pickleball club. She delivers the rules with clarity and a sense of humor. If you have a rules question post it in the comments below.