3-Person Pickleball Midcourt Drill: Pickleball mental coach DJ Howard introduced a 3-player game called Mid-Court Scramble to help players improve decision-making and court control. In a lesson on Selkirk TV, Howard demonstrated the drill, which challenges teams to earn points while staying in the transition zone. The game focuses on improving performance in the middle of the court, an area where many players struggle.
How the Drill Works
DJ Howard explained how the game works with three players on the court. One team starts at the midcourt zone, and the other team begins at the non-volley zone (NVZ) line.
“The only team that can score a point is the team from the midcourt. The nonval zone team is trying to deny them from getting a score,” DJ Howard said.
Only the midcourt team can earn a point during each rally. If they win, they stay at midcourt and get another chance to score. If they lose, the other team rotates into the midcourt and gains the opportunity to score. The game is played to 11 points.
Rules and Set-Up
DJ Howard used cones to mark the court into three 5-foot sections: backcourt, midcourt, and frontcourt. Players in the midcourt zone are not allowed to move behind it. If a short ball is hit, they may step in to return it but must return to midcourt.
“You guys may not hit a drop shot. If you hit a drop shot into the nonvley zone, we’ll just replay the point,” DJ Howard reminded players.
He also noted that the non-volley zone team feeds the ball, not the midcourt team. Lobs are allowed, but he recommended using them carefully.
“Lobbing is legal. So keep that in mind that either side may lob,” Howard said. “I highly would recommend against it if you’re the nonvley zone team trying to lob against a mid-court team.”
Learning from Each Rally
During the lesson, DJ Howard walked players through multiple rallies to demonstrate the game’s flow. He emphasized making smart decisions rather than rushing for points.
“If you’re in the midc court and you decide to challenge the team that’s at the nonval zone line, just know that you’re taking a risk,” he said. “It’s not wrong to do so and it may end up being a reward, but there’s a risk involved that may not end up working in your favor.”
When a ball lands in the non-volley zone, and it wasn’t a legal shot, the point is replayed.
“Now, because that ball went in the nonvley zone, we would reserve the right to replay that rally,” Howard explained. “Or if it’s a playable ball we can simply play on. Use your best judgment with this one.”
Game Progress and Scoring
As the lesson continued, DJ Howard called out scores and changes in position. Players stayed alert and followed the rules of the drill.
“Missed the shot already. We lose our opportunity. You guys are in the midc court. Score is still 000,” he said.
Once a team scored, they stayed in the midcourt and kept the advantage.
“Good shot. You guys win the point. You now have one. You get to remain in that section of the court. 01.”
As rallies continued, players were reminded of key rules and strategies.
“We scored our first point. Score is now 1-1. We get to remain in the midcourt,” Howard announced. “That’s a point. Score is one two.”
The drill continued with scores rising slowly, showing how challenging it is to earn points from midcourt.
“This might take a while in order for a midcourt team to get to 11,” Howard noted. “But as your skills improve and your decision-m gets better, when to be aggressive versus when to play defense and merely reset, you’ll start to find more ways to score points.”
Purpose and Benefits
The Mid-Court Scramble drill gives players a real-game feeling while practicing control, shot selection, and movement.
“The goal is to try to defeat us where we are,” DJ Howard said. “Whereas if you’re the midcourt team, you may elect to lob against this nonvley zone team and that’s totally legal.”
This drill teaches when to play safe and when to be aggressive. It also builds court awareness and quick decision-making. By practicing regularly, players can become more confident and skilled in this critical area of the court.
News in Brief: 3-Person Pickleball Midcourt Drill
Pickleball coach DJ Howard introduced the “Mid-Court Scramble,” a 3-person drill to improve decision-making and play in the midcourt zone. Only the midcourt team can score in this fast-paced game. With clear rules and replay options, it builds skill and awareness in a challenging part of the court.
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