Doubles Pickleball Strategy 101

Pickleball can be played as singles or doubles, but doubles is more common and popular. In doubles pickleball, you have a partner who can help you cover the court and attack the opponents. However, you also need to have a good strategy and coordination with your partner to win the game.

In this article, we will share some tips and techniques on how to play doubles pickleball effectively and improve your skills. We will cover the basic rules of doubles pickleball, the roles and responsibilities of the serving and defending teams, and the top 10 strategies that you should follow to win more games.

Doubles Pickleball Strategy 101 for the Serving Team

The serving team is the team that initiates the rally by hitting the ball over the net to the opposite court. The serving team has some advantages and disadvantages in doubles pickleball.

The advantages of the serving team are:

• They have the opportunity to score points. Only the serving team can score points in pickleball. The defending team can only win the serve by forcing the serving team to commit a fault.
• They have more control over the pace and direction of the game. The serving team can choose where to serve the ball, how hard to hit it, and what spin to apply. They can also try to exploit the weaknesses of the opponents or target their weaker side, which is usually the backhand side.

The disadvantages of the serving team are:

• They have to follow the two-bounce rule. The two-bounce rule states that the ball must bounce once on each side of the court before it can be volleyed (hit in the air). This means that the serving team has to let the ball bounce on their side after the return of serve, which gives the defending team a chance to approach the net and gain an advantage.
• They have to deal with the pressure of serving. The serving team has only one chance to get the ball in the correct service area. If they miss the serve, they lose the point and the serve. They also have to avoid hitting the ball out of bounds, into the net, or into the non-volley zone (also known as the kitchen), which are all faults.

The serving team has two players who take turns to serve until they lose the serve. The first serve of each side-out (when the serve changes to the other team) is made from the right/even court. If a point is scored, the server switches sides and serves from the left/odd court. The server continues to switch sides until they commit a fault and lose the serve. Then, their partner serves from their correct side of the court. The second server continues to serve until they also commit a fault and lose the serve to the other team.

The serving team’s main goal is to score points by hitting the ball in a way that the defending team cannot return it or commits a fault. The serving team’s secondary goal is to get to the net as soon as possible and establish a dominant position at the non-volley line.

Doubles Pickleball Strategy 101 for the Defending Team

The defending team is the team that receives the serve and tries to prevent the serving team from scoring points. The defending team has some advantages and disadvantages in doubles pickleball.

The advantages of the defending team are:

• They have the benefit of the two-bounce rule. The defending team can use the two-bounce rule to their favor by hitting a deep and low return of serve that forces the serving team to back up and hit a weak third shot. The defending team can then move forward and take control of the net.
• They have less pressure than the serving team. The defending team does not have to worry about missing the serve or hitting the ball out of bounds, into the net, or into the kitchen. They can focus on returning the ball and making the serving team work harder.

The disadvantages of the defending team are:

• They cannot score points unless they win the serve. The defending team has to wait for the serving team to make a mistake or hit an unreturnable shot before they can get a chance to serve and score points. This can be frustrating and demoralizing, especially if the serving team is playing well and scoring a lot of points.
• They have less control over the pace and direction of the game. The defending team has to react to the serve and the third shot of the serving team, which can be unpredictable and challenging. They also have to deal with the spin, speed, and placement of the ball that the serving team can vary.

The defending team’s main goal is to win the serve by forcing the serving team to commit a fault or hitting a shot that the serving team cannot return. The defending team’s secondary goal is to get to the net as soon as possible and challenge the serving team for the net position.

Top 10 Strategies to Follow Must

Here are some of the best strategies that you should follow to improve your doubles pickleball game and win more matches.

1. Follow the return-of-serve to the non-volley line.

One of the most important strategies in doubles pickleball is to follow your return of serve to the non-volley line and join your partner at the net. This will give you and your partner a better chance to volley the ball and put pressure on the serving team. It will also prevent the serving team from hitting an easy drop shot or lob over your head.

To follow your return of serve to the non-volley line, you need to hit a deep and low return that lands near the baseline of the opposite court. This will make it harder for the serving team to hit a strong third shot and give you more time to move forward. You also need to anticipate the direction and speed of the third shot and be ready to hit it in the air or let it bounce once before hitting it.

2. Avoid Toeing the Baseline During Serve Returns

Another important strategy in doubles pickleball is to avoid toeing the baseline when returning the serve. Toeing the baseline means standing too close to the baseline and hitting the ball as soon as it bounces. This can be risky and ineffective for several reasons.

First, toeing the baseline can limit your options and angles for hitting the return of serve. You will have less time and space to adjust your paddle and body position and hit the ball with the desired spin, speed, and placement. You will also have less margin for error and more chances of hitting the ball out of bounds, into the net, or into the kitchen.

Second, toeing the baseline can make it harder for you to follow your return of serve to the non-volley line. You will have to cover more distance and move faster to reach the net and join your partner. You will also have less time to react to the third shot of the serving team and be more vulnerable to their attacks.

Third, toeing the baseline can give the serving team an advantage and an opportunity to hit a better third shot. They will see that you are standing close to the baseline and hit the ball with more power and spin to make it bounce higher and deeper. They will also have more time and space to prepare and execute their third shot and get to the net.

Therefore, instead of toeing the baseline, you should stand a few feet behind the baseline and wait for the ball to bounce and rise to a comfortable height before hitting it. This will give you more options and angles for hitting the return of serve and make it easier for you to follow it to the net.

3. Try to keep your opponents at the baseline.

One of the key objectives in doubles pickleball is to keep your opponents at the baseline and prevent them from getting to the net. This will give you and your partner a positional advantage and more opportunities to hit winning shots.

To keep your opponents at the baseline, you need to hit the ball deep and low to their backcourt. This will make it harder for them to hit a strong shot and force them to back up and hit a weak shot. You also need to avoid hitting the ball too high or too short, which will allow them to move forward and volley the ball.

Another way to keep your opponents at the baseline is to hit the ball to their weaker side, which is usually their backhand side. This will make it more difficult for them to hit a good shot and give you more chances to attack their mistakes. You can also try to hit the ball to the middle of their court, which will create confusion and communication problems between them.

4. Begin Incorporating More Drop Shots into Your Game

A drop shot is a soft and short shot that lands near the non-volley line of the opposite court. A drop shot is a very effective and versatile shot in doubles pickleball that can help you achieve different goals.

One of the main goals of a drop shot is to neutralize your opponents’ attack and force them to hit a weak shot. If your opponents are hitting the ball hard and fast, you can use a drop shot to slow down the pace and change the direction of the game. A drop shot will make them move forward and hit the ball at a low and awkward angle, which will reduce their power and accuracy.

Another goal of a drop shot is to create an opening and set up a winning shot. If your opponents are staying back at the baseline or playing defensively, you can use a drop shot to draw them out of position and expose their court. A drop shot will make them

4. Begin Incorporating More Drop Shots into Your Game

A drop shot is a soft and short shot that lands near the non-volley line of the opposite court. A drop shot is a very effective and versatile shot in doubles pickleball that can help you achieve different goals.

One of the main goals of a drop shot is to neutralize your opponents’ attack and force them to hit a weak shot. If your opponents are hitting the ball hard and fast, you can use a drop shot to slow down the pace and change the direction of the game. A drop shot will make them move forward and hit the ball at a low and awkward angle, which will reduce their power and accuracy.

Another goal of a drop shot is to create an opening and set up a winning shot. If your opponents are staying back at the baseline or playing defensively, you can use a drop shot to draw them out of position and expose their court. A drop shot will make them scramble to reach the ball and leave a gap behind them, which you can exploit with a lob, a drive, or a volley.

To hit a good drop shot, you need to have a soft touch and a good control over your paddle and the ball. You also need to have a good timing and a good placement of the ball. You should aim to hit the ball just over the net and make it land as close to the non-volley line as possible. You should also try to hit the ball to the side of your opponents that is farther from the net, which will make it harder for them to reach the ball and return it.

5. Add a little depth to your serve.

Another strategy that can help you improve your doubles pickleball game is to add a little depth to your serve. A deep serve is a serve that lands near the baseline of the opposite court. A deep serve has several benefits and advantages over a short serve.

First, a deep serve can make it harder for your opponents to return the serve and follow it to the net. A deep serve will make them move back and hit the ball at a lower and farther position, which will reduce their power and accuracy. A deep serve will also give you more time to move forward and get to the net before your opponents.

Second, a deep serve can make it easier for you to hit a good third shot and keep your opponents at the baseline. A deep serve will make your opponents hit a high and short return of serve, which will give you more options and angles to hit a drop shot, a drive, or a lob. A deep serve will also make it harder for your opponents to hit a good third shot and challenge you at the net.

Third, a deep serve can make it more difficult for your opponents to anticipate and attack your serve. A deep serve will make your opponents guess where the ball will land and how it will bounce. A deep serve will also make your opponents adjust their paddle and body position and hit the ball with less confidence and consistency.

To hit a deep serve, you need to have a good power and a good control over your paddle and the ball. You also need to have a good timing and a good placement of the ball. You should aim to hit the ball with a slight topspin or a flat stroke and make it land as close to the baseline as possible. You should also try to hit the ball to the side of your opponents that is weaker or farther from the net, which will make it more challenging for them to return the serve.

6. Step away from the baseline when returning.

Another strategy that can help you improve your doubles pickleball game is to step away from the baseline when returning the serve. As we mentioned earlier, toeing the baseline can be risky and ineffective when returning the serve. Stepping away from the baseline can be beneficial and advantageous for several reasons.

First, stepping away from the baseline can give you more options and angles for hitting the return of serve. You will have more time and space to adjust your paddle and body position and hit the ball with the desired spin, speed, and placement. You will also have more margin for error and less chances of hitting the ball out of bounds, into the net, or into the kitchen.

Second, stepping away from the baseline can make it easier for you to follow your return of serve to the non-volley line. You will have to cover less distance and move slower to reach the net and join your partner. You will also have more time to react to the third shot of the serving team and be more prepared to hit it.

Third, stepping away from the baseline can make it harder for the serving team to hit a good third shot and keep you at the baseline. A deep and low return of serve will make the serving team move back and hit the ball at a lower and farther position, which will reduce their power and accuracy. A deep and low return of serve will also give you more options and angles to hit a good third shot and challenge the serving team at the net.

To step away from the baseline when returning the serve, you need to have a good footwork and a good balance. You also need to have a good timing and a good placement of the ball. You should aim to hit the ball with a slight backspin or a flat stroke and make it land as close to the baseline as possible. You should also try to hit the ball to the side of the serving team that is weaker or farther from the net, which will make it more difficult for them to hit a good third shot.

7. Always return deep.

Another strategy that can help you improve your doubles pickleball game is to always return the ball deep to the opposite court. A deep return is a return that lands near the baseline of the opposite court. A deep return has several benefits and advantages over a short return.

First, a deep return can make it harder for your opponents to hit a good shot and follow it to the net. A deep return will make them move back and hit the ball at a lower and farther position, which will reduce their power and accuracy. A deep return will also give you more time to move forward and get to the net before your opponents.

Second, a deep return can make it easier for you to hit a good shot and keep your opponents at the baseline. A deep return will make your opponents hit a high and short shot, which will give you more options and angles to hit a drop shot, a drive, or a lob. A deep return will also make it harder for your opponents to hit a good shot and challenge you at the net.

Third, a deep return can make it more difficult for your opponents to anticipate and attack your shot. A deep return will make your opponents guess where the ball will land and how it will bounce. A deep return will also make your opponents adjust their paddle and body position and hit the ball with less confidence and consistency.

To hit a deep return, you need to have a good power and a good control over your paddle and the ball. You also need to have a good timing and a good placement of the ball. You should aim to hit the ball with a slight backspin or a flat stroke and make it land as close to the baseline as possible. You should also try to hit the ball to the side of your opponents that is weaker or farther from the net, which will make it more challenging for them to hit a good shot.

8. Communication when returning middle shots is key.

Another strategy that can help you improve your doubles pickleball game is to communicate with your partner when returning middle shots. A middle shot is a shot that lands in the middle of the court, between you and your partner. A middle shot can be tricky and problematic for several reasons.

First, a middle shot can create confusion and hesitation between you and your partner. You and your partner may not know who should hit the ball and who should cover the other side of the court. You and your partner may also end up hitting the ball at the same time or getting in each other’s way, which can result in a fault or a weak shot.

Second, a middle shot can give your opponents an advantage and an opportunity to hit a winning shot. Your opponents may see that you and your partner are unsure and unprepared and hit the ball to the middle of your court on purpose. Your opponents may also take advantage of the gap that you and your partner leave behind when you both go for the ball and hit the ball to the open space.

To avoid these problems, you need to communicate with your partner when returning middle shots. You need to decide who will hit the ball and who will cover the other side of the court. You also need to use clear and simple signals or words to indicate your intention and action. For example, you can say “mine” or “yours” or point your paddle to the ball or the court.

Communication when returning middle shots is key to avoid confusion and hesitation, to coordinate and cooperate with your partner, and to prevent your opponents from exploiting your weakness.

9. Move as a cohesive unit.

Another strategy that can help you improve your doubles pickleball game is to move as a cohesive unit with your partner. Moving as a cohesive unit means moving in sync and in harmony with your partner, following the ball and the opponents, and maintaining a balanced and consistent position on the court. Moving as a cohesive unit has several benefits and advantages over moving independently or inconsistently.

First, moving as a cohesive unit can help you cover the court and prevent your opponents from hitting the ball to the open space. If you and your partner move together and stay close to each other, you can cover more area and reduce the gaps that your opponents can target. You can also help each other and back each other up if one of you misses or makes a mistake.

Second, moving as a cohesive unit can help you hit the ball and put pressure on your opponents. If you and your partner move together and stay close to the net, you can hit the ball more aggressively and accurately. You can also volley the ball more often and prevent your opponents from hitting the ball to the ground.

Third, moving as a cohesive unit can help you communicate and cooperate with your partner. If you and your partner move together and stay close to each other, you can see and hear each other better and exchange signals and words more easily. You can also feel and sense each other’s presence and intention and adjust your actions accordingly.

To move as a cohesive unit, you need to have a good awareness and a good coordination with your partner. You also need to have a good footwork and a good balance. You should aim to move together and stay close to the net, following the ball and the opponents, and maintaining a balanced and consistent position on the court. You should also try to move in a diagonal or a lateral direction, rather than a forward or a backward direction, which will make it easier for you to hit the ball and cover the court.

10. Aim for their feet!

The last strategy that can help you improve your doubles pickleball game is to aim for your opponents’ feet. Aiming for your opponents’ feet is a simple and effective way to win more points and games in doubles pickleball.

Aiming for your opponents’ feet can make it harder for them to hit the ball and return it. Aiming for your opponents’ feet will make them bend down and hit the ball at a low and awkward angle, which will reduce their power and accuracy. Aiming for your opponents’ feet will also make them move their feet and lose their balance, which will affect their stability and mobility.

Aiming for your opponents’ feet can also make it easier for you to hit the ball and put pressure on them. Aiming for your opponents’ feet will make the ball bounce low and fast, which will give you more time and space to hit the ball with more force and precision. Aiming for your opponents’ feet will also make the ball bounce near the net, which will give you more chances to volley the ball and prevent your opponents from hitting the ball to the ground.

To aim for your opponents’ feet, you need to have a good power and a good control over your paddle and the ball. You also need to have a good timing and a good placement of the ball. You should aim to hit the ball with a slight topspin or a flat stroke and make it bounce near the net and near your opponents’ feet. You should also try to hit the ball to the side of your opponents that is closer to the net, which will make it harder for them to hit the ball and return it.

Practice Patience and Positivity

The final tip that we want to share with you is to practice patience and positivity when playing doubles pickleball. Doubles pickleball is a fun and exciting sport, but it can also be challenging and frustrating at times. You may encounter different situations and scenarios that can test your skills and your emotions.

For example, you may face opponents who are stronger or weaker than you, who play differently or similarly to you, who are friendly or unfriendly to you. You may also experience mistakes or errors, successes or failures, wins or losses, joys or sorrows. You may also have conflicts or disagreements, compliments or criticisms, support or pressure, from your partner, your opponents, or yourself.

These situations and scenarios can affect your performance and your enjoyment of the game. They can also affect your relationship and your communication with your partner, your opponents, and yourself. Therefore, you need to practice patience and positivity when playing doubles pickleball.

Patience means being calm and composed, accepting and adapting, waiting and persevering, in the face of challenges and difficulties. Patience can help you overcome obstacles and problems, learn from mistakes and errors, improve your skills and your strategies, and achieve your goals and your dreams.

Positivity means being optimistic and hopeful, grateful and appreciative, cheerful and enthusiastic, in the face of opportunities and possibilities. Positivity can help you enjoy the game and the process, appreciate your partner and your opponents, celebrate your successes and your failures, and have fun and have fun.

Practice patience and positivity when playing doubles pickleball, and you will see the difference in your game and your life.

Final Thoughts

Doubles pickleball is a great sport that can provide you with many benefits and advantages. It can improve your physical and mental health, your social and emotional skills, your personal and professional growth, and your overall well-being and happiness.

However, to play doubles pickleball effectively and successfully, you need to have a good strategy and a good coordination with your partner. You need to know the rules and the roles of the serving and defending teams, and the best techniques and tactics to win more points and games.

In this article, we have shared with you some of the top best strategies that you can follow to improve your doubles pickleball game and win more matches. These strategies are:

• Follow the return-of-serve to the non-volley line.
• Avoid toeing the baseline when returning the serve.
• Try to keep your opponents at the baseline.
• Begin incorporating more drop shots into your game.
• Add a little depth to your serve.
• Step away from the baseline when returning the serve.
• Always return deep.
• Communication when returning middle shots is key.
• Move as a cohesive unit.
• Aim for their feet

FAQs for Doubles Pickleball Strategy 101

How do you win doubles pickleball?

To win doubles pickleball, you need to work well with your partner, get to the net quickly, and avoid mistakes. You also need to serve, return, and hit the third shot well. Some of the ways to win doubles pickleball are:

• Serve and return to the backhand side of the weaker player .
• Move to the net after the serve and the return .
• Talk to your partner and move together .
• Be steady and wait for the right time to attack .

What are three doubles strategies you can use in a game of pickleball?

Three doubles strategies you can use in a game of pickleball are:

• The drop shot strategy. This is when you hit a soft shot near the net that makes your opponent move forward and hit a weak shot. Then you can hit a hard shot or a high shot over them. The drop shot is good when your opponent is far from the net .
• The dinking strategy. This is when you hit a series of soft shots over the net that land in the non-volley zone. This can make a dink rally, where both teams hit low and short shots until someone makes a mistake or gets a chance to hit a hard shot. The dinking strategy is good when both teams are at the net .
• The placement strategy. This is when you hit the ball to a spot that is hard for your opponent to get or hit back. This can include hitting to the feet, the sides, the middle, or the back corners of their court. The placement strategy can help you make openings, use weaknesses, and break the flow of your opponent .

What is a key strategy in pickleball?

A key strategy in pickleball is to control the net. The net is the best position in pickleball, as it gives you more options, angles, and speed to hit your shots. It also lets you pressure your opponent and make them hit hard shots. To control the net, you need to have good serves, returns, and third shots that let you move forward and get to the non-volley zone. You also need to have good volleys, dinks, and lobs that can keep your opponent away from the net .

How do you hit better in pickleball?

To hit better in pickleball, you need to have good skills, timing, and placement. Some of the tips that can help you hit better in pickleball are:

• Watch the ball and hit it in front of you .
• Bend your knees and move your feet .
• Use a continental grip for most of your shots .
• Change your shots and angles .
• Aim for your opponent’s feet and sides .