Doubles Pickleball: 5 Essential Strategies for Winning

Are you ready to take your doubles game to the next level? Pickleball is a sport that’s sweeping the nation, and doubles in pickleball is where the real excitement happens. Whether you’re a beginner looking to improve or an intermediate player aiming to dominate the court, these five essential strategies will help you and your partner become a formidable team. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into each strategy, providing you with the knowledge and tools you need to excel in doubles pickleball.

1. Master the Art of Communication

When it comes to doubles in pickleball, communication is key. You and your partner need to be in sync at all times, calling out shots and strategies. Effective communication can make the difference between a clumsy collision and a perfectly executed play. Here’s how to make it work:

Verbal Communication

• • Use clear, concise calls like “mine,” “yours,” “switch,” or “stay”

• • Call out “bounce it” if you want your partner to let the ball bounce

• • Use “no” or “out” for balls going out of bounds

• • Communicate intentions, like “attacking” or “resetting”

Non-Verbal Communication

• • Develop a system of hand signals for quiet communication

• • Use paddle signals to indicate serve placement or strategy

• • Make eye contact with your partner before serves and between points

Pre-Game and Between-Points Communication

• • Discuss your game plan before each match

• • Review strategies and adjust tactics between points and games

• • Provide positive reinforcement and encouragement to your partner

Remember, good communication doesn’t just happen on the court. Practice these skills off the court to make them second nature during gameplay. Role-play different scenarios with your partner, focusing on clear, quick communication. The more you practice, the more natural it will become during intense matches.

2. Perfect Your Positioning

Positioning is crucial in doubles pickleball. The right stance and court coverage can give you a significant advantage. Let’s break down positioning for different stages of the game:

Starting Position

• • Begin in the ready position: knees slightly bent, weight on your toes

• • Hold your paddle up and in front of you, ready to react

• • When serving or receiving, position yourself just behind the baseline

After the Serve

• • As the serving team, quickly move to the non-volley zone line (also known as the kitchen line)

• • As the receiving team, the receiver’s partner should be at the kitchen line, ready to volley

During Play

• • Stay side-by-side with your partner when possible, to cover more court

• • Maintain the “I” formation when both at the kitchen line

• • Be ready to shift into stacked positioning for specific strategies

Advanced Positioning Strategies

• • Consider “stacking” to keep a stronger forehand at the middle

• • Use “switching” to confuse opponents and cover weaknesses

• • Practice the “Australian formation” for serve receive to mix things up

By mastering your positioning, you’ll be able to react quickly to your opponents’ shots and maintain control of the game. Practice different formations with your partner and be ready to adjust your positioning based on your opponents’ strengths and weaknesses.

3. Develop a Strong Serve and Return Strategy

The serve and return are critical moments in doubles pickleball. They set the tone for each rally and can give you an immediate advantage. Let’s dive deeper into effective strategies for both serving and returning in doubles pickleball.

Serving in Doubles Pickleball

• • Aim for consistency over power

• • Target the middle of the court to force your opponents to decide who will take the shot

• • Mix up your serves to keep your opponents guessing:

    • • Deep serves to push opponents back
    • • Short serves that land just over the kitchen line
    • • Body serves aimed at the receiver’s hip area

• • Communicate serve placement with your partner using predetermined signals

• • Practice different spin serves: topspin, backspin, and sidespin

Serving Drills

1. 1. Accuracy drill: Place targets on the court and aim for them

1. 1. Consistency drill: Try to hit 10 serves in a row without error

1. 1. Variation drill: Alternate between deep, short, and middle serves

Returning in Doubles Pickleball

• • Step into the court to take the return early

• • Aim for your opponents’ feet to make their next shot more difficult

• • Communicate with your partner about who will take which returns

• • Practice both forehand and backhand returns

• • Use the return to set up your next shot:

    • • Deep returns to buy time to get to the net
    • • Angled returns to pull opponents off the court
    • • Soft returns that land just over the kitchen line

Return Drills

1. 1. Partner feed drill: Have your partner feed you various serves to practice returns

1. 1. Moving return drill: Start from different positions to simulate game situations

1. 1. Target return drill: Aim for specific areas of the court on your returns

Remember, in doubles pickleball, the team that controls the net often controls the game. A strong serve and return strategy can help you get to the net first and put pressure on your opponents from the start of each rally.

4. Master the Soft Game

While power shots have their place, the soft game is where matches are often won in doubles pickleball. Mastering the soft game requires finesse, patience, and precise control. Here’s how to excel:

Dinking

Dinks are soft shots that just clear the net and land in the kitchen. They’re crucial in doubles pickleball for several reasons:

• • They keep you in control of the point

• • They force your opponents to hit up, giving you an opportunity to attack

• • They can tire out your opponents and create openings

Tips for effective dinking:

• • Keep your paddle face open and contact the ball out in front of you

• • Aim for the middle of the kitchen or your opponent’s feet

• • Vary the pace and spin of your dinks to keep opponents guessing

• • Practice both forehand and backhand dinks

Dinking Drills

1. 1. Dink rally: Practice sustained dinking rallies with a partner

1. 1. Dink targets: Place targets in the kitchen and aim for them

1. 1. Moving dinks: Practice dinking while moving side to side

Drop Shots

Drop shots are used to transition from the baseline to the net. A good drop shot can neutralize your opponents’ advantage and get you back in the point.

Tips for effective drop shots:

• • Use a continental grip for better control

• • Contact the ball high and let it fall softly over the net

• • Disguise your drop shots to look like drives until the last moment

Drop Shot Drills

1. 1. Baseline drops: Practice drop shots from the baseline

1. 1. Moving drops: Hit drop shots while on the run

1. 1. Drop and charge: Hit a drop shot and immediately move to the net

Reset Shots

Reset shots are used to neutralize your opponents’ attacks and buy time to get back in position.

Tips for effective reset shots:

• • Keep your paddle in front of you and stable

• • Absorb the power of the incoming shot

• • Aim for the middle of the court or your opponents’ feet

Reset Shot Drills

1. 1. Partner feed: Have a partner hit hard shots at you to practice resets

1. 1. Reset and recover: Practice resetting and then getting back into proper position

1. 1. Reset targets: Place targets on the court and aim your resets at them

The soft game requires patience and precision. It’s not about winning the point quickly, but about setting up the right opportunity to attack. In doubles pickleball, the team that can outlast their opponents in these soft exchanges often comes out on top.

5. Utilize Smart Shot Selection

Knowing when to use each shot is just as important as knowing how to execute them. In doubles pickleball, smart shot selection can make or break your game. Let’s explore some key strategies:

Use the Middle

Hitting between your opponents can cause confusion and force errors. Here’s why it’s effective:

• • Creates uncertainty about who should take the shot

• • Limits your opponents’ angles for returns

• • Can expose gaps in your opponents’ communication

Tips for hitting the middle:

• • Aim for the area where your opponents’ paddles meet

• • Use the middle particularly on third shot drops and dinks

• • Be ready for potential poaching from your opponents

Employ the Lob

The lob is a high, arching shot that can reset the point if you’re in trouble or catch your opponents off guard.

When to use the lob:

• • When opponents are crowding the net

• • To change the pace of the game

• • As a defensive shot when pulled wide

Tips for effective lobbing:

• • Aim deep, ideally within 2 feet of the baseline

• • Use spin to control the ball’s flight and bounce

• • Be prepared for potential overheads in return

Cross-Court Shots

Cross-court shots are safer and give you more time to get back into position. They’re particularly effective in doubles pickleball because:

• • The net is lower in the middle, reducing the risk of error

• • You have more court to work with, allowing for sharper angles

• • It gives you and your partner more time to reset your positioning

Tips for cross-court shots:

• • Use angles to pull your opponents off the court

• • Mix up pace and spin to keep opponents guessing

• • Practice both forehand and backhand cross-court shots

Down-the-Line Shots

While riskier, down-the-line shots can be very effective when used strategically:

• • They can surprise opponents who are expecting cross-court shots

• • They’re useful for passing shots when opponents poach

• • They can be used to exploit an opponent’s weaker side

Tips for down-the-line shots:

• • Use them sparingly to maintain the element of surprise

• • Ensure you have a high probability of making the shot

• • Be ready to follow up, as these shots often result in quick exchanges

Remember, the goal in doubles pickleball is not just to hit a great shot, but to hit the right shot at the right time. This often means playing percentages and choosing the safest option that still puts pressure on your opponents.

Bonus Tip: Learn from the Pros

If you want to see these strategies in action, there’s no better place than the vibrant Phoenix pickleball scene. Known as a hotbed for the sport, Phoenix hosts numerous tournaments and is home to some of the best players in the world. Watching how the pros handle doubles in pickleball can provide invaluable insights into positioning, communication, and strategy.

Phoenix Pickleball Scene

• • Attend local tournaments to watch high-level play

• • Look for clinics and workshops led by professional players

• • Join local pickleball clubs to find practice partners and improve your game

Learning from Professional Matches

When watching pro doubles in pickleball, pay attention to:

• • How teams communicate during points

• • Positioning strategies and how they adjust based on opponents

• • Shot selection in different situations

• • How pros handle pressure and make tactical decisions

Remember, while it’s great to learn from the pros, it’s important to adapt strategies to your own skill level and playing style. What works for a professional might not always be the best choice for recreational players.

Putting It All Together: Your Path to Pickleball Prowess

Mastering doubles in pickleball is a journey, not a destination. It requires practice, patience, and a willingness to learn from both your successes and your mistakes. By focusing on these five essential strategies – communication, positioning, serve and return tactics, the soft game, and smart shot selection – you’ll be well on your way to dominating the doubles court.

Here’s a roadmap for improvement:

1. 1. Focus on one strategy at a time in your practice sessions

1. 1. Use drills to isolate and improve specific skills

1. 1. Apply what you’ve learned in friendly matches

1. 1. Analyze your performance and identify areas for improvement

1. 1. Seek feedback from partners and opponents

1. 1. Stay updated on the latest trends and strategies in pickleball

Remember, pickleball is as much about mental strategy as it is about physical skill. Stay positive, support your partner, and always look for ways to improve your game. With dedication and the right approach, you’ll soon find yourself winning more matches and, more importantly, enjoying the fantastic sport of pickleball even more.

Final Thoughts

Doubles in pickleball offers a unique blend of strategy, teamwork, and excitement. As you continue to refine your skills and implement these strategies, you’ll discover the joy of playing at a higher level. Whether you’re aiming to compete in tournaments or simply want to enjoy more success in your local games, these strategies will serve you well.

Now get out there and start implementing these strategies in your next doubles pickleball match. Your opponents won’t know w