Pickleball Doubles: Tips to Crush Your Next Match

Pickleball doubles is taking the sports world by storm. It’s a fun, fast-paced game that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. If you’re new to pickleball or looking to up your doubles game, you’re in the right place.

The key to winning in pickleball doubles is teamwork, smart positioning, and quick reflexes. You’ll need to work closely with your partner, communicate well, and be ready to move fast. Don’t worry if you’re not a pro athlete – pickleball is great for players of all skill levels.

Want to learn some winning strategies? We’ve got you covered. From serving tactics to court positioning, we’ll break down everything you need to know to dominate the pickleball court. Get ready to impress your friends and have a blast while you’re at it!

Basics of Pickleball Doubles

Pickleball doubles is a fun and fast-paced game. You’ll need to know the court layout, gear, and key rules to get started. Let’s dive into the essentials.

Pickleball Court Dimensions for Doubles

The court for doubles pickleball is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. It’s divided into sections by lines.

The non-volley zone, or “kitchen”, is a 7-foot area on each side of the net. You can’t volley the ball here.

The service areas are on either side of the center line. They extend from the kitchen to the baseline.

Sidelines mark the court’s width. The baseline is at the back of the court.

Remember, you’ll serve diagonally across the court. Aim for the opposite service area.

Equipment Needed for Doubles Play

To play doubles, you’ll need:

Pickleball paddles (one for each player)
Pickleballs (plastic balls with holes)
A net

Paddles are usually made of composite materials. They’re lighter than tennis rackets but heavier than ping pong paddles.

Pickleballs are similar to wiffle balls. They come in different colors, but yellow is common for outdoor play.

The net is 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center. It’s similar to a tennis net but lower.

Wear comfortable clothes and non-marking shoes for better movement on the court.

Understanding the Double Bounce Rule

The double bounce rule is key in pickleball. Here’s how it works:

The serving team must let the ball bounce once before hitting it.
The receiving team must also let the ball bounce once before hitting it.
After these two bounces, players can volley or let the ball bounce.

This rule slows down the start of each rally. It gives both teams a chance to get to the non-volley zone.

Remember, you can’t volley from the kitchen. Step back before hitting the ball out of the air.

The double bounce rule applies at the start of each serve. After that, you’re free to play as you like.

Serving in Doubles

Serving in pickleball doubles sets the tone for each rally. It’s crucial to master both positioning and technique while mixing up your serves to keep opponents guessing.

Serve Positioning and Techniques

In doubles pickleball, the first serve always starts from the right-side service court. You must stand behind the baseline when serving. Hit the ball underhand and below your waist.

As the game progresses, you’ll alternate between right and left sides. If your score is even (0, 2, 4, etc.), serve from the right. For odd scores, serve from the left.

Your partner should stand on the non-volley zone line on the opposite side. This positioning lets them cover the middle of the court effectively.

Remember to aim diagonally across the court. Your serve must clear the non-volley zone (kitchen) and land in the correct service box.

The Importance of Serve Variation

Mixing up your serves keeps your opponents off-balance. Try these variations:

Deep serve: Aim for the back of the service box.
Short serve: Land it just over the kitchen line.
Wide serve: Target the outer edges of the service box.

Changing serve speeds can also be effective. A slower serve might catch your opponents off guard if they’re expecting power.

Pay attention to your opponents’ weaknesses. If one player struggles with backhand returns, target them more often.

By varying your serves, you make it harder for the receiving team to anticipate and prepare their returns. This can give you an edge in the rally that follows.

Returning Serve in Doubles

The return of serve is a key moment in pickleball doubles. Your goal is to neutralize the server’s advantage and set up your team for success. Good returns can put pressure on your opponents and create opportunities.

Strategies for Returns

When returning serve, aim deep and low. This makes it harder for the serving team to attack. You want to hit the ball into the diagonal court where the serve came from. Try to place your returns near the baseline or sideline.

Mix up your returns to keep opponents guessing. Sometimes hit soft and short, other times go for power. Use spin to make your returns trickier to handle.

Practice different types of returns:

Deep lobs
Angled crosscourt shots
Down-the-line returns

Remember, consistency is key. Focus on getting the ball in play rather than going for winners every time.

Positioning After the Return

After you hit your return, move quickly to the non-volley zone line. This puts you in a strong position for the next shot. Your partner should also move up to the kitchen line if they’re not already there.

Stay balanced and ready as you approach the line. Keep your paddle up and eyes on the ball. Be prepared to react to your opponents’ next shot.

If you hit a weak return, you might need to hang back. In this case, communicate with your partner. One of you may need to cover more court until you can both get to the kitchen line.

Work on your footwork to improve your positioning. Quick, small steps help you adjust your position smoothly after the return.

Rallying and Shot Selection

Picking the right shots is key in pickleball doubles. You need to mix up your shots to keep your opponents guessing. Let’s look at some important shot types and when to use them.

Dinks and Soft Shots

Dinks are gentle shots that land in the kitchen area. They’re great for controlling the pace of the game. To hit a good dink:

Keep your paddle face open
Use a soft touch
Aim for the kitchen line

Soft shots help you reset rallies when you’re in trouble. They give you time to get back in position. Practice hitting soft shots from different spots on the court.

Try mixing up your dinks. Sometimes hit them cross-court, other times down the line. This keeps your opponents moving and guessing.

Drive Shots and Power Plays

Drive shots are fast, low hits that zoom past your opponents. They’re risky but can win you points quickly. To hit good drives:

Step into the shot
Use a quick, compact swing
Aim for gaps between your opponents

Power plays work best when your opponents are out of position. Look for chances to hit drives when they’re stuck at the baseline.

Don’t overuse power shots. Mix them in with softer shots to keep your game unpredictable.

Lob Shots and Their Execution

Lobs are high, arching shots that go over your opponents’ heads. They’re great for pushing players back from the net. To hit a good lob:

Get under the ball
Use an upward swing
Aim deep into the court

Lobs work well as surprise shots. Use them when your opponents crowd the net too much. But be careful – a short lob can be easily smashed back at you.

Practice your lobs from different court positions. You might need to lob while on the run or off-balance.

Player Communication

Good communication is key in pickleball doubles. You and your partner need to work together seamlessly. Clear signals and constant talking help you cover the court better and avoid mistakes.

Calling the Ball and Court Positioning

When a ball is coming, you need to yell “Mine!” or your partner’s name. This lets everyone know who’s going for it. If you’re not sure, call “Yours!” to your partner. It’s better to be loud than to let a ball drop between you.

You should also call out where you’re going on the court. Say “I’ve got middle” or “You take left” to keep your positions clear. This stops you from bumping into each other or leaving gaps.

Effective communication can make a big difference in your game. Practice these calls during friendly matches to get comfortable using them in real games.

Switching Sides and Strategies

Sometimes you’ll need to switch sides with your partner during a game. You might do this to put a stronger player on the backhand side or to change up your strategy.

To switch, call out “Switch!” as you move. Make sure your partner hears you and agrees. You don’t want to end up on the same side!

You can also use quick code words for different strategies. Maybe “Plan B” means you’re going to start lobbing more. Or “Aggressive” could mean you’re both moving up to the kitchen line.

Team synergy comes from practice and clear signals. The more you play together, the better you’ll get at reading each other’s moves.

Defensive Strategies

Playing good defense in pickleball doubles can help you win more points. Here are some key strategies to try:

Stay at the non-volley zone line when possible. This gives you the best court coverage and reaction time.

Split-step right before your opponents hit the ball. This lets you move quickly in any direction to return their shot.

Position yourself parallel to your partner. This forms a solid defensive wall at the net.

Aim your shots low over the net. Low shots are harder for opponents to attack aggressively.

Try to hit the ball to your opponents’ feet. This makes it tough for them to hit powerful shots back.

Communicate clearly with your partner. Call out “mine” or “yours” to avoid confusion on who’s hitting the ball.

Dink shots can draw opponents into the kitchen. This limits their options for aggressive returns.

Return shots down the middle between opponents when possible. This can cause hesitation about who should hit it.

Stay patient and wait for good opportunities to attack. Don’t try to force winners on every shot.

With practice, these defensive strategies can really improve your doubles game. Focus on solid positioning, smart shot selection, and good teamwork with your partner.

Offensive Strategies

Attacking in pickleball doubles requires smart tactics and teamwork. You’ll need to create openings and move efficiently to put pressure on your opponents.

Creating and Exploiting Gaps

To win points, you need to find weak spots in your opponents’ defense. Poaching is a key move. This means taking your partner’s shot when you see a chance to attack. It can surprise your opponents and give you an edge.

Look for gaps between your opponents. Hit the ball into these spaces to make them scramble. You can also use power shots to push your rivals back. This opens up the front court for easier volleys.

Try aiming for your opponents’ feet. This makes it hard for them to return the ball with power. Mix up your shots to keep the other team guessing. Soft dinks followed by hard drives can throw off their rhythm.

Positioning and Movement for Attack

Good positioning is crucial for a strong offense. You and your partner should move as a unit. Stay side by side when possible. This covers more court and makes it easier to attack.

When serving or returning, stand close to the centerline. This lets you cover more angles. As the rally goes on, move forward. Getting to the kitchen line quickly gives you control of the net.

Be ready to split step when your opponents hit. This helps you react fast to any shot. Practice quick footwork to reach balls early. The sooner you get to the ball, the more attacking options you have.

Communication is key. Call out “mine” or “yours” to avoid confusion. Let your partner know if you’re going for a poach. Working together smoothly puts pressure on the other team.

Mastering the Non-Volley Zone

The non-volley zone, or “kitchen”, is key to winning pickleball doubles. Smart kitchen play and good blocking can give you an edge over your opponents.

The Art of ‘Kitchen’ Play

Controlling the kitchen is crucial in pickleball doubles. You need to be quick and clever in this 7-foot area near the net.

To master kitchen play:

Stay low and ready to move
Use soft dinks to keep the ball low
Aim for your opponents’ feet

Try to draw your rivals into the kitchen. This can force them to hit up, giving you a chance to smash.

Watch your feet! Don’t step in the kitchen when hitting volleys. It’s an easy mistake that can cost you points.

Practice your dinks. A good dink can set up winning shots or make your opponents mess up.

Effective Blocking Techniques

Blocking is a key skill for kitchen play. It’s all about stopping hard shots and keeping the ball in play.

To block well:

Keep your paddle up and ready
Use a firm grip
Meet the ball in front of you

Don’t swing at blocks. Just let the ball hit your paddle and drop into the kitchen.

Aim for your opponents’ feet when blocking. This makes it hard for them to hit back.

Try to block towards the middle. This can confuse your opponents about who should hit next.

Practice blocking with a partner. Start slow, then speed up as you get better.

Endgame Strategy

As the game nears its end, your tactics need to shift. You’ll want to focus on closing out the game and adjusting your play for game point situations.

Closing Out a Game

When you’re close to winning, stay calm and stick to what’s working. Don’t get overly aggressive or change your style too much. Keep aiming for your opponents’ feet to limit their options.

Communication with your partner becomes even more crucial now. Make sure you’re both on the same page about your strategy.

If you’re serving, play it safe. A good serve is more important than a risky ace attempt.

When returning, try to keep your opponents back. Deep returns can prevent them from attacking.

Adjusting Tactics for Game Point

On game point, the pressure is on. Stay focused and avoid unforced errors.

You might want to be more conservative with your shots. Don’t go for low-percentage winners. Instead, aim to extend rallies and let your opponents make mistakes.

If you’re on the receiving end of game point, be ready to defend. Your opponents might get aggressive, so prepare to counter their attacks.

Dinking can be a great tactic here. It’s low-risk and can frustrate opponents who are eager to end the game.

Remember, the game isn’t over until the final point. Stay positive and keep fighting, even if you’re facing game point.

Pickleball Doubles Rules

Pickleball doubles has some unique rules that set it apart from other racquet sports. These rules cover how to score points and what actions count as faults during play.

Scoring System Explained

In pickleball doubles, only the serving team can score points. The scoring system uses three numbers:

The serving team’s score
The receiving team’s score
The server number (1 or 2)

For example, a score might be called as “4-2-1”. This means the serving team has 4 points, the receiving team has 2 points, and it’s the first server’s turn.

You’ll serve from the right side when your score is even and the left side when it’s odd. Games are typically played to 11 points, and you must win by 2.

Faults and Violations

Faults in pickleball doubles can cost you the serve or a point. Here are some common faults to watch out for:

Hitting the ball into the net
Letting the ball bounce twice before returning it
Stepping into the non-volley zone (kitchen) to volley
Hitting the ball out of bounds

Remember, your serving arm must move upward when striking the ball during a serve. If you don’t do this, it’s a fault.

Double-hit faults can happen if you or your partner hit the ball twice in one shot. Be careful not to let this happen, as it will cost you the rally.

Fitness and Conditioning

Staying in shape is key for pickleball doubles. You need to focus on several areas to up your game.

Strength training is a must. Work on your legs, core, and arms to boost your power and endurance.

Don’t forget about cardio. Running, biking, or swimming can help you last longer on the court.

Flexibility matters too. Stretch before and after games to avoid injuries.

Try these exercises to improve your pickleball fitness:

Lunges for leg strength
Planks for core stability
Push-ups for upper body power
Jumping jacks for agility

Speed training can give you an edge. Quick feet drills and sprints will help you react faster during games.

Remember to rest and recover. Your body needs time to heal between workouts and matches.

Eat a balanced diet to fuel your body. Protein helps build muscle, while carbs give you energy for long games.

Stay hydrated too. Drink water before, during, and after playing to keep your body in top form.

By focusing on fitness, you’ll see big improvements in your doubles game. You’ll move faster, hit harder, and play longer.

Practice Drills for Doubles

Good doubles play requires teamwork and coordination. These drills will help you and your partner improve key skills.

Drills for Improving Communication

Communication is crucial in doubles pickleball. Try the “Blind Volley” drill. One player closes their eyes while the other calls out where to hit the ball. This builds trust and sharpens verbal cues.

Another fun drill is “Mirror Movement.” You and your partner face each other on the same side of the net. One person leads, making quick side-to-side or forward-backward movements. The other copies exactly. Switch roles after a few minutes.

Practice using clear, consistent calls during play. Shout “yours,” “mine,” or “out” loudly. Make it a habit to confirm shots with your partner before each rally.

Footwork and Positioning Drills

Proper footwork keeps you ready for any shot. Set up cones in a zigzag pattern on the court. Practice quick shuffles between them, staying low and balanced.

Try the “Figure 8” drill to work on court coverage. One player hits to different spots while you and your partner take turns running to return the ball. Focus on efficient movement and getting to the net quickly.

Work on your “split step” timing. Have your partner hit shots randomly to either side. Practice taking a small hop just as they make contact, then push off in the right direction.

Remember to rotate positions regularly during games. This helps you get comfortable playing from anywhere on the court with your partner.

Mental Game

The mental side of pickleball doubles is just as important as physical skills. Your mindset and focus can make or break your performance on the court.

Let’s look at how to stay sharp mentally during matches and handle the pressure of competition.

Staying Focused During Matches

To keep your head in the game, try these tips:

Take deep breaths between points to reset and refocus
Use a simple routine before each serve or return to stay centered
Keep your eyes on the ball, not your opponents
Talk positively to yourself and your partner

Don’t let mistakes throw you off. Shake them off quickly and move on to the next point.

Stay in the moment instead of worrying about the score or outcome.

Pickleball is a mental game as much as a physical one. Good decisions matter just as much as shot accuracy.

Train your brain to stay locked in on each point.

Dealing With Pressure

Pressure situations are part of pickleball. Here’s how to handle them:

Remind yourself that nerves are normal – embrace the excitement
Focus on things you can control, like your footwork and shot selection
Stick to your usual game plan and strategies
Take an extra second before serving to collect yourself

If you feel tense, loosen up your grip and shoulders.

A good mental trick is to think “This is what they have to do to beat me.” It puts the pressure back on your opponents.

Remember, pressure is a privilege. It means you’re in a position to win. Trust your skills and enjoy the challenge.

Pickleball Doubles Etiquette

Playing pickleball doubles is fun, but you need to follow some unwritten rules. Good etiquette makes the game more enjoyable for everyone.

Before you start, chat with your partner about strategy. Decide who will take which shots and how you’ll communicate on the court. Clear communication with your doubles partner is key to avoiding confusion and collisions.

When you arrive at the court, be mindful of others. Store your gear neatly off to the side. Also, don’t enter the court while a game is in progress.

During play, call out “mine,” “yours,” or “switch” to your partner. This helps prevent both of you going for the same ball.

Be honest about line calls. If you’re not sure, give the benefit of the doubt to your opponents.

Respect other players’ skill levels. If you’re much stronger, avoid smashing the ball too hard at weaker players.

Here are some quick etiquette tips:

Be punctual
Shake hands before and after the game
Don’t argue with your partner or opponents
Keep the noise level down
Pick up stray balls when it’s safe to do so