How to Improve Pickleball Doubles Strategy
Whether you're a seasoned pro or a new pickleball player just starting out, pickleball strategy is all about teamwork and skill level in doubles play. In this article, we'll dive into the world of pickleball doubles strategy and explore some strategy tips and tricks to take your pickleball game to the next level.
Serving Strategy
The serve is perhaps the most overlooked shot in pickleball. Having a quality arsenal of serves you can employ gives you a huge advantage in the game. It is vital that both partners on the serving team have multiple serves they have mastered to make the most of this strategy.
With the banning of the spin serve this year, your options are a bit more limited, but a strong powerful topspin serve bouncing just in front of the baseline is always effective. Occasionally I like to mix in a sky-high lob serve that throws a lot of opponents off. The key is to remain unpredictable - switch up your serves randomly to make your opponents second-guess themselves. Vary your pace, location, and type of serve for the best results.
Third-Shot Drop
Arguably the most vital shot in pickleball doubles (and one of the most difficult shots to master), the objective of the third shot drop is to gently drop the ball over the net into the non-volley zone line (NVZ), or “kitchen line.” This 3rd shot gives you and your partner a chance to move forward and take control of the point at the net.
Even if you’re not able to move to the nvz line immediately after the third shot, forcing your opponents to hit up will make your fifth and seventh shots easier to drop in the kitchen, making them an un-attackable ball.
Practice moving quickly and coordinating with your partner to execute this low shot perfectly and pick up easy points.
Net Play
If you watch the pros in their post-match interviews, you’ll often hear them say over and over that the team that wins at the net wins the game. Especially as you play at higher levels, having an advantage at the net is crucial.
Here are some of the best pickleball tips for net play:
Be careful of crosscourt poaching, particularly at the net, as this leaves the pickleball court without coverage.
Be mindful and plan your next shot.
Be patient, be aggressive, and remember to move with your partner.
Dink hard, dink often.
Don’t be afraid to insert yourself with a speed-up and win some hands battles.
Every now and then, mix in a lob to really throw your opponents off.
Leaving the sideline or middle of the court wide open is one of the biggest mistakes new doubles pairings make.
Watch your opponent’s feet to predict where they will move at the net.
Communication
Communication is absolutely key in pickleball doubles. Especially at rec play, where you may be playing with someone who you haven’t before, you need to communicate with your partner so you are confident about who will take each shot and where you should position yourselves on the court.
Common areas of miscommunication include how far the left-side player slides over on third shots. Other questions that come up are how to position yourselves for the overhead put-away and whether or not to stack.
Also, one advanced strategy embraced by most doubles teams is the dominance of the forehand player. This is to say that shot selection will favor your team’s forehand. In this strategy, the forehand player will take nearly two-thirds of the court due to the strength of a forehand shot versus the backhand. These basics will make your partnership more effective and prevent any awkward eye contact after you whack pickleball paddles reaching for the same ball.
If you’re playing a more serious match, like in a tournament or DUPR play, it may also be a good idea to talk out the strategy for the match ahead of time with your partner or pickleball coach, and if you’re familiar with your opponent, discuss their strengths and weaknesses. This communication will allow you to decide whether to adopt a banger strategy or force the soft game. Also, strategic time-outs in a match are a good idea to discuss what’s working and what’s not.
By honing in on communication and controlling the net when you play pickleball, you can rapidly improve your doubles play and become a truly formidable opponent on the court! Getting better pickleball shots in with your partner will make a huge difference.
Enjoy all the fun and excitement that pickleball has to offer. Now grab your paddle, hit the court, and let the games begin!
