How to Improve Pickleball Doubles Strategy ( with 8 Tips)

Pickleball is a fast-growing sport that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It is a fun, low-impact game that can be played by people of all ages and skill levels. One of the most popular forms of Pickleball is doubles, where two players work together to beat their opponents. To be successful in doubles, you need to have a solid strategy in place. 

How to Improve Pickleball Doubles Strategy

In this article, we'll take a closer look at how to improve your Pickleball doubles strategy.

Serving Strategy

The serve is an important part of any Pickleball game, but it is especially crucial in doubles. The serve sets the tone for the entire rally, so it's important to get it right. When serving, you want to make sure that your partner is in a good position to make a return. This means serving cross-court to your opponent's weaker side, or serving down the middle to create confusion. You should also try to vary your serve so that your opponents can't anticipate it. Experiment with different speeds, spins, and placement to keep your opponents guessing.

Third-Shot Drop

The third-shot drop is another important aspect of the Pickleball doubles strategy. This shot is a low, soft shot that is designed to land just over the net and drop quickly to the ground. The goal is to make it difficult for your opponents to hit an aggressive shot. To make your third-shot drop effective, you need to aim for the non-volley line and make sure that you hit it with enough backspin to keep the ball low. You should also practice your aim, so you can place the shot precisely where you want it to go.

Net Play

Net play is a critical component of the Pickleball doubles strategy. When playing at the net, you want to be aggressive and take control of the rally. This means moving forward to the net as soon as possible and trying to put pressure on your opponents. You should also try to be aware of your opponent's shots and position yourself accordingly. For example, if your opponent is hitting a lob, you should move back to give yourself time to react. When playing at the net, it's also important to communicate with your partner and make sure that you're both on the same page.

Communication

Communication is key in Pickleball doubles. You and your partner need to work together to create a cohesive strategy and execute it effectively. This means talking to each other during the game and giving each other feedback. You should also be aware of your partner's strengths and weaknesses and try to play to those. For example, if your partner is a strong net player, you might want to play more at the baseline and let them handle the net play. Good communication can help you and your partner stay on the same page and make better decisions on the court.

Tactical Movement

One of the most important aspects of the Pickleball doubles strategy is movement. You need to be able to move quickly and efficiently on the court to be able to get to the ball and make a play. You should practice your footwork and make sure that you're able to move in all directions. You should also work on your agility and speed so that you can get to the ball faster. When playing doubles, it's also important to coordinate your movement with your partner. This means moving together and covering each other's positions so that you can be in the best position to make a play.

Teamwork

Teamwork is essential in Pickleball doubles. You and your partner are working together to beat your opponents, so it's important to have a good understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses. You should also be willing to help each other out on the court and make adjustments to your strategy as needed. Good teamwork requires trust, respect, and a willingness to communicate and listen to each other. You should also be supportive and encouraging, especially during tough moments in the game. By working together, you and your partner can achieve more on the court and have a more enjoyable experience.

Return of Serve

The return of serve is an often overlooked aspect of the Pickleball doubles strategy, but it can be just as important as the serve itself. A good return of serve puts pressure on your opponents and sets the tone for the rest of the rally. When returning serve, you should aim to get the ball back in play as quickly as possible, so your opponent can't set up for an aggressive shot. You should also try to return the ball to your opponent's weaker side or use a different return than you normally would to keep them guessing.

Partner Coverage

Partner coverage is another important aspect of the Pickleball doubles strategy. When playing doubles, it's important to cover each other's positions on the court and make sure that you're both in the best position to make a play. This means moving together and anticipating each other's shots so that you can be in the right place at the right time. Good partner coverage requires communication, teamwork, and a willingness to adjust your position on the court as needed. By working together, you and your partner can be more effective on the court and take control of the rally.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the most important aspect of Pickleball doubles strategy?

The most important aspect of the Pickleball doubles strategy can vary depending on the situation and the player's strengths and weaknesses. However, some of the key elements of a successful doubles strategy include serving strategy, third-shot drop, net play, communication, tactical movement, teamwork, return of serve, and partner coverage. By focusing on these skills and working together with your partner, you can become a more effective doubles player.

How can I improve my Pickleball doubles serve?

To improve your Pickleball doubles serve, you should focus on serving cross-court to your opponent's weaker side, serving down the middle to create confusion, and varying your serve speed, spin, and placement. You should also practice your aim and serving motion to get a consistent serve.

What is the third-shot drop in Pickleball doubles?

The third-shot drop is a low, soft shot in Pickleball doubles that is designed to land just over the net and drop quickly to the ground. The goal is to make it difficult for your opponents to hit an aggressive shot. To execute a successful third-shot drop, you should aim for the non-volley line and hit the ball with enough backspin to keep it low.

What is the role of communication in the Pickleball doubles strategy?

Communication is key in Pickleball doubles. You and your partner need to work together to create a cohesive strategy and execute it effectively. This means talking to each other during the game and giving each other feedback, being aware of each other's strengths and weaknesses, and being willing to adjust your strategy as needed. Good communication can help you and your partner stay on the same page and make better decisions on the court.

How do I play effectively at the net in Pickleball doubles?

To play effectively at the net in Pickleball doubles, you should be aggressive and take control of the rally by moving forward to the net as soon as possible and putting pressure on your opponents. You should also be aware of your opponent's shots and position yourself accordingly, be it moving back to react to a lob or moving forward to put pressure on the opponents. Good net play also requires communication with your partner and making sure you're both on the same page.

How can I improve my Pickleball doubles footwork and movement?

To improve your Pickleball doubles footwork and movement, you should practice your footwork, agility, and speed. You should also work on moving in all directions and coordinate your movement with your partner to ensure you're both in the best position to make a play.

How can I work better with my Pickleball doubles partner?

To work better with your Pickleball doubles partner, you should have a good understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses, communicate effectively during the game, and be willing to help each other out on the court. You should also be supportive and encouraging, and trust and respect each other. Good teamwork requires all of these elements, and by working together, you and your partner can achieve more on the court.

What is the key to successful Pickleball doubles teamwork?

The key to successful Pickleball doubles teamwork is communication, trust, respect, and a willingness to work together and make adjustments as needed. You and your partner should have a good understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses and be willing to help each other out on the court. Good teamwork also requires support and encouragement, especially during tough moments in the game. By working together, you and your partner can achieve more on the court and have a more enjoyable