Pickleball doubles is not only a test of physical skills but also of mental sharpness and teamwork. Many say pickleball is like chess in that it’s easy to learn but hard to master. Winning in doubles requires smart decisions, strong partner communication, and sound positioning. With these pickleball doubles strategy tips, you and your partner can elevate your game and win more matches.
1. Start Strong with a Deep Serve
Every rally begins with the serve, so make it count. In doubles, aim deep and to your opponents’ weaker side—often the backhand. A deep serve pushes them back and makes their return tougher, setting up you and your partner for success. Always allow yourself margin for error; missing serves gives away free points.
2. Return Deep and Smart
The return of serve is just as important. Hit it deep to keep your opponents pinned at the baseline, and whenever possible, target the middle or weaker opponent. A deep return also buys you and your partner more time to move to the Kitchen line, the most dominant position in doubles pickleball.
3. Get to the Kitchen Line Together
In doubles, most points are won at the Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen) line. Both partners should move up as soon as the two-bounce rule is satisfied. Advancing together keeps you aligned, closes down angles, and applies pressure on your opponents.
4. Decide Quickly and Commit
Doubles rallies move fast. The time to make shot decisions is only fractions of a second, and hesitation often leads to mistakes. Trust your instincts, commit to your shot, and stick with it. Confidence and decisiveness will help you and your partner stay in rhythm.
5. Play to Strengths, Target Weaknesses
Doubles strategy is about playing smart. Lean into your strengths—whether that’s driving the ball, dinking, or lobbing and avoid playing into your opponents’ best shots. Look for weaknesses: poor backhands, limited mobility, or a weaker third shot. Then, work with your partner to target those gaps.
6. Dink Crosscourt to Control the Kitchen
In doubles, the crosscourt dink is one of the most reliable shots. It travels over the lowest part of the net (the middle), gives you more margin for error, and often pulls opponents wide to open up the court. Mix in middle and straight dinks to keep opponents guessing, but make crosscourt dinking a key part of your doubles toolbox.
7. Use the Middle to Your Advantage
The old saying “down the middle solves the riddle” is especially true in doubles. Hitting shots down the middle reduces sharp angles, forces opponents to communicate, and often targets their weaker backhand sides. Middle shots are high-percentage plays that keep you and your partner in control of rallies.
Doubles pickleball is a game of smart positioning, consistent execution, and strong communication. By serving and returning deep, advancing to the Kitchen line together, and using patient dinks and middle shots, you and your partner can take control of the game.
Above all, remember that doubles is about teamwork. Talk to your partner, encourage each other, and always stay connected on the court. Master these doubles strategies, and you’ll quickly see the difference in your results and your confidence.
