This blog post provides a comprehensive guide to the top 10 pickleball doubles strategy tips. Pickleball is a fast-paced and exciting sport that requires strategy and teamwork to win. This blog post will provide you with advice on how to maximize your doubles game.
Having a well-defined pickleball strategy is the key to success in pickleball, as well as in many other racquet sports. One of the most important aspects of being able to apply different strategies is understanding your role in the team.
This is a great way to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the team. To accomplish a goal, the team uses the information to determine the best doubles strategy and plan. It is also helpful to analyze your opponent’s team.
It will surely help you to take your game to the next level.
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Is Pickleball Strategy Important?
Yes, the Pickleball strategy is important. Blocker Workhorse plays a vital role in helping the serving team advance up the NVZ and reach neutral with the return team by conveying how it is used everywhere on the court.
The way you hit the ball to your opponents determines what role you will play. You must wait to see who hits the ball to determine whether you are the Blocker or Workhorse if the ball is hit to the middle of your opponent’s court. Because the return team is the aggressor, this session is crucial because they are trying to get a side-out, so they can score points.
You can also check out our blog on pickleball strategy for beginners.
10 Pickleball Strategies for Doubles
Playing doubles pickleball for the first time?
The following ten pickleball strategy doubles strategies are particularly useful if you’re just starting in pickleball. The pickleball strategies for doubles games are not the only strategy you should know, but they will help you become a better pickleball player and a smarter player overall.
1. Get to the Non-volley Line After the Return of Service
The first pickleball doubles strategy tip is to get to the non-volley line. If you want to increase your chances of winning a rally, follow every return serve to the non-volley line.
2. Hit Drop Shots With Ease
In pickleball doubles, hit drop shots are one of the most difficult shots to master, but if you can master it, you’ll have an increased chance of winning. This shot will get you to the non-volley line (the kitchen) whenever your opponent is at the non-volley line. By flipping the odds your way, you’ll have a better chance of winning. After the return of serve, the team that is serving usually completes a drop shot. A third drop shot is usually executed on the third shot.
3. Keep Your Opponents at Baseline
When you are on the non-volley line with your partner, you should pin your opponent’s back. There is an advantage for you here. A shorter shot will allow your opponents to reach the non-volley line, negating your advantage. A better pickleball doubles strategy is to hit shots that keep your opponents pinned within their court.
4. Aim Your Opponent’s Feet
It is very difficult to return a ball at the feet without popping it up. Hit your opponent’s feet if you’re dinking. Hit the ball at your opponent’s feet if they are in the transition area between the baseline and non-volley line. Keep them pinned back near the baseline and hit the ball at their feet. By following this simple strategy, you will surely become a better pickleball doubles player.
Check out our blog on pickleball serving tips for better understanding.
5. Serving With More Depth
The #1 goal when serving is to hit the ball deep. Returning-of-servers want to advance to the non-volley line. It is likely that keeping the serve deep will prevent them from reaching the line.
6. Stand Back From the Baseline When Returning Serves
In most cases, players return serves at or near the baseline. When returning a serve, stand 2-3 feet behind the baseline unless you are confident it will be hit short. Upon returning the ball, you will have ample space and time to step in. You won’t lose an easy point when the ball is served deep.
7. Make Sure to Return the Serve Deep
A deep return of service has several advantages. The returner has enough time to move to the non-volley line after returning the serve. Consequently, the third shot is longer and more difficult for the serving team.
8. Communication is Key When Returning Middle Shots
When shooting down the middle of the court, confusion and uncertainty are common. As a team, decide who will take the middle shots.
Generally, the person standing on the forehand side will take the middle shot. In the absence of a plan of action, shout “mine” or “yours” occasionally to communicate.
9. Unite as a Team
Pickle ball doubles are like being tethered by an 8-10 foot rope. Pickleball team members, moving together, is always a good idea. Together, walk backward and forwards and move from side to side. Without teamwork, your opponents will be able to put balls away more easily.
10. Be Patient
One of the most challenging aspects of pickleball doubles is patience. Patience involves selecting your shots carefully. You should consider a conservative shot if you cannot hit the ball downward. Errors are usually costly in rallies. You can avoid mistakes by being patient. Take your time!
Also, read our blog on how to choose pickleball specific shoes for better grip on the floor.
FAQs
One of the keys to winning doubles in pickleball is communication. So, between partners, communication is essential in doubles pickleball in order to anticipate and react to shots. When playing doubles, it is important to communicate shot selection, placement, and different strategies.
Some of the main strategies include the position of the player, moving to the net, moving together with the partner, and communicating with the partner.
Doubles pickleball scores are composed of three numbers (for instance, 0-0-2). The first number represents the score of the serving team. The second number represents the score of the receiving team. The server number is the third number.
Pickleball uses the traditional rally scoring system. This system awards a point to either the serving team or the receiving team after each rally. The first team to reach 11 points wins the game, as long as they are ahead by at least two points. If the score reaches 10-10, the game continues until one team achieves a two-point advantage.
Well, It’s a Wrap!
An effective pickleball doubles strategy involves a lot of communication, teamwork, and practice. It is important to establish a game plan and be aware of your positioning on the court. You should also consider the types of shots you are playing and use the skills of each of your teammates.
Try to incorporate as many of these concepts and strategies as possible into your play. By keeping these 10 pickleball doubles strategy tips in mind, you can become a more successful pickleball doubles team.
Good luck!
I am a professional physiotherapist and the author of the BallSportsPro. I worked with athletes of all levels, from amateur to professional, and i helped them overcome injuries and improve their performance. I am a certified Pickleball instructor and has been playing the sport for over 10 years.
