Doubles Pickleball Unlocked: A Complete Guide

Doubles Pickleball Unlocked: A Complete Guide to Rules and Strategy

Pickleball, the sport that’s taking over the nation, is a thrill ride of athleticism, strategy and friendship. While singles has its own fun, doubles is where the social and strategic magic happens. This guide goes deep into the details of doubles pickleball so you can dominate the court with your partner.

The Foundation: The Rules

Before you hit the court, you need to know the rules. Here’s a breakdown of the main rules for doubles pickleball:

Serving Rules

• Underhand Serve: A pickleball staple, the serve must be underhand with the paddle below the server’s waist (wrist below navel). This is for fairness and to prevent overpowering serves.
• Diagonal Serve: Serves must be diagonal across the court and land in the service box opposite the server. A fault occurs if it lands outside the service box, hits the net or doesn’t clear the non-volley zone.
• One Serve: Unlike tennis, pickleball only allows one serve per server. This adds pressure and emphasis on accuracy.
• Initial Serving Team: In the first game only one player from the serving team serves. In subsequent games both players get to serve before the serve switches to the other team.
• Alternating Service Courts: The server switches sides of the court after each point won. This keeps it fair and prevents one team from getting an advantage.

Gameplay Rules

• The Double-Bounce Rule: A pickleball-only rule, the double-bounce rule says the ball must bounce once on each side of the court after the serve before volleys are allowed. This encourages strategic positioning and baseline play in the early exchanges.
• The Kitchen Rule: The non-volley zone (the kitchen) is the 7-foot area on either side of the net. Players can’t volley (hit the ball in the air before it bounces) while standing in this zone. This prevents aggressive smashes at the net and encourages softer shots and strategic court positioning.

Scoring

Points are only scored by the serving team. Games are usually played to 11 and a team must win by at least 2.

Take Your Game to the Next Level: Doubles Strategies

While knowing the rules is necessary, mastering doubles pickleball is more than just following the rules. It’s about teamwork, strategy and communication. Here are some proven strategies to take your doubles game to the next level:

• Control the Net: The Power of “Third Shot Drive” and Soft Game: After the serve and return, the third shot is key. A well-placed drop shot or drive shot can push your opponents back and give you control of the net. Once at the net, stay aggressive, angle your volleys and dinks to create winners.
• Hit Their Weaknesses: Watch your opponents’ movements and shot selection. Hit shots at their feet to make them react quickly and potentially make errors. Exploit any weaknesses in their court coverage or communication.
• The Dink: Mastering the soft game is key in doubles. Dinking is hitting soft shots that just clear the net and land in the non-volley zone. This disrupts the opponent’s rhythm, makes them move forward and sets up put-away shots.
• Deep Serves and Returns: Serving deep and returning deep serves backs your opponents up, gives you position and can disrupt their rhythm and force errors.
• Move as One: Doubles pickleball is a dance. Move in sync with your partner, anticipate each other’s positions and cover the court. Don’t collide or leave gaps in your defense.
• Communication is Key: Communicate with your partner. Call out shots, indicate who’s taking the ball and strategize between points. Good communication prevents confusion and helps your teamwork.
• Patience Wins: Don’t rush shots or force plays. Be patient, wait for the right moment and choose your shots wisely. A well-placed dink or a strategic drop shot can be more effective than a big but risky drive.
• Strategic Stacking: “Stacking” is positioning yourselves non-traditionally on the court to gain a tactical advantage. For example, both players can line up on one side to cover a strong opponent’s shots or create confusion.
• Master “No-Man’s Land”: The mid-court area between the non-volley zone and the baseline is a weak spot. Don’t get caught in “no-man’s land” as it leaves you open to attack.

Gear Up: The Essentials

Having the right gear can make a big difference on the pickleball court. Here’s what you need:

• The Pickleball Paddle: Your paddle is your tool. Consider weight, grip size and core material when choosing a paddle that fits your game.
• Pickleball Balls: Pickleball balls are designed for the sport with smaller holes and lighter weight than tennis balls. Choose high quality balls for best performance.
• Court Access: Find pickleball courts in your area. Many parks, rec centers and private facilities have dedicated pickleball courts.
• Good Footwear: Get athletic shoes designed for court sports. This will give you agility, prevent injuries and overall better performance.

Beyond the Court: Continuous Learning

Doubles pickleball is a journey of continuous learning. Follow these tips to improve your skills and knowledge:

• Watch and Learn: Watch professional pickleball or experienced players to learn advanced techniques and strategies.
• Get Coaching: Consider taking lessons from a certified pickleball coach to fine-tune your skills and get personalized feedback.
• Join a Pickleball Community: Connect with other pickleball players by joining a local club or online forum. Share tips, find playing partners and stay up to date with the latest in the sport.
• Review Your Game: Review your matches, identify areas to improve and work on specific skills through drills and practice.

Doubles pickleball is more than a game; it’s an opportunity to connect with others, challenge yourself and experience the thrill of competition. By learning the rules, playing strategically and getting the right gear you can unlock the full fun of this sport and have a blast on the court.