Doubles pickleball is a high-energy sport that turns individual skill into a tactical game on the court. While singles depend on speed and stamina, winning in doubles relies on coordination, mental focus, and a shared plan.
Developing a strong doubles pickleball strategy sets a true team apart from just two individuals. In this article, we will explore the essential tactics, court movements, and communication habits that lead to success.
In pickleball, your position on the court often determines the outcome of the rally. A strong doubles pickleball strategy starts with knowing where to stand and how to move together.
This is especially relevant as the sport attracts a more competitive and agile crowd.
“According to PB5star data, the average age of a pickleball player in the United States is approximately 34.8 years, reflecting a significant shift toward a younger and more mobile demographic.”
Move as a Unit:
Picture an invisible rope connecting you and your partner. When one player moves left to cover a wide shot, the other should follow to close the gap in the middle. This unit movement stops opponents from finding easy ways to score.
Race to the Non Volley Zone (NVZ):
The side that controls the kitchen line usually controls the game. Both players should aim to reach the NVZ quickly. This forward position enables aggressive volleys and better angles.
The Split Step Transition:
Instead of sprinting blindly from the baseline to the net, use split steps. Stop and balance as your opponent hits the ball. This helps you react to the shot direction rather than getting caught off guard.
Respect the X Pattern:
Understanding cross-court dynamics helps you predict where the ball will land. By covering the middle and respecting the diagonal flight path of the ball, you reduce your defensive weakness.
Many players mistakenly think that hitting the ball hard is the best doubles pickleball strategy. However, at higher levels of play, accuracy and patience more effectively force opponent errors.
This disciplined approach is becoming the standard as the player base explodes!
“According to a Hawaii Pickleball survey, 19.8 million Americans played pickleball in 2024, representing a staggering 311% growth over 3 years. By mid-2025, that number had climbed to about 22.7 million, marking a 14.7% year-over-year increase.”
The 3rd Shot Choice:
The serving team's most important decision is in the 3rd shot. A third shot drop is a gentle, lofting shot aimed to land in the opponent's kitchen, allowing you to advance safely. Alternatively, a powerful drive can catch opponents off guard if they return weakly.
Target the Feet:
Aiming at an opponent's feet is a classic doubles pickleball strategy. This forces them to hit the ball upwards, which often leads to a pop-up you can easily smash for a winner.
Deep Serves and Returns:
Keep your opponents pinned to the baseline by hitting serves and returns deep. This makes it much harder for them to move the net and gives your team an advantage.
The Power of the Dinks:
Dinking involves soft shots placed over the net into the NVZ. The goal of this doubles pickleball strategy is to wait for the opponent to lose patience and hit a ball high enough for you to attack.
Effective communication is crucial for any successful partnership. Without a shared doubles pickleball strategy, even the most skilled players will face confusion and lost points.
Verbal Clues:
Phrases like "mine," "yours," or "out" are essential. Clear communication prevents both players from going for the same ball or letting a shot pass between them.
Poaching and Stacking:
Advanced teams use poaching, where one player crosses over to intercept a ball intended for their partner. Stacking is another doubles pickleball strategy where players switch positions after the serve to play on the side that best suits their dominant hand.
Patience and Mindset:
Pickleball is often about who makes the first mistake. Staying positive, encouraging your partner, and keeping a patient defensive stance will help create the openings you need to win points.
By integrating these elements into your game, you turn the match into a coordinated effort rather than a series of random shots.
Which Is The Best Doubles Pickleball Strategy For Beginners?
The most effective starting point is focusing on the return and run tactics. Ensure your return of serve is deep, then move immediately to the kitchen line to create a strong defensive wall with your partner.
How Can I Improve My Third Shot Drop?
Practice with soft hands and a lighter grip. Instead of a full swing, use a controlled, lifting motion from the shoulder to gently arc the ball into the opponent's non-volley zone.
What Makes Positioning So Important for Doubles?
Positioning is the foundation of court coverage. Proper placement shortens the distance you need to move to reach the ball and eliminates the gaps in your defense that opponents like to exploit.
Is Staking a Helpful Technique in Pickleball?
Yes! Stacking is a very effective double pickleball strategy for teams that want to keep a left-handed and right-handed player's forehands in the middle or protect a player with a weaker backhand.
Why Are Strategies Necessary While Playing Pickleball?
Strategies help you play smarter, not harder. By using placement, communication, and movement rules, you can overcome faster or stronger players through better coordination and shot selection.
Winning as a pair requires more than just fast hands; it requires a deep understanding of court geometry and shared movements. For those looking to sharpen their game, The Pickleball Gazzette offers a wealth of professional analysis on effective doubles pickleball strategy.
By exploring the extensive library of articles at The Pickleball Gazzette, players can learn how to move in unison and master the transition from the baseline to the NVZ. These insights help teams convert defensive pressure into offensive points through smarter positioning and more disciplined shot selection.
Explore more pro-level tactics and exclusive match breakdowns at The Pickleball Gazzette today!