Pickleball is a game of strategy, precision, and teamwork. While singles play requires speed and endurance, doubles matches emphasize coordination, positioning, and movement to control the game effectively. Mastering doubles strategies can significantly enhance a player's ability to dominate the court and improve overall performance.
1. The Importance of Proper Player Positioning
One of the most critical aspects of doubles pickleball is maintaining the right position on the court. Both the serving and receiving teams have specific positioning techniques that can set them up for success:
- Serving Team: The server should aim for a deep and controlled serve, giving their partner time to prepare for the next shot. After the serve, the partner should position themselves at the baseline, ready to move forward once the third shot is executed.
- Receiving Team: The returning player should aim for a deep return to push their opponents back. The receiver’s partner should already be near the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ), also known as “the kitchen,” setting up for net control.
- Maintaining Court Coverage: Players should move in unison, ensuring there are no open spaces that opponents can exploit. If one player shifts to cover a shot, the other should adjust accordingly to maintain balance on the court.
2. The Third Shot and Advancing to the Net
The third shot is often the most crucial in a doubles rally, as it determines whether the serving team can transition from the baseline to the net. There are two main types of third shots:
- Third Shot Drop: A soft shot intended to land in the opponent’s kitchen, forcing them to hit upwards and giving the serving team time to move forward.
- Third Shot Drive: A more aggressive shot aimed at putting pressure on the opponents, typically used when there’s an opening or to surprise the other team.
Once the third shot is executed, both players should advance to the NVZ together. Gaining control of the net is essential, as most points in doubles pickleball are won at the net rather than from the baseline.
3. Partner Coordination and Communication
Effective teamwork is key to winning doubles matches. Partners must communicate constantly, anticipate each other’s movements, and coordinate their positioning. Here are some key principles for working well with a partner:
- Call Your Shots: To avoid confusion, call “mine” or “yours” to ensure both players know who is taking a shot.
- Cover Each Other: If your partner is pulled wide to return a shot, shift to the middle to cover their side.
- Switching Roles: Be ready to switch sides when necessary, especially if an opponent’s shot forces you into a new position.
- Poaching: A more advanced strategy where one player moves into their partner’s space to intercept a shot, often to apply pressure on opponents.
4. Dominating the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ)
The NVZ is where most points are won or lost in doubles pickleball. Controlling the net allows for better control over dinks, volleys, and smashes. To dominate the NVZ:
- Get to the NVZ Quickly: Once the third shot is hit, both players should advance to the kitchen line together.
- Dink Strategically: Keep dinks low and controlled, forcing opponents into uncomfortable positions.
- Attack at the Right Time: Look for high balls to attack while maintaining control to avoid hitting into the net or out of bounds.
- Block and Reset: If an opponent smashes the ball, use a soft block to return it to the kitchen, resetting the point and regaining control.
5. Applying Pressure and Controlling the Tempo
Doubles pickleball is as much about controlling the tempo of the game as it is about hitting effective shots. Applying pressure on opponents can force them into errors and create opportunities to win points. Ways to maintain pressure include:
- Consistent Net Presence: Staying at the NVZ line makes it harder for opponents to hit effective shots.
- Hitting to Weaknesses: Identify your opponents’ weaknesses (such as a weak backhand) and target those areas.
- Forcing Mistakes: Hit deep, controlled shots to push opponents back and make them hit difficult returns.
- Varying Shot Selection: Mix up shots between soft dinks, aggressive drives, and lob shots to keep opponents guessing.
6. Practicing These Strategies for Better Performance
Like any sport, practice is key to mastering doubles strategies. Here are some tips to improve your doubles game:
- Drill with a Partner: Work on specific strategies, such as third-shot drops, dinks, and volleys.
- Play with Different Partners: Gaining experience with various partners can help develop adaptability and communication skills.
- Watch Professional Matches: Observing high-level pickleball doubles matches can provide insight into effective strategies and techniques.
- Take Lessons: Consider working with a coach to refine your skills and gain a deeper understanding of doubles tactics.
Take Your Game Further with KONA
Mastering doubles pickleball requires more than hitting good shots; it involves strategic positioning, effective communication, and smart movement. By focusing on these key areas, proper positioning, net dominance, teamwork, and controlled shot execution—you can elevate your game and become a formidable doubles player.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, consistently practicing these strategies with a doubles partner will lead to significant improvements in your coordination, teamwork, and overall match performance. So grab a partner, choose your paddle, hit the court, and start mastering the art of doubles pickleball.