6 Expert Doubles Strategies for Pickleball Success: Pickleball enthusiasts of all skill levels can improve their game with these six expert doubles strategies. Barrett and Danea break down simple yet powerful tips to elevate your play, covering serving strategy, positioning, and how to consistently reach the net. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced player, these strategies are designed to help you master the basics while improving your overall performance on the court.
Serve Strategy: Add Power and Height
One of the key pickelball strategies discussed is the importance of serving with both power and depth. Many players serve with a low intensity just to avoid mistakes, but this often results in predictable returns. To win more points, Barrett suggests adding height to your serve, creating depth by combining power and spin. This forces your opponent to return the ball from a more difficult angle, increasing your chances of winning the point.
Mastering the Lob
The lob is an underrated but effective tool in pickleball. Barrett highlights three key moments when a lob can turn the game in your favor: when you are serving, when both teams are at the kitchen line, and when you disguise your lob as a dink. The lob can surprise your opponents and make it harder for them to recover, setting you up for easier points.
Drive Drop Combo for Consistency
The drive drop combo in pickleball is a strategy to help players reach the net more consistently. By executing a 60-70% drive with topspin, you create a dipping effect over the net that forces your opponent to hit the ball up. This makes it easier for you to drop the ball and move forward to the kitchen line, putting you in a better position to win the rally.
Speed Up the Ball at the Right Moment
Knowing when to speed up the ball can be the difference between winning and losing. Barrett recommends speeding up the ball when your opponents are off balance or if they are cheating toward a specific direction. Hitting the ball at your opponent’s body or paddle side shoulder also jams them up, creating an opportunity for you to control the game.
Court Positioning: Shift Based on the Ball’s Location
Proper court positioning is essential for doubles play. When the ball is hit to one side, one player should take responsibility for covering the line while their partner shades toward the middle. This positioning ensures that the court is covered more efficiently, and players can defend against cross-court shots.
Respect the X: Clear Communication for Court Coverage
The concept of “respecting the X” helps players avoid confusion when determining who should hit the ball. When a ball is hit diagonally, the player receiving it has priority. However, if the ball is hit straight ahead, the player closer to the center should take it. This clear communication prevents players from stepping on each other’s toes and leads to smoother gameplay.
By incorporating these strategies into your doubles play, you can improve your game, whether you’re just starting out or already playing at a high level. These tips not only help with technique but also foster better teamwork and communication on the court.
News in Brief: 6 Expert Doubles Strategies for Pickleball Success
Barrett and Danea share six expert doubles strategies to elevate your pickleball game. These include serving with power and height, mastering the lob, using a drive-drop combo to reach the net, speeding up the ball at the right moment, adjusting court positioning, and respecting the X for clear communication. These pickleball tips will help players of all skill levels improve consistency, teamwork, and overall performance on the court.
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