Secret Weapon for Dominating Doubles Pickleball: Coach Mary Barsaleau shared a new practice tip this week—Skinny Singles. Though the name might sound like a drill for singles players, it’s now an official USA Pickleball-sanctioned event and one of the best ways to sharpen skills for doubles play. It’s simple, intense, and only requires two players.
Skinny Singles helps players improve fast. With one-on-one play, each person gets more touches, making it easier to practice important shots. Since there are fewer players on the court, each person has more chances to serve, return, dink, and hit third shots. These extra reps help build stronger skills and boost confidence.
Why It Works for Doubles
Skinny Singles helps with movement and shot placement. It trains players to aim more accurately and set up better returns. The limited space forces better body control and faster decisions.
The drill also includes different formats. Players can go cross-court, down-the-line, or alternate between both. This mix helps practice angles, footwork, and strategy in smaller spaces.
Game-Like Practice Options
In the cross-court version, players rally diagonally and move to the other side when they win a point. For limited spaces, the down-the-line version works well. Coach Mary Barsaleau uses a mix of both in her round-robin games.
There’s also rally scoring Skinny Singles. Players move when they score, and every point counts, even if it comes from an opponent’s mistake. This keeps games short but intense and more game-like.
Confidence Builder for All Levels
Coach Mary Barsaleau said this practice tip helps players master many parts of pickleball. By mimicking match conditions, Skinny Singles helps players prepare for real games. It builds skill, sharpens focus, and offers a quick and fun way to train.
News in Brief: Secret Weapon for Dominating Doubles Pickleball
Coach Mary Barsaleau recommends Skinny Singles as a fun and focused way to improve doubles play. The drill, now part of USA Pickleball events, helps with serves, returns, and volleys by giving each player more touches in game-like situations. It only takes two people and a short time to see results.
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