10 Essential Pickleball Doubles Strategies: Pickleball doubles offer a dynamic challenge where teamwork and strategy are essential. While many strategies exist, the following ten foundational tips will help players, particularly those new to doubles, improve their game. These pickleball strategies serve as the building blocks for success and lead to smarter, more effective play.
1. Get to the Non-Volley Line After the Return-of-Serve
The non-volley line is crucial in pickleball doubles. After every return of service, advancing to the non-volley line is essential for maintaining an advantage in the rally. This positioning significantly increases the chances of winning the point and controlling the game.
2. Learn to Hit Drop Shots
A drop shot, though challenging to perfect, is an invaluable tool when players are not at the non-volley line but opponents are. Executing a successful drop shot, often referred to as a “third shot drop,” allows the team to advance to the non-volley line, regaining control of the rally and neutralizing the opponent’s position.
3. Keep Opponents Pinned to the Baseline
When positioned at the non-volley line, maintaining control over the rally is vital. Avoid hitting short shots that allow opponents to move forward. Instead, aim to hit deep, aggressive shots that keep opponents pinned to the baseline, thus maintaining the advantage.
4. Hit the Opponent’s Feet
No matter the opponent’s position on the court, hitting the ball at their feet is an effective strategy. A ball directed at the feet is challenging to return cleanly and often results in mistakes. Whether engaging in dinking or from the baseline, this strategy forces opponents to react, increasing the likelihood of errors.
5. Serve with More Depth
A deep serve is essential to prevent opponents from advancing to the non-volley line after returning. A high-arcing serve that lands deep in the court is often more effective than a fast, low serve. Keeping the serve deep increases the chances of controlling the rally and forces the returner to make a more challenging shot.
6. Don’t Stand Too Close to the Baseline When Returning Serves
Standing too close to the baseline when returning the serve can lead to poor returns, especially on deep serves. Positioning slightly behind the baseline gives more time to react to deep serves and ensures better control over the return, avoiding easy points for opponents.
7. Return the Serve as Deep as Possible
Returning the serve deep is advantageous for several reasons. It provides extra time to move to the non-volley line, gives the returner more control, and forces the serving team to hit a longer third shot. A deep return also increases the likelihood of pickleball mistakes from the opponent.
8. Communicate When Returning Shots Hit Down the Middle
Shots hit down the middle of the court can create confusion about who should take the ball. Effective communication is key. Whether it’s deciding that the forehand side will take middle shots or using verbal cues like “mine” or “yours,” clear communication ensures smooth play and avoids errors.
9. Move Together as a Team
In doubles, coordinated movement is essential. Pickleball players should move up and down the court together, covering the court efficiently and avoiding leaving gaps for opponents to exploit. Moving as a team prevents openings and ensures that both players are positioned to handle any shot that comes their way.
10. Be Patient
Patience is often the hardest pickleball skill to master in doubles pickleball, but it’s one of the most crucial. Being patient involves selecting the right shots, avoiding risky plays, and allowing rallies to happen naturally. By avoiding unnecessary errors and waiting for the right opportunity, players can reduce pickleball mistakes and increase their chances of success.
News in Brief: 10 Essential Pickleball Doubles Strategies
These pickleball doubles strategies provide a foundation for smarter play. Whether mastering the non-volley line, executing deep serves, or staying patient during rallies, implementing these pickleball techniques will lead to better teamwork and improved performance. Although it may take time to refine these pickleball strategies, practicing them will undoubtedly enhance a player’s doubles game.
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