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Pickleball isn’t just a game, it’s a conversation on the court. More people are jumping into the sport each year, and doubles matches lead the charge. Why? Because pickleball doubles demand teamwork, smart thinking, and clever tactics—perfect for friends, family, or anyone eager to turn fun into victory. The best teams use strategy, communication, and sharp positioning to get ahead. Whether you’re new or climbing the ranks, knowing how to play smarter as a pair opens the door to more wins.
Victory in pickleball doubles is rarely the work of one player. The best teams act as a single unit, always moving and thinking together. If you’re just starting out or want to improve on the basics, Getting Started with Pickleball is a solid foundation.
Great teams talk—a lot. Calling out shots, warning about lobs, or giving each other space can mean the difference between winning and gifting away points. Simple calls like “mine” or “yours” cut confusion. Keeping spirits high and attitudes positive helps partners stay sharp and avoid the dreaded mid-game slump.
Think of the court as a chessboard. Most points are won by those who get to the net together and hold that ground. Cover the middle, play side by side, and react as a team. Good court positioning takes away space from your opponents and opens up more chances for you. For even more tips, resources like the Strategies - Doubles Strategies from USA Pickleball break down how to own your side of the court.
Winning isn’t just about hitting hard. Smart teams know when to play safe and when to attack. Defend with dinks and resets when under fire, then jump on any chance to finish with a drive or put-away. Strike the right balance and keep your opponents guessing.
The third shot can set the tone for the whole rally. Should you drop it softly into the kitchen or drive it hard and fast? Getting this decision right is a huge part of doubles pickleball strategy. For a deeper look, check out Third shot drop versus drive explained.
A soft, accurate third shot drop gives you time to reach the kitchen, where most points are won. It forces your opponents to hit up, takes away their power, and lets you and your partner take the net together. Think of it like setting up a tent—slow and steady wins the space you need.
Sometimes, a quick third shot drive is the better tool. When opponents leave a gap or sit too far back, hitting a fast ball right at them can create a weak return or win the point outright. Use this when the opportunity’s right, but don’t forget that accuracy beats speed if you’re unsure.
Once your basics feel stronger, advanced techniques can push your partnership even further. The stacking strategy in doubles pickleball lets you keep your team’s stronger player in the best spot. Not sure how or when to speed up or slow down play? The pros are masters at this, as explained in using tempo to control pickleball points.
Stacking shifts players around after each serve or return so everyone stays on their strong side. If your team has a forehand wizard, stacking keeps their best shot in the middle where it can do the most damage. It’s a bit like shuffling cards so the ace is always at the top of the deck.
Changing tempo confuses opponents and breaks their rhythm. Sometimes, you’ll want to slow the game down with dinks, then suddenly hit a fast volley. This mix of speeds throws off timing and creates more mistakes on the other side. The pros use tempo to win big points and close out matches under pressure.
Great doubles teams do more than execute their own plans—they read what’s happening on the other side. Stay alert to patterns and weaknesses, and don’t be afraid to switch tactics mid-game. For tournament tips, see how to scout pickleball opponents.
Maybe your opponents hate fast balls at the body, or maybe their backhands are shaky. Early in the match, test different shots and see what makes them uncomfortable. Target those weaknesses—smart plays beat hard hits.
If your opponents start beating your current strategy, don’t stick with it out of stubbornness. Talk with your partner, change positions, mix up shot speeds, or try different serve placements. Adapting on the fly keeps you in control.
Winning in pickleball doubles isn’t about who hits the hardest—it’s about smart teamwork, sharp observation, and using the right strategies at the right time. Communicate, support each other, and practice new tactics from these guides. Keep learning, keep talking, and start adding these doubles pickleball strategies to your practice games. The more you focus on working as a team, the more fun—and victories—you’ll have.