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Pickleball doubles is fast, social, and full of quick choices. It can also feel tricky when you are new. The court seems crowded, shots come fast, and one small mix-up can cost a point. That is why simple, clear strategy matters. Good strategy helps you win more points and enjoy every rally.
In this guide, you will learn the basics of pickleball doubles strategy without fancy jargon. We will talk about deep serves, steady returns, smart movement to the kitchen line, and crisp communication. You will see how small changes, like aiming at feet or calling “mine,” can turn chaos into calm.
Here is what we will cover: where to stand, how to move as a team, how to talk with your partner, and which shots make the game easier. These tips are designed for beginners learning pickleball, but they work at every level. Ready to build confidence and control the court?
Positioning wins points before the ball even crosses the net. Start with the serve. A deep, high serve buys you time and keeps opponents back. This is your first chance to control the rally. After you serve, get ready for their return, then plan your third shot.
On the return side, stand a few feet behind the baseline. This gives space for a deep bounce and prevents foot faults. Aim your return as deep as you can, with a steady arc. A deep return forces the server to hit up on the third shot. That makes their next ball slower and easier to handle. For more guidance on classic court positioning and doubles basics, review the official tips from USA Pickleball on doubles strategies.
After the third shot, both partners should move together to the non-volley zone, also called the kitchen line. Think of you and your partner as a sliding door. You move together left and right, opening and closing lanes. When both players hold the kitchen line, you cut off angles and put pressure on your opponents.
Why does this help beginners? Because closer to the net, the game slows down. You get more control and better chances to hit soft shots. Low, short balls are harder for your opponents to attack. Real play example: you hit a deep return, your partner follows the ball forward, and you join them at the kitchen. Now you are ready to dink, keep the ball low, and wait for a pop-up. You did not rush, you kept it simple, and you set up an easy put-away.
Strong serves and returns set the tone for the rally. Keep these simple habits:
For a larger menu of practical doubles tactics, check this clear guide on pickleball doubles strategies and pro tips.
The kitchen line is home base in pickleball doubles. Move in unison to reach it after the third shot. If you split up, you leave big gaps and hand your opponents easy angles. One player stuck back while the other crowds the net is a common beginner mistake. Fix it by staying connected with small side-steps and short shuffles.
This strategy wins points because close to the net, you control pace and direction. You can dink, aim low, and bait a pop-up. When both partners hold the line, your opponents are the ones who feel rushed. For a deeper breakdown on getting to the non-volley zone and holding it, the tips from Pickleball Max on doubles strategies are very helpful.
Good teamwork turns two players into one unit. Clear talk reduces errors, speeds up decisions, and builds trust. Before a game, set a quick plan: who takes middle balls, who covers lobs, and which side each player prefers. During play, keep the talk short and simple. Use quick calls like “mine,” “yours,” “switch,” and “bounce.”
Tie your talk to your movement. If you are moving to the kitchen, call “up, up” so both move together. If a ball floats in the middle, the forehand player should call “mine” early. If you see your partner pulled wide, slide to the center and say “I’ve got middle.” These small cues erase confusion and make every play cleaner.
Beginner tip: use a steady tone and repeat key calls. Calling early and loud is better than calling late. Praise each other after long points, even when you lose them. Team chemistry matters. It keeps energy high and focus sharp, which leads to better shots and fewer mistakes.
Fast rallies demand quick words. Use these short calls:
These calls save time and prevent double moves on the same ball.
Smart pairs use stacking or simple switches to feature strengths. If one player has a strong forehand, stack to keep that forehand in the middle. If a team drives hard, have the quicker reflex player hold the middle lane. Agree on this before you serve to stay ready.
Support each other on chase balls. If your partner gets pulled wide on a dink, slide and cover middle. If a lob goes up, call “mine” or “yours” quickly. The partner not chasing should cover the middle to block the next shot. This simple support pattern keeps your shape tight and your court covered.
Winning doubles is not about swinging harder. It is about smart targets and soft hands. Start with placement over power. Aim at feet, hips, or the middle seam. Keep balls low so they are hard to attack. Use dinks and drop shots to move forward. Then pick your moment to be aggressive.
Want a mental model? Think of your shots as tools. Dinks and drops are your wrenches, steady and precise. Drives are your hammer, used when the job calls for it. Lobs are your reset button, useful when you feel stuck. Choose the tool that matches the moment.
As you link movement and talk, your shots get easier. A deep return buys time, a soft drop gets you to the kitchen, and a calm dink forces errors. When a ball pops up, finish with a safe, high-percentage put-away to the open court or at the foot that is closer to the paddle.
For visual learners, these classic lessons from Joe Baker’s Pickleball Strategy video series make shot choices easy to understand.
Dinks are gentle shots that land in the kitchen. They keep the ball low and slow, which takes away power from your opponents. Aim just over the net, with a soft wrist and quiet paddle face. Target the opponent who is off balance or who struggles with low balls. Mix in cross-court dinks to create longer, safer angles.
Drop shots, hit from near the baseline, are your bridge to the kitchen. The goal is a soft, arcing ball that lands in the kitchen and bounces low. This lets you and your partner move forward. Keep your swing smooth and your follow-through short. A good drop gives you time to advance as a team, then settle into a steady dink battle.
Use a drive when your opponents are stuck deep or when a return sits high. A hard, low drive through the middle can jam both players. Aim at hips or feet, not the sideline. If you see a clear pop-up near the middle, a firm finish works.
Use a lob as a reset when you are in trouble at the kitchen or pulled wide. A well-placed lob over the backhand shoulder can buy time. Avoid random speed-ups unless your partner is set and expecting it. If your partner calls “no” or “reset,” slow the ball down with a dink or drop. Smart teams switch between offense and defense without panic.
If you want a broader list of practical doubles ideas, this breakdown of core doubles strategies and getting to the net is a solid resource.
Pickleball doubles rewards simple, repeatable habits. Start with smart positioning, deep serves and returns, and quick movement to the kitchen. Add clear talk with your partner, calling “mine,” “yours,” and “switch” to avoid mix-ups. Then choose shots with purpose. Use dinks and drops to control pace, and drive only when you have the right ball.
Practice these tips for a few sessions and you will feel the difference. Your rallies will last longer, your mistakes will drop, and your confidence will grow. Want more ideas to try on court next time? Keep building your pickleball strategy with reliable guides and videos, and track your progress week by week. Thanks for reading, and see you at the kitchen line.