Pickleball Doubles: Rules & Strategies

Check out some great pickleball gifts here!

Welcome to the World of Pickleball Doubles!

Pickleball doubles is a dynamic and exciting variant of the game that requires teamwork, strategy, and coordination. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, understanding the rules and strategies for doubles play will elevate your game. This guide will cover the essential rules and offer strategies to help you succeed on the court.

Rules of Pickleball Doubles

1. Court and Equipment:

   • The doubles court is the same size as the singles court (20 by 44 feet).
   • The net is 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches high at the center.
   • You'll need a paddle and a pickleball.

2. Serving Rules:

   • The serve must be underhand and made diagonally cross-court.
   • Each team has two faults before the serve is passed to the opposing team, except for the first serve of the game, where only one fault is allowed.
   • The server must serve from behind the baseline and cannot step on or over the baseline until after making contact with the ball.

3. Double-Bounce Rule:

   • After the serve, each team must let the ball bounce once before volleys are allowed.
   • This means the serving team must let the return of serve bounce before hitting it.

4. Non-Volley Zone (The Kitchen):

   • The 7-foot zone on both sides of the net is the non-volley zone.
   • Players cannot hit the ball while standing in the kitchen unless the ball has bounced first.

5. Scoring:

   • Only the serving team can score points.
   • Games are usually played to 11 points, and a team must win by 2 points.
   • When a team scores a point, the server switches sides with their partner, and the same server continues to serve.

Strategies for Doubles Play

1. Communication:

   • Effective communication is critical in doubles. Always call out shots, and let your partner know if you can reach a ball or need assistance.
   • Use signals to indicate planned plays or strategies.

2. Court Positioning:

   • Both players should stay side by side, moving together to cover the court efficiently.
   • Avoid having one player at the baseline and one at the net, as this creates gaps for the opposing team to exploit.

3. Serve and Return Strategies:

   • Aim for deep, consistent serves to keep your opponents back.
   • Return serves deep and to the center to limit your opponents' angles and keep them on the defensive.

4. Third Shot Drop:

   • The third shot drop is a key strategy in doubles. After the serve and return, hit a soft shot that lands in the opponent's kitchen, forcing them to hit upward and giving you and your partner time to move to the net.

5. Net Play:

   • Control the net by moving forward after the third shot. Dominating the net allows you to cut off angles and apply pressure on your opponents.
   • Use dinks (soft shots) to maneuver your opponents out of position and create opportunities for attack.

6. Poaching:

   • Poaching is when the net player crosses into their partner’s side to intercept a shot. This can surprise your opponents and put them on the defensive.
   • Coordinate with your partner to avoid both players going for the same ball.

7. Defensive Strategies:

   • When on the defensive, use lobs to push your opponents back and give yourself time to reset.
   • Keep shots low and aim for your opponents' feet to make returns more difficult.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Over-Hitting: Trying to hit the ball too hard can lead to errors. Focus on placement and control.
2. Poor Communication: Miscommunication can result in missed shots and confusion. Always communicate with your partner.
3. Standing Too Close to the Net: Be mindful of the non-volley zone and avoid standing too close, as this can limit your ability to react to lobs or fast shots.
4. Neglecting the Third Shot Drop: Skipping the third shot drop can leave you and your partner out of position and vulnerable to attacks.

Conclusion

Playing pickleball doubles is not only about individual skill but also about how well you and your partner work together. By mastering the rules and implementing effective strategies, you can enhance your performance and enjoy the game even more. Remember, practice and communication are key to success in doubles play. Get out on the court, play with different partners, and refine your strategies to become a formidable doubles team!