How to play pickleball doubles: The best strategies

Playing a doubles match is not simply about each player covering half of the court. Knowing the pickleball strategies we share with you in this post can make all the difference, even when all four players have a similar technical level. Knowing where to stand, when to move forward, which player should attack or how to move the opposing pair around are decisions that can completely change the final result.

What is more, pickleball is a sport in which coordination between partners carries enormous weight. That is why mastering some of these tips to improve at pickleball will help you make the most of every shot and, above all, avoid mistakes that hand easy points to your opponents.

Pickleball strategies to get a doubles match off to a good start

Before thinking about spectacular shots, it is worth being clear that in doubles, positioning matters as much as execution. Both players should try to maintain a structure that lets them cover the court without leaving large gaps.

One of the keys is to move up to the non-volley zone, commonly known as the kitchen, whenever the point allows it. This zone is located on both sides of the net and plays a fundamental role in doubles play.

So one of the first pickleball strategies worth learning is the importance of moving forward together. If one player approaches the net while their partner stays too far back, a gap opens up between them that the opponents can exploit.

Staying together helps you cover the court better

In doubles, the pair should move in a coordinated way, especially when the opponents are attacking. If one player moves towards the sideline, the other should adjust their position to avoid leaving an area uncovered.

So it is not about standing still in a fixed position, but about learning to move as a unit.

This coordination is especially important when the opponents try to play into the gaps. A good pickleball strategy lets you reduce open spaces and forces the other team to take more risks to find an opening.

Pickleball strategies to control the non-volley zone

Reaching the non-volley zone does not mean the point is won. Once you are there, much of the tactical side of doubles begins.

From this position you can play volleys, blocks and soft shots aimed at keeping the ball low. The goal is to make it harder for the opponents to attack and to wait for an opportunity to take the initiative.

One of the most common pickleball strategies is to use soft shots, especially the so-called dinks, to keep the ball close to the net and force the opponent to hit from an awkward position.

Going for a winner is not always the best option. That is why patience can be an advantage. A rally of short shots can lead the opponent to pop the ball up too high, and that is when an opportunity to attack appears.

Do not attack every ball

One of the most common mistakes in doubles is trying to speed up every ball that comes to your paddle. However, not every situation is favourable for attacking.

If the ball is too low, a powerful shot can end up straight in the net. Keeping it low and waiting for a more comfortable ball, on the other hand, usually gets better results.

This way of playing requires control and patience. It also helps turn pickleball strategies into a matter of decision-making rather than just power.

How to use the serve and the return as part of your pickleball strategies

The serve is another important element, although in doubles it should not be seen solely as a chance to win a point outright.

A good serve can be used to move the receiver around, make their return more difficult or buy time for the pair to move forward. Depth also matters, since a short return can make it easier for the opponents to advance.

The return of serve is even more important. After returning the serve, the usual aim is to move up to the non-volley zone, as long as the point allows it.

So a good pickleball strategy must take into account what happens after the serve, not just the first shot.

Pickleball strategies for playing with your partner

Communication between the two players is essential. You do not need to talk constantly, but you should agree on a few guidelines before the match starts.

For example, the pair can agree on who usually takes certain balls, how to react to a lob or what to do when one of them is pulled out wide.

It is also important to know which of the two players is in a better position to return certain balls. Trying to get to everything can lead to collisions, hesitation or open gaps.

Learn to recognise who has the better ball

One of the most useful pickleball strategies is to identify which player is in the best position to attack.

If one of them gets a high, comfortable ball, their partner can get ready to cover the space left open. This way, the pair can attack without completely losing their defensive structure.

However, when the ball arrives low or awkward, it is usually better to prioritise control.

Moving your opponents: a very effective pickleball strategy

In pickleball you do not always need to go for the most powerful shot. Moving your opponents around can be far more effective.

Playing from one side of the court to the other, changing the direction of your shots or targeting the player who is worse positioned are tactical resources that force the opponents to move and can open up gaps.

That is why one of the most interesting pickleball strategies for players who already have some experience is to watch the opponents’ positions before deciding where to place the ball.

It can also be useful to spot whether one of the players struggles more with the backhand, with low balls or when they have to move sideways. Repeatedly targeting that area can be part of your match tactics, as long as your game does not become completely predictable.

Mistakes that can ruin your pickleball strategies

Even with good shots, some tactical mistakes can make a doubles match much harder. One of the most common is leaving too much space between the two partners.

Another frequent mistake is backing off unnecessarily after gaining a good position near the net. It is also common to rush the play and give away points by going for winners from unfavourable positions.

Communication can also make the difference. If both players hesitate over who should go for a ball, neither of them may hit it. So talking, setting a few basic rules and staying focused are just as important as technique.

The best pickleball strategies take practice

There is no single formula that works in every match. The players’ level, the type of opponents, the court conditions and your own style of play make every match different.

That is why the best pickleball strategies are the ones that adapt to what is happening at any given moment. Learning to read the game lets you make better decisions and take advantage of the opportunities that arise during the match.

If you want to keep improving, you can also check out our guide with the best tips to improve at pickleball, where you will find more recommendations to progress in this sport.

Knowing how to play as a team to play better doubles

A good pickleball strategy does not depend solely on having great technique. In doubles, it is essential to know how to position yourself, move together with your partner, and choose when to attack and when to keep the ball in play.

Specifically training pickleball strategies can help you understand matches better and make fewer mistakes. As these decisions become habits, the game flows more smoothly and it is also easier to make the most of each player’s strengths.

In short, playing doubles well means learning to occupy the court, being patient and working as a team.

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