Doubles Strategy Enhanced

Whether you've been playing pickleball for years or just picked up a paddle, mastering pickleball strategy is key to success in doubles matches. This article delves into the realm of pickleball doubles strategy, offering valuable tips and tricks to enhance your gameplay and elevate your skills on the court.

Serving
The serve is often underestimated in the game of pickleball, but it can actually be a game-changer. By having a diverse range of serves in your arsenal, you gain a significant advantage over your opponents. It's crucial for both partners on the serving team to have mastered multiple serves in order to maximize the effectiveness of this strategy.
Although the spin serve has been banned this year, there are still plenty of options available. One effective serve is a strong topspin serve that bounces just in front of the baseline. This type of serve can catch your opponents off guard and put them on the defensive. Additionally, mixing in a sky-high lob serve adds an element of surprise and can disrupt your opponents' rhythm.
The key to a successful serving strategy is to keep your opponents guessing. By randomly switching up your serves, you make it difficult for them to anticipate your next move. Varying the pace, location, and type of serve adds an extra layer of unpredictability and increases your chances of winning points. So, don't be afraid to mix things up and experiment with different serves to achieve the best results on the pickleball court.

Third-Shot Drop
Net play is a crucial aspect of pickleball, especially in doubles matches. One of the key shots that players need to master is the third-shot drop, which involves delicately dropping the ball over the net into the non-volley zone (NVZ), also known as the kitchen. This shot allows you and your partner to advance towards the net and seize control of the point, putting pressure on your opponents. Additionally, even if you can't immediately reach the kitchen line after the third shot, making your opponents hit the ball up will set you up for easier fifth and seventh shots that can be dropped into the kitchen, making them difficult to attack. To excel in net play, it's essential to practice moving swiftly and coordinating effectively with your partner to execute the third-shot drop flawlessly and gain valuable points.

Net play
If you pay attention to the professional players during their interviews after a match, you'll frequently hear them emphasize the importance of winning at the net. They often repeat that the team that dominates the net ultimately wins the game. This becomes even more crucial as you progress to higher levels of play.
To excel at net play in pickleball, there are several valuable tips to keep in mind.
Firstly, be cautious of crosscourt poaching, especially when you're positioned at the net, as it leaves the rest of the court vulnerable.
Always be mindful and plan your next shot strategically.
It's essential to be patient yet aggressive, and remember to move in sync with your partner.
Utilize dinking shots with power and frequency.
Don't hesitate to assert yourself by speeding up the game and engaging in hand battles to secure victories.
Occasionally incorporating a lob shot can effectively disrupt your opponents' rhythm and throw them off balance.
One common mistake made by new doubles pairings is leaving the sideline or middle of the court wide open, which should be avoided.
Lastly, a useful technique is to closely observe your opponent's feet to anticipate their movements at the net. By doing so, you can better position yourself and gain an advantage during gameplay.

Communication
Effective communication is crucial in pickleball doubles, especially during recreational play when you may be paired with someone new. It is essential to communicate with your partner to ensure clarity on who will take each shot and where you should position yourselves on the court. Miscommunication often arises when determining how far the left-side player should slide over on third shots, as well as deciding on the positioning for overhead put-aways and whether to stack.
Additionally, a common advanced strategy employed by most doubles teams is to prioritize the dominance of the forehand player. This means that shot selection will favor the team's forehand. In this strategy, the forehand player will cover a larger portion of the court, approximately two-thirds, due to the strength of their forehand shot compared to their backhand. By understanding and implementing these basic principles, your partnership will become more effective, and you can avoid any awkward moments of eye contact after both reaching for the same ball with your pickleball paddles.
If you are participating in a more serious match, such as a tournament or DUPR play, it is advisable to discuss the match strategy with your partner or pickleball coach beforehand. Additionally, if you are familiar with your opponents, it is beneficial to discuss their strengths and weaknesses. This communication will enable you to decide whether to adopt a banger strategy or focus on the soft game. Taking strategic time-outs during a match is also a good idea to evaluate what is working and what needs adjustment.
By emphasizing effective communication and controlling the net during your pickleball doubles matches, you can significantly enhance your gameplay and become a formidable opponent on the court. Improving your pickleball shots with your partner will make a substantial difference in your overall performance. So, embrace the fun and excitement that pickleball offers, grab your paddle, step onto the court, and let the games begin!