Unlock Your Winning Potential: Top 5 Doubles Tactics in Pickleball
Doubles pickleball is a fast-paced dance of communication, court coverage, and smart shot selection. While individual skills matter, it’s team tactics that often make the difference between a good team and a great one. Ready to take your doubles game to the next level and leave your opponents scrambling? Here are the top five tactics you need to master:
1. Master the Third Shot Drop: Your Ticket to the Net
The third shot drop is the cornerstone of successful doubles play. After serving and receiving the return, your third shot should be a soft drop that lands in your opponent’s non-volley zone (the “kitchen”).
Why it matters:
- Neutralizes aggression: A good drop keeps opponents from attacking immediately.
- Lets you move forward: It buys you and your partner time to advance to the net — where most points are won.
- Controls the pace: A slower, softer ball forces a more controlled rally.
Pro Tip: Practice relentlessly. Aim for a high arc that lands just inside the NVZ with minimal bounce. Try adding spin for extra difficulty.
2. Communicate Constantly and Clearly: Win with Teamwork
In doubles, communication isn’t optional — it’s your secret weapon. You and your partner must stay in sync at all times.Key communication tips:
- Call shots: Loud “Mine!” or “Yours!” to avoid collisions.
- Call outs: Yell “Out!” or “Deep!” when you see a ball heading long.
- Cover smartly: Pre-plan who takes middle balls and adjust during play.
- Strategize: Between points, quickly discuss what’s working (and what’s not).
Pro Tip: Develop subtle non-verbal cues (eye contact, hand signals) for quick decisions during fast rallies.
3. Maintain Net Position: Rule the Kitchen
Once you reach the net, fight to stay there — it’s where you win.
Why staying at the net matters:
- Attack angles: You can hit sharper, more aggressive volleys.
- Put-away power: You can finish points fast.
- Apply pressure: Opponents are forced into riskier, less confident shots.
How to stay strong at the net:
- Move together: Slide laterally as a unit along the NVZ.
- Stay aggressive: Don’t retreat unless absolutely necessary.
- Poach smartly: Jump in front for easy volleys — but communicate first!
Pro Tip: Drill your net skills — quick volleys, angles, and fast reflexes will pay huge dividends.
4. Exploit the Middle: Find the Confusion Zone
Targeting the middle can create hesitation and chaos.
Why it works:
- Forces confusion: Opponents may hesitate or collide over who takes the ball.
- Yields weaker shots: Middle returns are often softer and easier to attack.
- Opens the court: Drawing one player to the middle can expose the side-lines.
Pro Tip: Mix it up. Sometimes drop softly into the middle, other times hit with pace to catch them off guard
.5. Mix Dinks and Drives: Keep Them Guessing
While dinking is key, predictability kills. Add surprise drives to break patterns.
How to master the dink-and-drive:
- Set it up: Engage in dink rallies to lull opponents.
- Seize high balls: Attack lifted dinks with low, fast drives.
- Stay unpredictable: Keep them unsure whether you’re soft or aggressive.
- Cover smart: Your partner should be ready to react fast after a drive.
Pro Tip: Use drives strategically, not constantly. A well-timed drive can be a dagger — but overuse will backfire.
Final Thoughts:
Consistency, communication, and strategic practice are the real keys to levelling up your doubles game. Get your partner, hit the court, and start sharpening these tactics — soon, you’ll be the team everyone wants to avoid!Good luck — and happy pickling!