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What nobody tells you about doubles

What nobody tells you about doubles

Paul from Pickleball Daily
June 19, 2025

Tip of the day

What Nobody Tells You About Doubles Strategy in Pickleball by Enhance Pickleball

Mastering doubles pickleball involves strategic insights beyond the basics, offering distinct advantages during play.

Effectively concluding points means understanding how to attack easy shots based on ball height, often targeting the middle or an opponent's feet.

Sometimes, playing passively with "lift dinks" can actually force opponents into making offensive mistakes, creating prime opportunities for counterattacks.

Knowing when and how to use a drop shot, especially for recreational players, can surprise opponents, aiming for the kitchen with backspin when they are slow to move forward.

Recognizing situations where a partner might be out of position allows for a "poach," where you cross the centerline to attack the ball instead.

Strategic play also means identifying and exploiting an opponent's weakest shots, whether it's a poor third shot, a weak dink, or a specific backhand.

Integrating "change-ups" into your game, like side-spin serves or unexpected attacks, can disrupt an opponent's rhythm.

When opponents are slow to reach the net, opting for a powerful drive or a hybrid shot directly at their feet can be highly effective.

Ultimately, understanding who should cover the middle of the court—often the left-side player with a forehand—is vital for team success in recreational play.

Key Points:

Putting the Ball Away: Categorize easy shots by height and aim for the middle or opponent's feet to end points.
Passive Dinking for Counterattacks: Use "lift dinks" to force opponents to speed up the ball, creating offensive chances.
The Poach: Anticipate opponent shots and cross the center line to attack when a partner is out of position.
Targeting Opponents: Identify and exploit weaknesses in an opponent's shots during various game phases.
Covering the Middle: Determine who covers the court's center, typically the left-side player with a forehand, to ensure strong defense.

Watch the full tutorial here.

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