In doubles pickleball, the fastest way to lose is to think like a singles player. Smart doubles is less about flashy winners and more about teamwork, positioning, and shot selection. Let’s break down how to turn you and your partner into a wall that thinks—and moves—as one.
1. Win the Position Battle First
In doubles, court position beats raw power. Your goal is to control the non-volley zone (NVZ) line—both players shoulder-to-shoulder. From there, you can take time away from opponents and pressure them into mistakes.
Key habits:
- Both move up together after a good third shot.
- Never leave big gaps between you and your partner—if they move, you slide with them (“shifting as a unit”).
- Keep your paddle up and ready to block.
Coach Tip: If you’re stuck at the baseline while opponents are at the NVZ, resist the urge to blast your way out. Instead, drop a soft shot into the kitchen to earn time to move forward.
2. Master the Third Shot (and Its Cousins)
The third shot drop is the most important ball in doubles. A well-placed drop lands softly in the opponent’s kitchen, forcing them to hit upward, giving you a chance to advance.
Smart options:
- Third shot drop for control.
- Third shot drive to surprise opponents who lean in for the drop.
- Third shot lob (used sparingly) to push aggressive net players back.
Coach Tip: Mix them up. If opponents know you always drop, they’ll crowd the NVZ and eat you alive.
3. Communicate Relentlessly
You and your partner should talk before, during, and after points.
- Before: Agree on serve and return targets, and what shot you’ll try on the third ball.
- During: Call shots (“Mine!” / “Yours!”), warn each other about lobs (“Back!”), and call out bounces (“Bounce!”).
- After: Briefly reset—what worked, what needs adjusting.
Coach Tip: Even pros mess up when they stop talking. Silence leads to hesitation; hesitation loses points.
4. Target with Purpose
Don’t just “hit it back.” Smart doubles players attack weaknesses.
- Aim at the weaker player’s backhand side.
- Drive balls at the body to jam swings.
- Use dinks to pull opponents wide, then attack the open middle.
Coach Tip: The “open middle” in doubles is deadly—both players hesitate, thinking the other will take it.
5. Play Defense Like a Pro
When you’re under attack:
- Keep your paddle up.
- Shorten your swing and block instead of swinging big.
- Reset the rally with a soft ball into the kitchen.
Coach Tip: Defense in doubles isn’t about counterpunching immediately—it’s about surviving long enough to flip the rally in your favor.
6. Drill Smarter, Not Just Harder
Try this 2-on-1 kitchen drill:
- One player at the baseline (working on drops and drives).
- Two players at NVZ (working on blocking and counterattacking).
- Rotate every 3–5 minutes.
This sharpens drops, patience, and quick hands all at once.
Bottom Line:
Smart doubles is a chess match on a 20×44-foot court. Win by controlling the NVZ, varying your third shots, talking non-stop, and exploiting weaknesses. The more you and your partner think as one, the more you’ll dictate rallies instead of chasing them.
