Pickleball Doubles Strategy: How to Build Team Chemistry and Win More Matches

Pickleball doubles is where the real magic happens. It’s fast, dynamic, and full of teamwork — and that’s exactly why most pickleball players in India prefer doubles over singles. While singles focus on endurance and precision, doubles are all about communication, coordination, and chemistry.

Whether you’re a beginner teaming up with a friend or a regular club player aiming to dominate local tournaments, mastering pickleball doubles strategy can dramatically improve your game. Let’s dive into proven techniques to build chemistry, improve coordination, and start winning more matches.

Why Team Chemistry Matters in Pickleball Doubles

In doubles, you and your partner are not just hitting the ball — you’re playing as one unit. Good communication and positioning can turn an average pair into a strong team.

Strong doubles teams:

• Anticipate each other’s shots.

• Move in sync, like a mirror image.

• Cover the court efficiently.

• Stay calm and confident under pressure.

If one player tries to do everything alone or doesn’t communicate, even the most talented duo can lose easy points.

1. Communicate Early and Often

The best doubles teams talk constantly. From calling “mine” and “yours” to discussing serve placement, communication eliminates confusion.

Here’s how to communicate effectively:

• Before the match: Decide who covers which shots (forehand, backhand, lobs).

• During rallies: Call balls early. Even a quick “Got it!” keeps both players in sync.

• Between points: Give feedback — positive, calm, and focused (“Nice shot!” or “Next one’s ours”).

Good communication builds trust and prevents those awkward moments when both players swing at the same ball.

2. Serve and Return Smartly

Your doubles strategy begins with the serve and return.

• Serve Deep: A deep serve pushes opponents back, buying you time to move forward.

• Return Deep: Keep your returns long and controlled — this stops your opponent from charging the net quickly.

Once your team gets control of the net, you gain a huge advantage in doubles.

Pro Tip: Practice serve and return targets with your partner — aim for corners, not the middle, to force errors.

3. Master the “Two-Up” Position

One of the golden rules of doubles is: “Both players should get to the net as soon as possible.”

This position is called the “two-up” formation — both partners standing at the kitchen (non-volley zone) line. From here, you can control rallies with dinks, volleys, and blocks.

Avoid staying at the baseline for too long — it gives your opponents the upper hand. Work together to move up after your third shot (the transition from serve return to kitchen play).

4. Use the Third Shot Drop Wisely

The third shot drop is crucial in doubles strategy. After the serve and return, your third shot should ideally land softly in the opponent’s kitchen.

Why? It forces them to hit upward, giving you time to approach the net and take control.

Practice Together:

• One partner practices third-shot drops.

• The other focuses on advancing to the net at the right time.

Consistency is key — even one well-placed drop can shift momentum in your favor.

5. Move as One Unit

Think of doubles movement like a dance — when one player moves, the other follows.

• Move side-to-side together to cover angles.

• Maintain equal distance from the net.

• Avoid large gaps between you — those are easy targets for opponents.

If your partner moves forward to volley, you step up too. If they step back to retrieve a lob, you both retreat. Staying connected minimizes open space and strengthens defense.

6. Master Dinking Strategy

The dink — a soft shot that lands in the kitchen — is your biggest weapon in doubles. It slows the pace, forces your opponent to make mistakes, and sets up attack opportunities.

Dinking Tips:

• Keep the ball low and controlled.

• Target your opponent’s weaker player.

• Avoid hitting too hard — patience wins dink rallies.

A well-executed dink rally often ends with the other team making an unforced error.

7. Play to Each Other’s Strengths

Every player has unique strengths — one might have powerful drives, while the other excels in soft shots or defense. The best doubles teams use these differences strategically.

For example:

• Let the player with a strong forehand take middle shots.

• Have the consistent player handle more dinks during long rallies.

• Mix roles based on comfort and skill level.

Understanding your partner’s style and adjusting your game around it creates harmony on the court.

8. Stay Mentally Composed

Doubles matches can get intense, especially during close games. Maintain positive body language and keep encouraging your partner, even after mistakes. A supportive mindset can turn a struggling pair into a winning team.

Avoid blaming each other — instead, focus on what’s next. Confidence and calmness can change the course of a match.

9. Practice Together Regularly

Playing together consistently builds chemistry and anticipation.

• Run serve-return drills together.

• Practice volley-to-volley exchanges.

• Alternate partners occasionally to learn new styles.

Many Indian pickleball clubs now organize weekly doubles drills and ladder matches — great opportunities to sharpen teamwork and strategy.

10. Equip Yourself for Success

Winning doubles isn’t just about tactics — it’s also about having the right gear. Use paddles that match your comfort and playing style, and shoes that offer grip and agility for quick side movements.

Browse the Pickleball Collection at Sports Gear 24*7 to find high-quality paddles, balls, and shoes to level up your doubles game.

Final Thoughts

Pickleball doubles is all about teamwork, timing, and trust. When you communicate well, move as one, and support each other, you’ll find your rhythm — and that’s when the game becomes truly fun.

Whether you’re playing at your local club in Mumbai or competing in an AIPA event in Bengaluru, remember: chemistry beats power, strategy beats speed, and teamwork always wins.

So grab your paddle, find your partner, and start practicing these strategies — your next doubles victory might be closer than you think!

FAQs

Q1. What is the key to winning in pickleball doubles?
Teamwork and communication are the foundation of doubles success. When both partners move in sync and cover the court together, they create fewer gaps and control the pace of the game.

Q2. How can I improve my doubles coordination?
Practice drills that involve moving side-to-side together, dinking rallies, and calling shots early. Consistent play with the same partner helps build chemistry.

Q3. What is the “two-up” position in pickleball doubles?
The two-up position means both players are at the non-volley (kitchen) line. It allows teams to control the net, reduce reaction time, and put pressure on opponents.

Q4. Should I always use the third-shot drop in doubles?
Not always, but it’s a vital shot to learn. The third-shot drop slows down rallies and helps your team transition to the kitchen line safely.

Q5. What gear is best for pickleball doubles players?
Lightweight paddles for control, durable outdoor balls, and non-marking court shoes with good grip. You can find all of these at Sports Gear 24x7.