7 Essential Pickleball Doubles Strategies for Winning Matches: Elevate Your Game Today

Pickleball doubles is a popular format that requires teamwork, communication, and strategic play to secure victory. In this blog post, we will share seven essential pickleball doubles strategies to help you win more matches and elevate your game. By implementing these tactics and working together with your partner, you'll be unstoppable on the court.

Pickleball Doubles Strategies for Success

Communication is Key

Effective communication in pickleball doubles is crucial to success. Establish a system of verbal and non-verbal cues with your partner to relay important information during the match, such as who is taking the shot or when to switch positions. Consistent communication minimizes confusion and reduces errors on the court.

Serve with Purpose

A purposeful serve in doubles play sets the stage for a successful rally. Focus on placement and varying the serve to keep your opponents off-balance. Target your opponent's weaker side, serve deep into the court, or add spin to the ball to make it more challenging for your opponents to return.

Master the 3rd Shot Drop

The 3rd shot drop is a critical component of pickleball doubles strategy. This soft, controlled shot is designed to land in your opponent's non-volley zone (the kitchen), forcing them to hit an upward shot, which is difficult to attack. Mastering the 3rd shot drop will help you gain control of the net and put pressure on your opponents.

Maintain Effective Court Positioning

Proper court positioning is vital in doubles play. Work with your partner to maintain a tight formation, moving together as a unit. Strive to control the net, as this allows you to put pressure on your opponents and create attacking opportunities.

Exploit Your Opponent's Weaknesses

Identify and exploit weaknesses in your opponents' game. This may include targeting their weaker side, hitting at their feet, or aiming for gaps in their court coverage. By applying constant pressure on their weak points, you increase the chances of forcing errors and gaining the upper hand.

Develop a Solid Dinking Game 

A strong dinking game in doubles pickleball can frustrate your opponents and create openings for attack. Focus on consistent, controlled dinks that force your opponents to hit upward shots. Vary the pace, spin, and placement of your dinks to keep your opponents off-balance and create attacking opportunities.

Adapt to Your Opponents' Style

Successful doubles teams are adaptable and can adjust their strategy to counter their opponents' style. If your opponents are strong at the net, consider using more lobs or passing shots. Conversely, if they struggle with the soft game, focus on dinking and 3rd shot drops to exploit their weaknesses.


Implementing these seven essential pickleball doubles strategies will help you and your partner win more matches and dominate the court. Focus on communication, purposeful serves, mastering the 3rd shot drop, maintaining effective court positioning, exploiting weaknesses, developing a solid dinking game, and adapting to your opponents' style. By putting these tactics into practice, you'll see significant improvements in your doubles game and enjoy greater success on the court.