Pickleball doubles is the most popular way to play pickleball, and having the right strategy can dramatically improve your chances of winning. Unlike singles, doubles is less about power and more about positioning, teamwork, communication, and smart shot selection.
In this guide, you’ll learn the most effective pickleball doubles strategy, including positioning, serving tactics, teamwork communication, and advanced tactics like stacking and third-shot strategy.
Whether you're a beginner or intermediate player, these strategies will help you and your partner play smarter and win more matches.
1. The Most Important Rule: Move Together
One of the biggest mistakes in pickleball doubles is when partners move separately instead of as a team.
Team Movement Rule:
- When your partner moves left → you move left
- When your partner moves right → you move right
- Always maintain side-by-side positioning at the kitchen line
This prevents open spaces and makes it harder for opponents to hit winning shots.
Proper Doubles Positioning
Key Tip: The team that controls the kitchen line usually wins the point.
2. Get to the Kitchen Line Quickly
The non-volley zone line (kitchen line) is the most important position in doubles.
Why?
- You can volley the ball
- You control the point
- You force opponents to hit difficult shots
- You reduce your opponent’s angles
Strategy:
- Return serve → run to kitchen line immediately
- Use a third shot drop to move forward safely
- Avoid staying in the transition zone (this is called the “danger zone”)
3. Use the Third Shot Drop
The third shot drop is one of the most important shots in pickleball doubles strategy.
It allows the serving team to move to the kitchen line safely.
Third Shot Drop Example
Goal: Hit a soft shot that lands in the opponent’s kitchen so they can’t smash the ball.
4. Communication Is a Winning Strategy
Most doubles points are lost because of confusion between partners.
Call These Shots:
- “Mine” → You take the shot
- “Yours” → Your partner takes it
- “Out” → Ball going out
- “Switch” → When switching sides
- “Bounce” → Let the ball bounce
Good communication can instantly improve your win rate.
5. Target the Weak Player
This is a very common doubles strategy used by advanced players.
Strategy:
- Hit most shots to the weaker opponent
- Force errors
- Avoid hitting to the stronger player
- Keep the stronger player out of the game
This strategy alone can win many matches.
6. Keep the Ball Low (Dinking Strategy)
Dinking is a soft shot that lands in the kitchen. In doubles, dinking is a strategic battle.
Dinking Strategy:
- Hit cross-court dinks (safer and longer distance)
- Be patient
- Wait for a high ball
- Attack when the ball pops up
Dinking Pattern
7. Learn the Stacking Strategy (Advanced)
Stacking is an advanced doubles strategy used to keep players on their strong side.
Why Use Stacking?
- Forehand stays in the middle
- Stronger player controls more court
- Better teamwork and shot coverage
This is commonly used in tournaments and competitive play.
8. Doubles Serving Strategy
Serving in doubles is not about power — it’s about positioning and setup.
Smart Serving Tips:
- Serve deep to push opponents back
- Serve to the weaker player
- Serve to the backhand
- Prepare for the third shot
Quick Doubles Strategy Summary
| Situation | What To Do |
|---|---|
| Returning serve | Run to kitchen line |
| Serving | Use third shot drop |
| At kitchen | Dink and be patient |
| High ball | Smash or attack |
| Defense | Reset with soft shot |
| Partner movement | Move together |
| Target | Hit to weaker player |
Conclusion
The best pickleball doubles strategy is not about hitting harder — it's about playing smarter as a team. Positioning, communication, and patience are what separate beginner players from advanced players.
If you and your partner:
- Move together
- Control the kitchen line
- Communicate clearly
- Use third shot drops
- Target the weaker opponent
You will win significantly more matches.
And remember — having a paddle you’re confident with also makes a big difference in control and soft shots. Many players prefer custom pickleball paddles because they provide better feel, confidence, and a bit of personality on the court.
FAQs About Pickleball Doubles Strategy
What is the best strategy for pickleball doubles?
The best strategy is to get to the kitchen line, move as a team, dink patiently, and attack high balls.
Who should cover the middle in doubles pickleball?
The player with the forehand in the middle should usually take the shot because forehands are stronger than backhands.
What is stacking in pickleball doubles?
Stacking is a strategy where teammates switch sides to keep their forehand in the middle or keep a stronger player in control.
Why do most points end at the kitchen line?
Because the team at the kitchen line has the best angle, fastest reaction time, and most control.
