10 Pickleball Doubles Strategies

Playing doubles in pickleball isn't just about hitting the ball—it’s a fast-paced chess match, where you and your partner need to outthink and outmaneuver your opponents. With the right strategies, you can turn a solid partnership into a winning duo. Here are ten pickleball doubles strategies that can give you an edge on the court.

1. Communication Is Key—Seriously!

You’ve probably heard this a million times, but let us tell you—communication can make or break your doubles game. Ever watched a match where two players accidentally crash into each other at the net? Yeah, that's what happens when communication goes out the window. Call out "yours" or "mine" every time. Even better, work out hand signals or simple code words before you start.

2. Master the Third Shot Drop

Ah, the third shot drop—the holy grail of pickleball strategy. This gentle shot just clears the net and lands softly in your opponent's kitchen, making it nearly impossible for them to hit a strong return. It’s not flashy, but it’s effective. If you can master this shot, you're well on your way to controlling the game. The key is to hit it softly enough that your opponents have to scramble and lift the ball, which sets you up for an aggressive follow-up shot. For more on the third shot, check out our "How to Master the 3rd Shot in Pickleball" blog.

3. Play to Each Other’s Strengths with Stacking

If you have one teammate with a strong forehand and another with a solid backhand, why not set yourselves up to maximize those strengths? Enter stacking. This technique lets you position both players so they’re using their dominant sides. Sure, it can look a little funky to have one player standing off the court after serving, but trust me—it works wonders when you need to cover weaknesses and highlight strengths.

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4. Get to the Net—and Stay There

In pickleball doubles, the net is prime real estate. The team that controls the net often controls the game. It’s where you can take faster shots, intercept passes, and put pressure on your opponents. Ideally, both you and your partner should rush to the net after the serve and stay there. But here’s the trick: don’t just hang around. Move side to side in unison with the ball to cut off angles and force your opponents to make mistakes.

Not sure what paddle to use for those quick net volleys? Check out all our pickleball paddle options to find the perfect match.

5. The Cross-Court Dink: Your Secret Weapon

If you haven’t embraced the dink yet, now’s the time. Especially in doubles, the cross-court dink is a quiet assassin. By aiming for sharp angles, you force your opponents to stretch and move more than they’d like. And guess what? The more you make them move, the better your chances of them messing up. Keep those dinks soft, slow, and just over the net, and watch the frustration build on the other side of the court.

6. Serve Smart, Not Hard

Let’s be real: in doubles, the serve isn’t the be-all and end-all. That said, a well-placed serve can still give you the upper hand. In terms of pickleball serving tips, we recommend aiming deep in the service box to keep your opponents pinned back. This forces them to hit a less aggressive return, buying you and your partner time to get to the net. As for your return? Send it deep, too—this will make it harder for the opposing team to get into position.

7. Stack and Attack!

Remember stacking? Well, it’s not just for serving—use it throughout the game to keep your team on the attack. If one of you is particularly strong at hitting aggressive forehands, you can use stacking to make sure they’re always in a position to hit those powerful shots. It may take some practice, but trust me, it’s a game-changer once you get the hang of it.

8. Aim for Their Feet

Want to win more points at the net? Aim your volleys at your opponents’ feet. Low balls are tricky to return, and when they’re forced to hit up, it gives you the chance to move in for a winning shot. It’s a great way to control the tempo of the game and keep the pressure on.

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9. Follow the Ball’s Path

One thing a lot of new players forget is to move with the ball. If the ball’s heading to your left, you and your partner should both shift that way to cover the court better. This minimizes gaps and makes it harder for your opponents to pass the ball between you. It's simple, but it's one of those tactics that can make a big difference in the heat of the game. Teams that consistently move together tend to win more points.

10. Patience Wins Games

Finally, it’s easy to get caught up in the fast pace of pickleball and go for that big, flashy shot. But doubles is all about patience. Instead of trying to end every point with a smash, focus on keeping the ball in play. Wait for your opponents to make a mistake, then capitalize on it. Consistency beats power in most cases.

And there you have it—ten strategies to help you and your partner dominate the pickleball doubles court. With a little practice and the right tactics, you’ll be well on your way to more wins. Need new gear for your next match? Check out our Advanced Pickleball Paddles and start playing like a pro!

For more tips and tricks on improving your game, be sure to check out our guide on Pickleball Singles Strategies.