Pickleball is a fun sport for all ages. It is easy to learn and play with friends. Doubles pickleball is played with two players on each side. This article will help you understand how to play doubles pickleball.
What Is Doubles Pickleball?
Doubles pickleball has four players. Two players team up on each side. The court is the same size as singles pickleball. But teamwork is very important here.
Players must work together to cover the court. Good communication helps win points. Doubles pickleball is fast and exciting.
Basic Rules of Doubles Pickleball
Before you start, you need to know some simple rules.
- The game starts with a serve from the right side.
- The serve must go diagonally to the other side.
- Only the serving team can score points.
- The ball must bounce once on each side after the serve before volleys.
- Players cannot step into the non-volley zone (kitchen) when volleying.
Starting the Game
One player serves the ball. The ball goes diagonally across the net. The other team returns the ball. Then the rally begins. The ball must bounce once on each side before players hit it in the air.
After the serve and the return bounce, players can hit volleys. Volleys mean hitting the ball before it bounces.
Serving Rules in Doubles
When serving, stand behind the baseline. Hit the ball underhand below the waist. The ball must clear the net and land in the opposite diagonal court.
Each player on the serving team gets a chance to serve until the team loses the point. Then the other team serves.
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Scoring in Doubles Pickleball
Points can only be scored by the serving team. You play until one team reaches 11 points. But you must win by 2 points. So the game can go longer than 11.
Always say the score before each serve. Say the serving team’s score first, then the receiving team’s score. Also say which server is serving. For example: “6-3-1.”
Positions on the Court
In doubles, players stand side by side. One player is near the right side, the other near the left. After the serve, players move to the kitchen line to be ready.
Each player covers their half of the court. Good teamwork means covering the middle area well.
Who Covers The Middle?
The middle of the court is important. Both players must watch the middle closely. Usually, the player closer to the middle moves first to hit the ball.
Basic Shots in Doubles Pickleball
Here are the main shots you will use:
- Serve: Start the point by serving the ball.
- Return: Hit the ball back after the serve.
- Dink: Soft shot just over the net to the kitchen area.
- Volley: Hit the ball in the air without letting it bounce.
- Drive: Fast and hard shot to pressure opponents.
- Smash: Powerful shot to finish the point.
The Five P’s of Doubles Pickleball
To improve your play, remember these five P’s:
| P | Meaning | Why It Is Important |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Be ready before every serve or shot. | Helps you react faster and play better. |
| Position | Stand in the right place on the court. | Allows better coverage and teamwork. |
| Patience | Wait for the right moment to hit. | Stops mistakes and helps create good shots. |
| Placement | Hit the ball to smart spots on the court. | Makes it hard for opponents to return. |
| Power | Use strength to finish points. | Helps score points and win games. |
Serving and Staying Strategy
After serving, the server moves forward to the kitchen line. This helps control the net area. The partner stays near the baseline to cover deep shots.
This strategy balances the court. It makes your team ready for all shots.
How to Communicate in Doubles Pickleball
Talk to your partner during the game. Use simple words like “mine” or “yours.” This stops confusion about who will hit the ball.
Good communication helps avoid missed shots and mistakes.
Common Doubles Pickleball Strategies
Here are some easy strategies for doubles play:
- Attack the Middle: Try to hit the ball between opponents.
- Cover the Kitchen: Stay close to the non-volley zone line.
- Move Together: Both players should move as a team.
- Use Dinks: Soft shots to force errors.
- Keep the Ball Low: Low shots are harder to return.
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Difference Between Singles and Doubles Pickleball
In singles, you cover the entire court alone. It needs more speed and endurance. In doubles, you share the court with a partner. Teamwork and communication are key.
Doubles focuses more on soft shots and strategy. Singles focus more on power and speed.
Tips for New Doubles Players
- Practice serving and returning with your partner.
- Learn to move quickly and cover your side.
- Use soft dinks to control the game.
- Talk with your partner during every point.
- Stay calm and patient during the game.
What You Need to Play Doubles Pickleball
Here is a list of basic equipment:
| Equipment | Description |
|---|---|
| Pickleball Paddle | Light paddle used to hit the ball. |
| Pickleball | Plastic ball with holes, similar to a wiffle ball. |
| Net | Divides the court into two halves. |
| Proper Shoes | Good court shoes to prevent slipping. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Strategy For Double Pickleball?
The best doubles pickleball strategy focuses on preparation, court positioning, patience, precise ball placement, and controlled power. Communicate well and cover the middle to dominate. Maintain teamwork and anticipate opponents’ shots for effective defense and scoring opportunities.
What Are The 5 P’s Of Pickleball?
The 5 P’s of pickleball are Preparation, Position, Patience, Placement, and Power. These improve readiness, court awareness, timing, shot strategy, and shot strength. Mastering these principles helps players enhance their overall game and win more points effectively.
How Does Singles Pickleball Differ From Doubles?
Singles pickleball is one-on-one, requiring speed, stamina, and covering the full court alone. Doubles involves teamwork, communication, and shared court coverage, focusing more on strategy and positioning. Singles demands more physical endurance, while doubles emphasizes coordinated plays and softer shots like dinks.
What Is Nasty Nelson In Pickleball?
Nasty Nelson in pickleball is a fun doubles game rule. If a team loses a rally, both players sit out. They return only when their opponents lose next. This rule adds excitement and encourages teamwork during play.
Conclusion
Doubles pickleball is a fun way to play with friends. It needs teamwork and good communication. Learn the rules and practice the five P’s. Remember to position yourself well and be patient.
Use smart shots like dinks and volleys. Talk with your partner and cover the middle. These simple ideas will help you enjoy doubles pickleball.
Start playing today. Have fun on the court!