Hey there, pickleball enthusiasts! Are you looking to improve your doubles strategy on the pickleball court? Look no further, because we have got you covered with some expert tips. In a recent video by USA Pickleball, Stacey Townsend, Taylor, and Brandon, the pickleball pros from Boca Bridges Racket Club in Boca Raton, Florida, share their valuable insights. The video covers a range of essential tips, from serving tactics to shot placement and exploiting your opponent’s weaknesses. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player, these strategies will help elevate your game and bring you closer to mastering this exciting sport. So grab your paddle, watch the video, and get ready to have a blast on the pickleball courts!
Pickleball Doubles Strategy Tips
Pickleball is a sport that requires both physical and mental prowess. To excel in pickleball doubles, it is crucial to have a well-thought-out strategy. In this article, we will discuss ten strategy tips that can help you improve your performance on the pickleball court.
Strategy Tip #1: Target your opponent’s weaker side with your serve
The serve is the first shot of every rally and can set the tone for the entire point. When serving, try to target your opponent’s weaker side, which is often their backhand. By hitting your serve deep into the service box, you make it more challenging for your opponents to return it effectively. However, be mindful not to hit your serve out of bounds. Give yourself a little margin for error and try to keep the ball in play.
Strategy Tip #2: Hit the return of serve deep in your opponent’s court
Just like the serve, the return of serve is a crucial shot in pickleball doubles. Aim to hit your return deep into your opponent’s court, giving yourself a margin for error. A missed return of serve is an easy point for your opponents. Consider hitting most returns in the middle of the court to your opponent’s weaker side, especially if that weaker side is in the middle. Additionally, target the player who has a weaker third shot to put more pressure on them.
Strategy Tip #3: Get to the kitchen line
The kitchen line, also known as the non-volley zone, is a critical area in pickleball. Most points are won at the kitchen line, so it is crucial to get there as soon as possible. Adhere to pickleball’s two-bounce rule, which means letting both the serve and the return of serve bounce before approaching the kitchen line. Once you reach the kitchen line, make a shot selection and stick with it. Avoid second-guessing or changing your mind, as the time to make a decision and execute is only fractions of a second.
Strategy Tip #4: Play to your strengths and exploit your opponent’s weaknesses
To maximize your chances of success in pickleball doubles, it is vital to play to your strengths and exploit your opponent’s weaknesses. Identify your strengths, such as a powerful drive or lob, and use them strategically during the game. Likewise, identify your opponent’s weaknesses, such as a weak backhand or poor mobility, and adjust your game plan accordingly. Tailor your shots and strategies to take advantage of these strengths and weaknesses.
Strategy Tip #5: Dink cross court most of the time
Dinking is a crucial technique in pickleball doubles, especially in the non-volley zone. One effective tip for strong dinking is to hit most dinks cross court instead of straightforward or in the middle of the court. This strategy gives you the most margin for error, as the cross-court dink will travel over the lowest part of the net, which is in the middle. However, it’s important to mix up your dink shots to keep your opponents guessing and prevent them from predicting your moves.
Strategy Tip #6: Hit most shots down the middle of the court
Whether you’re playing doubles or singles, hitting shots down the middle of the court can be a highly effective strategy. Targeting the middle of the court offers the highest margin for error, giving you a better chance of placing the ball where you want it. Additionally, try to aim your shots at your opponent’s backhand in the middle since backhands are usually weaker. By doing so, you can increase the likelihood of forcing errors from your opponents.
Strategy Tip #7: Target your opponent’s backhand
Identifying and targeting your opponent’s weaker backhand can give you a significant advantage in the game. By hitting shots towards your opponent’s backhand, you put them under pressure and make it more challenging for them to execute strong shots. Exploit weak backhand drives and force your opponents into uncomfortable positions on the court.
Strategy Tip #8: Mix up your shots to stay unpredictable
One key to success in pickleball is to keep your opponents guessing. Vary your shot selection throughout the game to avoid being predictable. If you become too predictable, your opponents will start to anticipate your moves and gain an advantage. Surprise them with different shots, whether it’s a powerful drive, a soft dink, or a strategic lob. By staying unpredictable, you can keep your opponents on their toes and maintain control of the game.
Strategy Tip #9: Hit most dinks cross court
As mentioned earlier, hitting cross-court dinks can be a highly effective strategy. Cross-court dinking provides the most margin for error, making it harder for your opponents to return the ball effectively. While hitting most dinks cross court is recommended, it’s essential to mix up your dink shots to add variation to your game. By incorporating different dink techniques, you can keep your opponents guessing and prevent them from adjusting to your style.
Strategy Tip #10: Have fun and enjoy the game
Above all else, remember to have fun and enjoy the game of pickleball. While strategy plays a vital role in your performance, it’s important to relax, stay positive, and enjoy the process. Pickleball is a social sport meant to be enjoyed with friends and partners. So, embrace the challenges, celebrate successes, and make every game a memorable experience.
Implementing these ten strategy tips can help improve your doubles game in pickleball. Remember to practice and adapt these tips to your own playing style. Pickleball is a dynamic sport that requires agility, skill, and mental acuity. By refining your strategy and continuously honing your skills, you can elevate your performance and experience greater success on the pickleball court. So, grab your paddle, head to the court, and have a blast playing pickleball!