Pickleball is often described as chess played at 40 miles per hour with a wiffle ball. While power and reflexes help, doubles matches are overwhelmingly won by the team with superior court positioning and patience. Here are the 7 core strategic tenets every beginner should adopt.
Rule 1: Race to the Kitchen Line
The team that controls the Non-Volley Zone (the 7-foot kitchen line) wins over 70% of points in doubles pickleball. As the receiving team, the non-returner should already stand at the kitchen line before the serve. As the returner, your goal is to hit a deep return and immediately hustle up to join your partner at the line.
Rule 2: Master the Third Shot Drop
When serving, both you and your partner must start behind the baseline to honor the two-bounce rule. Instead of driving a hard smash into ready opponents at the net, hit a soft, arching third shot drop that lands harmlessly in their kitchen. This forces them to hit upward, allowing you and your partner to advance safely to the net.
Rule 3: Keep Serves and Returns Deep
A short serve or shallow return gives opponents an easy angle to attack. Aim for the back foot of your opponent's baseline to keep them pinned back.
Rule 4: Attack Down the Middle
The center line between doubles partners creates confusion over who takes the ball. When in doubt, hit hard down the center line—even seasoned partners will often hesitate or clash paddles.
Rule 5: Keep Score Stress-Free
Worrying about score calls disrupts mental focus. Track your practice matches and rec league tournaments with Dink to keep your focus squarely on court tactics.