What is the best doubles strategy in pickleball for beginners?

The best beginner doubles strategy is to return deep, transition together to the kitchen line, and use high-percentage shots (drops, resets, and crosscourt dinks) to earn and hold net position. Avoid low-percentage winners from the baseline and focus on consistency and positioning.

Who should take the middle ball in doubles pickleball?

Most teams use a simple rule: forehands in the middle. The player whose forehand covers the middle takes the ball, especially at the kitchen line. Whatever rule you choose, agree on it before the game and use clear calls like “Mine” and “Yours.”

Should you drive or drop the third shot in doubles?

Choose the third shot that helps you earn the kitchen line. A third-shot drop is ideal when you can hit it reliably. A controlled drive or hybrid is often better when your drop is inconsistent or you have an attackable ball that can force a weak volley.

How do you communicate better with your doubles partner in pickleball?

Keep communication simple and consistent. Decide a middle-ball rule, call “Mine” or “Yours” early, and use “Switch” when you get pulled wide. Between points, make one specific adjustment at a time, like transitioning together behind drops.

Pickleball Doubles Strategy: Positioning, Communication, and Smart Shot Selection

A beginner-friendly pickleball doubles strategy guide. Learn smart positioning, who takes the middle ball, third-shot choices, and simple partner communication.

Doubles is the default format for pickleball, and it is also where the game becomes more about decision-making than pure athleticism. If you are new, it can feel chaotic: balls flying at the middle, partners drifting into the same space, and points ending on one rushed swing. The good news is that doubles strategy is learnable. If you can hold a few simple principles, your game gets cleaner fast.

Two pickleball partners at the net preparing for a point — Good doubles starts with shared positioning and clear responsibility, especially on balls hit to the middle.

The #1 goal in doubles: get both players to the kitchen line

Most recreational doubles points are decided by who establishes position at the non-volley zone (the kitchen) first, and who can stay there without popping the ball up. When both partners are set at the line, you can take time away from your opponents and apply pressure with controlled dinks, volleys, and well-timed speedups.

If you take only one thing from this guide, make it this: transition together. One up, one back is the most vulnerable formation in pickleball.

Basic positioning: side-by-side beats staggered

In standard doubles, your default should be side-by-side when you are both back and when you are both up. Staggering can happen for a moment during transition, but do not live there. The reasons are simple:

You cover angles better. Side-by-side closes the gaps that opponents target down the line and through the middle.
You reduce confusion. When you are aligned, it is easier to know which balls are yours.
You defend speedups better. A staggered team often leaves one player exposed to body shots and quick counters.

Who takes the middle ball? Decide before the point

The fastest way to improve doubles is to remove the “who has it?” hesitation. Create a simple rule with your partner:

Forehands in the middle (common rule): whichever player has the forehand toward the middle takes the ball, especially at the kitchen line.
Stronger player takes more middle (optional): if one player is clearly more comfortable resetting and countering, you can bias middle coverage that way.

Whatever you choose, say it out loud before you start. Then reinforce it with one word calls: “Mine,” “Yours,” and “Switch.”

Serve and return strategy that actually helps your team

Serving: prioritize depth and a simple third-shot

At most levels, a “good” serve is one that lands deep and keeps the returner back for an extra beat. You are not trying to ace anyone. You are trying to create a predictable next ball for your third shot.

Serve deep to the backhand when possible, it often produces a shorter, floatier return.
Watch the returner’s feet. If they are reaching or backing up, you earned a slower return.

Returning: hit deep, then get to the kitchen

The return is the most underrated “setup” shot in pickleball. Your job is to hit it deep enough to buy time, then move forward. Two tips:

Return deep through the middle for margin, it is often the safest target.
Move immediately after contact. Do not admire the shot. Your goal is to join your partner at the kitchen line.

Pickleball paddle and ball with players approaching the kitchen line — In doubles, the rally often turns on transition: can you reach the kitchen together without popping the ball up?

Third-shot choices: drop, drive, or hybrid

After the serve and return, the serving team usually hits a third shot while still back. You have three main options:

Third-shot drop: a soft shot that lands in the kitchen, designed to let you move forward.
Third-shot drive: a lower, faster ball meant to force a weak volley or pop-up.
Hybrid: a controlled drive (or “roll”) with topspin that dips, often the best choice when you cannot hit a perfect drop.

Beginner mistake: trying to hit a winner from the baseline. Instead, pick the shot that helps you earn net position. If your drop is inconsistent today, choose a safer hybrid and be ready for the next ball.

Target selection: play to the opponent’s feet and the weaker wing

Doubles is full of high-percentage targets that win points quietly:

Feet win rallies. A ball at the feet produces pop-ups and weak counters.
Middle creates confusion. Many points end because neither opponent wants the middle ball.
Attack the weaker volley. If one opponent struggles with backhand volleys or resets, test that side repeatedly.

Avoid the low-percentage habit of going down the line from a bad position. Crosscourt gives you more court to work with and more time to recover.

When to speed up (and when not to)

Speedups are effective when you are balanced and the ball is above net height. They are costly when you are reaching, late, or hitting up. A simple rule:

Speed up to a safe body target (hip or right shoulder for most right-handed backhands) when you are stable at the kitchen.
Reset when you are under pressure. If the ball is low and you feel rushed, your best play is often a soft reset back into the kitchen.

Partner communication: use simple, repeatable calls

You do not need complex signals to play good doubles. You need consistency. Try these:

Mine / Yours for middle balls.
Bounce to remind your partner not to volley near the kitchen line if they are drifting in.
Switch if you get pulled wide and need to exchange sides.

Between points, keep feedback specific and calm: “Let’s both come in behind our drops,” or “I’ll take more middle on forehand.”

A quick doubles checklist (use this during open play)

Are we transitioning together, or are we stuck one up, one back?
Do we have a clear middle-ball rule?
Are our returns deep enough to let us get to the kitchen?
Are we speeding up only from stable positions?
Are we targeting feet, middle, and the weaker wing instead of going for low-percentage lines?

What to do next

If you want the fastest improvement, pick one focus for your next session. For many players, the biggest win is simply returning deep and sprinting to the kitchen, then using drops and resets to stay there. Need a place to practice? Search PickleballCurator.com to find courts near you, then bring a partner and run 10-minute blocks: third-shot drops, transition resets, and crosscourt dink patterns.