What is the most important pickleball doubles strategy?

Getting both players to the kitchen line and keeping the ball low. The team that controls the line usually controls the point.

Where should I hit the ball in doubles?

To the middle when unsure, and at the feet of whichever opponent is further back or out of position.

Pickleball Doubles Strategy for Beginners

4 video lessons

Get to the line, hit to the middle, stay patient.

Quick answer & tips ▾

Most recreational pickleball points are won by the team that gets both players to the kitchen line first and stays patient there. After returning serve, follow your return in. On the serving side, use a drop or a deep drive to buy time to move forward together.

When in doubt, hit to the middle: it shrinks your opponents' angles and can cause confusion between them. Move as a pair, as if connected by a rope, so there is never a big gap down the middle or the sideline.

Key tips

Hit a deep return, then move to the kitchen line.
Middle balls go to the player with the forehand, unless you agree otherwise.
Keep the ball low and make your opponents hit up.
Talk constantly: "mine", "yours" and "bounce" save points.

FAQ

What is the most important pickleball doubles strategy?: Getting both players to the kitchen line and keeping the ball low. The team that controls the line usually controls the point.
Where should I hit the ball in doubles?: To the middle when unsure, and at the feet of whichever opponent is further back or out of position.