If you’re looking for pickleball doubles rules, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll dive into must-know serving and kitchen rules, as well as strategies that’ll help you level up your game with your partner.
What are the basic pickleball doubles rules
Playing doubles in pickleball isn't just about having an extra pair of hands on the court; it's about strategy and coordination.
That said, here are a few basic rules to keep in mind:
The serve: Start the game with the right-hand server from your team.
Turns to serve: At the very start of the game, only the initial server serves until a fault (like hitting the net or landing out of bounds) is made. After that, the serve passes to the players on the opposing team. Once the serve returns to your team, the player who did not serve first now gets the opportunity to serve, and this rotation continues throughout the game.
Position switching: After each point scored by the serving team, the serving partners switch sides.
Like with keeping score in singles, only the serving team can score points, and the team that reaches 11 points with a 2-point lead wins the game.
Playing Doubles vs. Singles
While singles pickleball is about how fast you can dash and how hard you can hit, playing doubles is about how well you can play with others.
Beyond physical skill itself, you also need to develop strategies related to:
Communication and positioning: Good chat isn't just for post-game snacks. In a doubles game, you’ll need to constantly update each other on your positions and intended shots.
Shot selection and positioning: In doubles, choosing the right shot can be the difference between winning and losing a point. And let's not forget about positioning –— understanding where to be on the court in relation to your partner and the opponents.
Anticipation and adaptability: Being able to anticipate your partner's moves, as well as your opponents' shots, can be a game-changer. This requires a high level of adaptability, as you need to be ready to adjust your strategy on the fly based on the flow of the game.
In a nutshell, doubles pickleball is perfect for players looking for longer rallies who love a good team huddle and outsmarting the opponents as a duo.
Serving Rules
When it comes to pickleball doubles rules and serving, keep these essentials in mind:
Underhand serve: The serve must be underhand, and the paddle should be below waist level.
Diagonal serve: Aim to serve diagonally across the court, clearing the kitchen (or non-volley zone).
Serve rotation: When your team scores a point, you and your partner switch sides for the next serve. If your serve results in a fault, the serve then passes to your partner. However, if both you and your partner commit faults one after the other, your opponents get their turn to serve.
Kitchen Rules
The kitchen is an especially critical area in pickleball doubles. Players cannot volley (hit the ball in the air) while standing in the kitchen. This rule prevents players from dominating the net play and encourages a well-rounded game.
However, players can enter the kitchen to play balls that bounce but must leave immediately after playing their shot.
Getting Started in Doubles
Now that you’re familiar with pickleball doubles rules, you’re one step closer to hitting the court with a partner.
Use these tips to get your doubles game on:
Start playing with your partner: Begin by hitting some practice shots and playing some casual games to get a feel for each other's playing style.
Have skill sharpening sessions: Dedicate time to work on specific skills like those tricky volley shots or powerful groundstrokes.
Mix and match: Don't shy away from playing with different partners now and then. It’s a great way to learn new tactics and understand a variety of playing styles.
Whether you're just starting out with pickleball or shifting from a sport like tennis, coaching can make a huge difference. A good coach brings out the best in your game by tailoring strategies to fit your style, helping you gel with your partner, and even giving that much-needed morale boost.
Don’t wait — find top pickleball coaches near you, grab a partner and a paddle, and get ready to enjoy pickleball in a whole new way.