Pickleball Doubles Strategy: How to Win More Games (Beginner to Intermediate Guide)

If you’ve started playing regularly, you’ve probably realised something: pickleball isn’t just about hitting the ball — it’s about positioning and strategy.

Whether you’re new or improving, understanding pickleball doubles strategy is the fastest way to win more points and enjoy the game more. This guide breaks down simple tactics used by players across England to level up quickly.

Why Doubles Strategy Matters in Pickleball

Most pickleball in England is played as doubles. Because the court is smaller, teamwork and positioning matter more than power.

Players who understand strategy will beat stronger hitters every time.

1. Get to the Kitchen Line (As Fast As Possible)

The most important rule in pickleball strategy:

👉 Always move up to the kitchen line.

Why:

• You control the net

• You reduce your opponent’s angles

• You can volley instead of defending

After serving and returning:

• Let the ball bounce (two-bounce rule)

• Then move forward immediately

Beginners often stay at the baseline — this is a big mistake.

2. Play as a Team (Stay Side by Side)

In doubles, positioning is everything.

Correct positioning:

[ You ]   [ Partner ]

Incorrect:

[ You ]        [ Partner ]

Always move together:

• If your partner moves left → you move left

• If they move forward → you move forward

This prevents gaps your opponents can exploit.

3. Keep the Ball Low (Dinking)

“Dinking” is a soft shot that lands in the kitchen.

Why it matters:

• Forces opponents to hit upward

• Slows the game down

• Creates attack opportunities

Instead of hitting hard every time, focus on:

• control

• placement

• patience

This is where most rallies are won.

4. Don’t Rush the Smash

New players often try to smash everything.

Better approach:

• Wait for a high ball

• Then attack

If you smash from a low position, you’ll likely:

• hit into the net

• or give away an easy return

Pickleball rewards smart shots over aggressive ones.

5. Target the Middle

One of the simplest winning strategies:

👉 Hit the ball down the middle.

Why:

• Causes confusion between opponents

• Reduces angles

• Increases error rate

This works especially well against new players.

6. Communicate Constantly

Winning teams talk.

Use simple calls:

• “Mine”

• “Yours”

• “Out”

Communication avoids:

• collisions

• missed shots

• hesitation

Even basic communication gives you an advantage.

7. Return Deep, Then Move Forward

On return of serve:

• Aim deep toward baseline

• Then move quickly to the kitchen

This gives you time to get into position and neutralises the server’s advantage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many players in England make the same early mistakes:

• Staying at the baseline too long

• Trying to hit every ball hard

• Not moving with their partner

• Ignoring the kitchen line

• Poor communication

Fixing these alone will dramatically improve your game.

Where to Practice Pickleball Strategy

The best way to improve is by playing regularly with different partners and opponents. Many pickleball clubs in England run:

• social sessions

• mixed ability games

• beginner-friendly play

These environments are perfect for learning strategy in real matches.

Start Winning More Games

Pickleball strategy isn’t complicated — but it makes a huge difference. Focus on positioning, teamwork, and smart shot selection, and you’ll improve quickly.

Find a local game, put these tips into practice, and you’ll start seeing results almost immediately.

Pickleball is growing fast across England — now’s the perfect time to level up your game.