In Pickleball, the doubles format requires not only individual skills but also seamless strategic coordination. Mastering the 10 core strategies below will help you and your partner gain the advantage, boost reaction speed, and score points more effectively on the court.
I. Fundamental Tactics – Seizing the Golden Position
1. Move Immediately to the Non-Volley Line (NVL) After the Return
This is a vital rule. Immediately after the partner serves, the returner must quickly move up to the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ) line. Taking control of the kitchen line allows you to dominate the net and forces your opponents to hit the ball high, creating attack opportunities.
2. Hit a Deep and Accurate Serve Return
Always aim to hit the serve return deep into the opponent’s court. This forces the receiving team back to the baseline, buying precious time for you and your partner to advance to the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ).
3. Master the Drop Shot (The Third Shot)
This is the most crucial strategic shot. After the serve return (the second shot), the serving team must execute the third shot. The Drop Shot (a soft shot that lands just over the net into the opponent’s NVZ) is the best way to allow both players on the serving team to safely advance to the kitchen line without being attacked.
II. Offensive Tactics – Applying Pressure on the Opponent
4. Execute a Strong Fourth Shot Attack (Attack when opponents are not yet at the NVL)
If your opponent’s serve return is short or their third shot drop is flawed and sits up high, capitalize on the fourth shot to attack powerfully. Target your opponent’s feet or hit down the sideline to force them into a passive defense.
5. Target the Opponent’s Feet and the Middle of the Court
- Target the Feet: Always hit the ball low over the net, aiming directly at the opponent’s feet. This makes it difficult for them to return the ball high without committing a fault.
- Target the Middle: Hitting the ball between the two opponents can cause communication breakdown and hesitation, often leading to unforced errors.
6. Poaching (The Snap Attack)
Poaching occurs when a player anticipates the opponent’s shot intended for their partner and quickly moves (cuts across) to intercept the ball and win the point. This tactic requires excellent non-verbal communication and high-level synergy.
III. Advanced Tactics – Controlling the Game
7. Dinking (Soft Shots in the Kitchen Zone)
When both teams are at the kitchen line (NVL), the Dinking strategy (hitting soft, controlled shots just over the net and into the opponent’s NVZ) becomes paramount. Be patient and Dink until your opponent makes a mistake, hitting the ball too high and creating an opening for your decisive Smash (Kill Shot).
8. Utilizing Spin
Various types of spin (topspin, sidespin, underspin) can change the trajectory of the ball in unpredictable ways, making it difficult for the opponents to return, especially when the ball bounces near the kitchen line.
9. Stacking (Optimized Positioning)
Stacking is the tactic of switching positions after the serve or return to ensure the player with the strongest forehand (usually the right-handed player on the right side) is always in the most advantageous position, particularly in the central court area.
10. Maintain Proper Spacing and Continuous Communication
Always maintain a distance of 0.5 – 1 meter between you and your partner to optimize court coverage. Continuous communication (who takes which ball, whether to poach or not) is the key to avoiding confusion and maximizing performance.
IV. The Perfect Place to Practice and Connect in Da Nang
Mastering these 10 strategies requires consistent practice and an ideal environment. Don’t just stop at theory!
✨ Ariyana Pickleball Centre is proud to be the premier, standard Pickleball destination in Da Nang, providing the perfect space for you and your partner to test and refine every strategy from basic to advanced.
Especially, if you want to practice tactics, meet new people, and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere, join our program:
SOCIAL PICKLEBALL NIGHT! VNĐ 60,000/ PERSON | NO PARTNER NEEDED – JUST HAVE FUN AT ARIYANA PICKLEBALL CENTRE
Pickleball is where we meet, play, and bond!
- Time: Every Saturday | 6:00 – 8:00 PM
- Location: Ariyana Pickleball Centre (part of Furama – Ariyana Danang International Tourism Complex)
- Cost: Only VNĐ 60,000/ Guest
Come to Ariyana Pickleball Centre to discover your passion and take your doubles strategy to a new level!
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T: 0236 651 8888
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