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Why Doubles Is the Heart of Pickleball
If you have ever watched a busy pickleball court, you have probably noticed that most games are doubles. According to USA Pickleball, the doubles format accounts for the vast majority of recreational play across North America. The reason is simple: doubles is social, fast-paced, and allows players of all skill levels to compete together.
Whether you are stepping on the court for your first doubles match or trying to sharpen your game after a few seasons, solid strategy makes a huge difference. Raw athleticism can only carry you so far. Smart positioning, purposeful shot selection, and clear communication with your partner are what separate teams that win consistently from teams that rely on luck.
If you are still getting comfortable with the basics, our beginner's guide to pickleball covers everything you need to know before jumping into strategy.
Court Positioning: The Foundation of Every Point
Positioning is the single most important strategic concept in doubles. Where you and your partner stand on the court determines what shots are available to you, and what shots you take away from your opponents.
The "Both Up" Formation
The strongest position in doubles is having both players at the non-volley zone line (the kitchen line). When both of you are at the net, you cut off angles, reduce your opponents' reaction time, and put pressure on every return. Your primary goal on every point should be to get both players to the kitchen line as quickly as possible.
Stacking for Better Coverage
Stacking is a positioning technique where both players line up on the same side of the court before the serve or return. After the ball is hit, each player slides to their preferred side. This is especially useful when one player has a stronger forehand and you want to keep forehands in the middle.
Stacking takes practice, but it gives your team more flexibility. Start by trying it on just the return side, where you have more time to set up, before using it on the serving side.