An enthusiastic pickleball competitor and sports fanatic, Benjamin Feil has been immersed in the world of pickleball for over half a decade. He has participated in a wealth of tournaments nationwide, showcasing his skills on the court. With a passion for sharing his in-depth understanding and experiences of the game, Benjamin aims to assist players of varying abilities to elevate their performance and appreciate the sport.
Playing pickleball doubles is a great way to enjoy the game with friends or family. It's a fast-paced, exciting game that requires teamwork, strategy, and communication. In this tutorial, I'll walk you through the basics of how to play pickleball doubles, including the rules, strategy, and tips to help you improve your game.
First, let's start with the rules. Pickleball doubles is played on a court that is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. The net is set at 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches high in the middle. The game is played with a paddle and a plastic ball that has holes in it. The objective of the game is to hit the ball over the net and into the opponent's court without them being able to return it. The first team to reach 11 points, with a lead of at least 2 points, wins the game.
Now, let's talk about strategy. In pickleball doubles, positioning is key. Each team has two players, one at the net and one at the back of the court. The player at the net is responsible for hitting volleys and blocking shots, while the player at the back of the court is responsible for hitting groundstrokes and serving. It's important to communicate with your partner and decide who will take each shot. You should also try to keep your opponents guessing by hitting shots to different areas of the court.
Another important aspect of pickleball doubles is serving. The serving team must serve the ball underhand and hit it diagonally across the net. The ball must land in the opponent's service court and bounce once before they can return it. If the ball hits the net and goes over, it's called a "let" and the serve is replayed. The serving team must also alternate sides after each point.
Finally, let's talk about tips to improve your game. One of the best ways to improve your pickleball doubles game is to practice your footwork. You should be light on your feet and ready to move quickly to get to the ball. You should also work on your paddle skills, including your grip, swing, and follow-through. Another tip is to watch your opponents and try to anticipate their shots. This will give you a better chance of returning the ball and winning the point. For more tips to improve your pickleball doubles game, check out our article.
In conclusion, playing pickleball doubles is a fun and exciting way to enjoy the game with friends or family. By following the rules, using strategy, and practicing your skills, you can improve your game and become a better player. So grab your paddle, find a partner, and get out on the court!