Good pickleball players think beyond the ball they are hitting. They choose shots that help them move forward, coordinate court coverage with their partner, and prepare for the reply before it arrives. These four advanced doubles strategies can help you bring that same intention to your game.
1. Give Your Fifth-Shot Drop a Target
The drive-drop combination uses a third-shot drive to set up an easier fifth-shot drop and a path to the kitchen. The goal of the drive is to create a manageable next ball, so placement and control matter.
Dial back the drive: Aim for roughly 60–70% power and a ball that dips over the net. Keep your upper body loose and let your lower body supply the power for a smooth whipping motion.
Keep the fifth in front of you: After the drive, look to drop through the middle or back toward your own side, especially when the reply comes into the middle of the court. The middle also gives you the lowest part of the net.
Consider your partner: Automatically sending that fifth shot crosscourt can put the next attack in front of your partner and leave you stretched trying to cover the response. Keeping the ball in front of you helps you apply pressure as you move forward.
2. Agree on Your Return Target Before the Point
A return plan gives both partners a head start on positioning. Talk about which opponent you intend to return to so you can cover the likely third shot and prepare for your fourth.
Assign the line and middle: If you return down your own line and move up to cover it, your partner knows to cover the middle. If you return down your partner’s line, they cover that sideline while you move toward the middle.
Use simple signals: The player at the kitchen can signal a target before the serve. The returner can agree or ask for a different target.
Take away the easier options: Coordinated positioning helps you cover higher-percentage replies and reduces confusion about who should take the middle ball.
3. Anticipate the Counter With Triangle Theory
A speedup should start a combination. Think about where the counter is likely to travel, then move into position for the next ball.
Follow the angle: The video’s triangle theory describes how an angled speedup often produces an angled counter. After attacking toward the middle or across an opponent’s body, slide toward the expected reply.
Prepare for a line response: When you attack down the line, be ready for the ball to come back down that line. Your partner can shift toward the middle as you cover your side.
Treat it as anticipation: Opponents can redirect the ball. Use the likely response to prepare your feet and paddle while staying alert to what they actually do.
4. Be Ready to Clean Up the Chaos You Create
You know when you are about to speed up a ball, and you often recognize a poor dink before your partner does. Use that early awareness to prepare for the next shot.
Own your speedup: When you initiate a fast exchange, expect a counter. Be mentally ready and positioned to handle the next ball instead of watching your attack.
React to your own popup: If you leave a high or attackable dink in the middle, anticipate a speedup. Slide into position and get your paddle ready rather than assuming your partner will handle it.
Recover immediately: Recognizing a mistake is useful only if you respond. Preparing for the attack gives you a chance to keep the point alive.
Watch 4 Advanced Pickleball Strategies Pros Use on the PlayPickleball.com YouTube channel to see these concepts demonstrated.