Doubles Pickleball Strategy: Communication & Teamwork Tips To Win More Matches

Doubles pickleball is fast, dynamic, and—above all—requires seamless teamwork. Unlike singles play, where individual athleticism can often carry a match, doubles demands coordination, communication, and mutual trust. From recreational rallies to competitive tournaments, great teams aren’t just built on skill—they’re built on strategy.

So how do you and your partner become a force to be reckoned with on the court? Let’s break it down.

Source: ThatPickleballGuy - Kyle Koszuta (YouTube)

1. Communication Is The Core Of Every Great Doubles Team

In doubles pickleball, silence is your enemy. Top teams are in constant conversation—calling shots, announcing intentions, and giving encouragement. But effective communication goes beyond simply saying “mine” or “yours.”

• Call out the bounce: "Out!" or "Let it go!" can save you from giving away free points.

• Anticipate poaches: Let your partner know when you’re crossing over to take a shot.

• Positive reinforcement: A simple “nice shot” or “we’ve got this” can keep morale high and momentum going.

Pro tip: Establish hand signals or verbal cues before matches to indicate plays like switching sides or planned drops.

2. Know Your Roles—And Play To Each Other’s Strengths

Every player has different strengths. One may have lightning-quick hands at the net, while the other delivers consistent third-shot drops. Knowing and embracing these roles allows you to maximize your team’s potential.

• Stacking can help position players on their preferred sides (e.g., a right-handed player with a strong forehand in the middle).

• Shot selection should complement each other. If one partner lobs, the other should be ready to defend.

Remember: success comes from synergy, not ego.

3. Move As A Unit—Stay Connected

Think of doubles as a synchronized dance. You don’t want to leave massive gaps or collide mid-play. Great teams move laterally in unison, maintaining court coverage and control.

• Stay spaced—about 6 to 8 feet apart.

• Slide together—if one moves left, the other should shadow that movement.

• No-man’s-land? Avoid it together. Transition smartly from baseline to kitchen.

Pro tip: Always know where your partner is without needing to look. That level of awareness is what separates good teams from great ones.

4. Master The Soft Game As A Duo

In doubles, dinks, drops, and resets are the tools that win points—especially at higher levels. If both partners can control the pace and placement of soft shots, they’ll frustrate aggressive opponents and create winning opportunities.

• Dink diagonally and patiently to move opponents out of position.

• Reset under pressure when pushed deep or wide.

• Avoid unforced errors by playing smarter, not harder.

And most importantly: resist the temptation to “go for it” every time. Let your team’s strategy unfold point by point.

5. Build Trust—And Stick With It

Every team hits rough patches. Miscommunication happens. But the foundation of success is trust. Trust your partner’s judgment. Trust they’ll cover their side. Trust they’ll bounce back after a missed shot.

• Avoid body language that signals frustration.

• Don’t correct or coach your partner mid-match.

• Celebrate the highs, and ride out the lows—together.

Winning teams trust the process—and each other.

Final Thoughts: Strategy Is A Two-Way Street

Doubles pickleball isn’t about having two singles players on the court. It’s about becoming a team—one that moves in sync, communicates instinctively, and adapts together. With the right strategy and a strong partnership, you’ll not only win more matches—you’ll enjoy every moment on court that much more.

So grab your partner, sync your signals, and start playing like a true duo.