6 Pickleball Doubles Strategies Beginner Players MUST Learn

Most beginner doubles teams think pickleball is about hitting harder. But one team can lose 11-1 without ever being outplayed by power — simply because they keep giving away position, space, and easy points. This breakdown covers six doubles pickleball strategies that can turn a confused, scrambling beginner team into a more organized and difficult team to beat. From getting to the kitchen line together to moving as a unit, these small changes can completely change how you play. We look at why staying at the baseline leaves you stuck in defense, how a gap between partners becomes an easy target, and why the best teams move side to side like there's a string connecting them. Then there's the shot beginners often try to attack when they should be patient: the soft ball in the transition zone. Instead of swinging hard from an awkward position, the smarter play is to soften the shot, drop it into the kitchen, and take one controlled step forward. Dinking is another major part of the game. That soft shot may look boring, but keeping the ball low forces opponents to stay patient and creates chances for them to make the first mistake. But there's a catch — when the ball sits up high and slow, that's when patience needs to turn into an attack. From calling “forehand takes the middle” to communicating on every 50-50 ball, these doubles pickleball strategies are built around one simple idea: good teams don't just hit better shots. They make better decisions together. Which of these six strategies are you going to try in your next pickleball game? Or is there another doubles habit that completely changed the way you play? Share your experience in the comments. #Pickleball #PickleballTips #DoublesPickleball #PickleballStrategy #PickleballBeginners