The Crucial Role of the Server in Pickleball Doubles: A Must-Read Guide
Pickleball - it's the game that's taken the world by storm, combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong to create a fast-paced, action-packed sport that's perfect for all ages and skill levels. And if you're looking to up your pickleball game, there's no better way to do it than by mastering doubles play. But before you hit the court, you'll need to know the ins and outs of doubles rules, from serving to scoring and everything in between. That's why in this article, we'll break down the most important rules for doubles play, as well as explore the role of the server, common strategies for doubles play. So grab your paddles, lace up your court shoes, and get ready to take your pickleball game to the next level - it's doubles time!
Pickleball Rules for Doubles
Serving Rules in Doubles
Serving is a crucial aspect of pickleball doubles, and it's important to know the rules to avoid faults. In doubles, the server must serve diagonally cross-court into the opposite service court, and the serve must clear the non-volley zone (kitchen) and its line. The server gets only one serve attempt. The serve can be hit as a volley serve (the ball is struck out of the air with an upward arc, with the paddle head below the wrist and contact below the navel) or as a drop serve (the ball is dropped and struck after it bounces, with no restrictions on paddle height or arm motion). On a serve, the server's feet cannot touch the court inside the baseline.
The server serves from the right-hand side when the serving team's score is even and from the left-hand side when it is odd. The serving team's players switch sides after each point they win, while the receiving team's players stay where they are until they win the serve.
Strategies for Serving in Doubles
To gain an advantage in doubles, players should master a few types of serves, such as the deep serve, the drive serve, and the softer, high-arcing lob serve. A deep serve pushes the returner back toward the baseline, while a faster drive serve can jam the returner. Mixing in a short, soft serve can keep returners from stepping in. Aiming deep and toward the corners (or at the receiver's weaker side) makes the return harder.
The Role of the Server in Pickleball Doubles
The server starts every rally and sets the tone for it. A deep, consistent serve limits the receiving team's options, while a short or out serve gives the receiving team the ball or the serve. It's important for the server to communicate with their partner and decide on a serving strategy before the match. Consistency and accuracy matter more than power, so practice your technique.
Scoring Rules in Doubles
In traditional side-out scoring, only the serving team can score a point. Games are usually played to 11 points and must be won by 2, with matches commonly best 2 of 3 games, although some events play to 15 or 21. Some leagues and tournaments use rally scoring, where either team can score on every rally. The two-bounce rule applies: the serve must bounce before it is returned, and the serving team must then let the return bounce before hitting it. After those two bounces, volleys and groundstrokes are both allowed. If the serving team wins the rally, it scores a point and the same server continues serving. If the receiving team wins the rally, that server's turn ends: the partner serves next, or, if both partners have already served, the serve passes to the other team.
In doubles, each player on a team gets to serve before the serve passes to the other team. This is why the score is called with three numbers: the serving team's score, the receiving team's score, and whether the server is the first (1) or second (2) server. At the start of a game, the first serving team only gets one server (the score is called 0-0-2).
Faults in Doubles
Common faults include serving out of bounds or into the net, a serve that lands in the kitchen, a foot fault on the serve, volleying while standing in the non-volley zone, hitting the ball out of bounds or into the net during a rally, and failing to let the ball bounce on the serve and return. Touching the net with your paddle or body during a rally is also a fault. Communicate with your partner and stay aware of your positioning to avoid these faults.
The Role of the Server in Pickleball Doubles
The serve is a crucial aspect of pickleball doubles because it sets the tone for the rally. A well-executed serve can put the receiving team on the defensive, while a poorly executed serve can give the receiving team an advantage.
Importance of the Serve in Doubles
The serve is the only shot in pickleball that starts entirely under one player's control, with no opponent shot to react to. It is the only time the server can dictate the pace, spin and placement of the ball without pressure. A good serve can put the receiving team on the defensive, giving the serving team an opportunity to take control of the rally.
In doubles, the serve also sets up the serving team's third shot. A deep serve that forces a weak return gives the serving team time to move forward and take over the net. A poor serve can give the receiving team an opportunity to attack.
Different Types of Serves in Doubles
The most common serve is the underhand serve, hit with an upward arc below the waist. It is the easiest to learn and the most widely used.
Many players add spin to the serve by brushing the ball with the paddle. Topspin serves bounce higher and deeper and can be effective against players who struggle with high bounces. Slice or backspin serves bounce lower and can be effective against players who struggle with low bounces. Spin must come from the paddle strike itself; spinning or manipulating the ball with the hand before the serve is not allowed under USA Pickleball rules (see our article on banned spin serves).
Strategies for Serving in Doubles
One of the most important serving strategies is to aim for the receiver's weaker side. If the receiver has a weaker backhand, for example, aim for the backhand side. Another strategy is to mix up the types of serves, which keeps the receiving team off balance.
Finally, communication between the server and their partner is crucial. Agreeing on the serve plan helps the partner anticipate the return and be in the best position to take control of the rally.
Conclusion
The serve is a crucial aspect of pickleball doubles. By using different types of serves and communicating effectively with their partner, the server can keep the receiving team off balance and take control of the rally.
Common Pickleball Doubles Strategies
Playing doubles pickleball requires a different set of skills and strategies than playing singles. Some of the most common strategies used by successful doubles teams include stacking, poaching, and communication.
Stacking
Stacking is a strategy where both partners start the point on the same side of the court and then move to their preferred sides after the serve, instead of lining up in the standard positions based on the score. Teams use it to keep a player's forehand in the middle, to put a left-hander and right-hander on the sides they prefer, or to keep a stronger player in a certain spot. Stacking is legal because only the server and the receiver must be in specific positions when the ball is served; their partners can stand anywhere on their own side. It can also leave a side open if players are slow to switch, so partners need to communicate and practice it.
Poaching
Poaching is a strategy where one player moves across into their partner's side of the court to intercept a ball. It can disrupt the opposing team's rhythm and end points quickly. A fake poach, where a player pretends to move across and then returns, can confuse opponents. Poaching can be risky, however, as it can leave an open lane if the ball goes past you, so partners should coordinate their poaching efforts.
Communication and Teamwork in Doubles
Effective communication and teamwork are essential for success in doubles pickleball.
Doubles teams should communicate constantly, using verbal cues and hand signals to coordinate their movements and anticipate each other's shots.
One important aspect of communication is calling the ball.
Doubles teams should clearly communicate who will take the shot and avoid collisions on the court.
Another important aspect is providing feedback to each other, such as pointing out areas for improvement or praising good shots.
In addition to communication, doubles teams should also work together to cover the court and anticipate each other's movements.
This requires trust and a deep understanding of each other's playing styles.
By mastering these common doubles strategies and working together as a team, pickleball players can take their game to the next level and enjoy even more success on the court.
Conclusion
From serving to communication, Pickleball doubles is a vibrant and exciting sport with plenty of room for strategy and flair. With clear rules for serving, scoring, and faults, you'll be well-equipped for on-court success. Remember to focus on your serve as a key element in doubles play, experimenting with different strategies and types of serves. And when it comes to teamwork and strategy, options like stacking and poaching allow for both surprise and coordination. Of course, you'll need the right equipment to truly excel, from the perfect paddle to comfortable footwear. So go ahead and grab some friends, head to the court, and serve up a fun and dynamic game of Pickleball doubles!
