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Mastering the art of being an excellent pickleball doubles partner is about much more than just skill and technique. It encompasses a broad spectrum of qualities from communication and adaptability to a deep understanding of the game itself. Whether you're a seasoned player aiming for the top of tournament leaderboards or a casual enthusiast looking to enjoy your time on the court, the principles of good partnership remain consistent.
Here are ten crucial tips to help you improve your game and enhance your synergy with your partner:
10 Ways To Be A Good Pickleball Doubles Partner
1. Prioritize Enjoyment
Pickleball should always be enjoyable. Amidst competition, it's easy to forget this simple truth. But whether you're aiming for specific goals or simply playing for fun, keeping the joy alive on the court not only lightens the atmosphere but also relieves the pressure on your partnership. When both players are relaxed and having fun, performance tends to improve, making matches enjoyable regardless of the outcome.
2. Communicate
Communication is the cornerstone of a cohesive team, both on and off the court. Clear and confident communication during play enhances performance, while honest and open discussions outside the game foster trust and understanding. Avoid the pitfalls of backhanded remarks or concealed frustrations by openly sharing ideas and strategies.
3. Be Positive
Positivity is a game-changer in pickleball. Regardless of the situation or match outcome, staying upbeat is crucial. Your partner also shouldn't have to expend energy picking up your mood. Embracing positivity helps turn negative situations around and sustains you through long tournament days. Save your energy for the game, not for dwelling on setbacks.
Here's some strategies to help you with your mindset: The Inner Game Of Pickleball
4. Be Adaptable
Pickleball demands adaptability like few other sports. With potentially long waits between matches on tournament days and varied game formats in a single day, if you are playing more than one event, resilience is vital. Flexibility extends beyond tournament logistics to on-court strategies. Be ready to adjust your play style and tactics based on your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses, turning unexpected challenges into opportunities.
5. Know Your Role
Each player in a doubles team has a distinct role. Politeness or lack of confidence in your shots can lead to miscommunication. Know your role, but remain flexible to meet the game's demands. Effective communication ensures clarity and smooth transitions between roles, especially in intense gameplay scenarios.
6. Practice Together
Regular practice with your partner is essential for building a cohesive team. Focus on drills that enhance teamwork, such as court coverage and seamless position switching. It also helps to practice with someone you know who can be honest about where they think you can improve, which leads us into point number 7!
7. Learn Together
After each game, take time to reflect on what worked well and what didn't. This continuous learning process allows for ongoing improvement and adaptation of strategies. Celebrate successes together and set goals for future matches, fostering a supportive and dynamic partnership.
8. Practice The Serve and Return
The serve and return are pivotal moments in a doubles game, setting the tone for each point. Practice these fundamental skills with your partner to ensure confidence and precision in starting points aggressively and putting pressure on opponents from the outset.
Here's two of our articles to help you Master both the serve and the return:
1 - Master The Return of Serve in Pickleball: Tips & Techniques
2 - How To Attack Using Your Pickleball Serve
Also here's a guide to the latest 2024 rules from TopspinPro Affiliate Ed Ju:
9. Enter A Variety Of Tournaments
It’s better to start off small and enter some smaller tournaments. This allows you to practice some of your tactics and learn to work as a team. Once you start entering bigger and more important tournaments, scatter in some smaller ones to keep practicing and evolving.
10. Develop Strategies
Before the game, discuss strategies that both of you are comfortable with. Try to learn them inside out so you are confident calling on them during a match. Whether you decide to focus on a particular opponent's weakness or play a specific style (like driving hard shots or playing more defensively with dinks), make sure both partners are on the same page.
Summary
To excel in pickleball, prioritize enjoyment alongside competition. Effective communication fosters cohesion on and off the court, while maintaining a positive attitude sustains resilience through challenges. Adaptability is key in this dynamic sport, as is understanding and fulfilling your role within the team. Regular practice with your partner builds trust and skill, complemented by a shared commitment to continuous learning and growth. Mastering fundamental skills like serving and returning sets the stage for success, while diversified tournament participation offers valuable experience. Finally, strategic alignment ensures both partners are prepared to face any opponent with confidence and unity.
FAQs
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How important is enjoyment in pickleball doubles?
Enjoyment is crucial in pickleball doubles. Keeping the game fun lightens the atmosphere and relieves pressure, improving performance and making matches more enjoyable regardless of the outcome.
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Why is communication important in pickleball doubles?
Communication is the cornerstone of a cohesive team. Clear and confident communication during play enhances performance, while honest discussions outside the game foster trust and understanding, preventing misunderstandings and frustrations.
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How does positivity affect pickleball doubles performance?
Positivity is a game-changer, helping to maintain an upbeat attitude regardless of the situation. It ensures your energy is focused on the game, not on dwelling on setbacks, which can turn negative situations around and sustain you through long tournaments.
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Why is adaptability important in pickleball?
Adaptability is vital due to the dynamic nature of pickleball. Players must adjust to varied game formats and opponent strategies, turning unexpected challenges into opportunities, and ensuring resilience through long tournament days.
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What is the role of practicing together in pickleball doubles?
Regular practice with your partner builds a cohesive team. It enhances teamwork through drills focused on court coverage and position switching, fostering trust and allowing for honest feedback and continuous improvement.
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3 comments
I love that enjoyment is #1. There’s always the handful that suck the joy out of a fun game that doesn’t matter, just to win. Who cares? Who remembers who “won”? Go. Have fun. Make memories.
The fun times are the most important thing!
The two-handed backhand drive has gained its advantages in TENNIS as it more suits the high-bouncing topspin of the modern game. The pickleball bounce, however, is relatively low. Therefore, beginners should learn the one-handed backhand.
The only players that should utilize two-handed backhands in pickleball are accomplished tennis players who already have a well-developed and reliable two-hander…