Great doubles teams don’t just hit great shots—they work together seamlessly. The best partners move as a unit, communicate effectively, and cover the court strategically. When you and your partner are in sync, you force your opponents into challenging situations while setting yourselves up for success.
The String Theory: Moving As One
Court positioning is everything in doubles. If you and your partner move independently, gaps open up, giving opponents easy putaways. Instead, think of yourselves as connected by an invisible string—when one player moves, the other adjusts accordingly.
For example, players should advance together to control the kitchen. If one player stays back while the other moves forward, it creates an easy target for opponents to attack. By staying level with your partner and keeping a balanced court presence, you reduce vulnerabilities and put pressure on your opponents.
The X Rule: Covering the Middle
Many points in doubles are won or lost in the middle of the court. Who should take the middle shot? One of the biggest misconceptions when covering the middle is that the forehand always takes the shot, which is not the case in pickleball. Instead, follow The X Rule. The X Rule is a movement principle that helps doubles partners cover the middle court efficiently.
For example, if the ball is being hit diagonally across the court, your partner has to cover the line. Since your partner is covering the line, you need to shift over to cover the middle shots, regardless if it is your forehand or backhand. The X Rule allows partner positioning to be kept while guarding the middle and sides for the most high-percentage shots.
Communication is Key
Successful teamwork starts with effective communication. Whether it’s calling shots, switching positions, or warning your partner about an out ball, clear and consistent communication prevents mistakes. Use short, confident calls like:
🔹 “Mine” or “Yours” – To avoid hesitation on shots.
🔹 “Switch” – When needing to swap positions mid-play.
🔹 “Watch” – To warn your partner of a high/attackable shot that you hit.
When both players are on the same page, the game slows down, and decision-making becomes easier.
Anticipate & Support Each Other
Doubles is all about trusting yourself and your partner to make the shots and work together. As a team, you support and set each other up for success by creating opportunities. By practicing together, you learn your partners style and patterns, which can help you anticipate their next move. Trusting and understanding your partner will allow you to cover the court effectively, forcing your opponents into awkward positions, causing weak returns and defensive play.
However, supporting your doubles partner does not just mean court coverage and trust; it includes supporting and encouraging them. If they miss a shot, encourage them instead of belittle them. If they’re struggling mentally, help them reset.