If you play doubles regularly, you’ve probably had this experience: you miss a volley, dump a ball into the net, or pop one up under pressure and immediately think, I need to work on my technique. More often than not, the real problem started earlier with your decision on where to move.
In pickleball doubles, most errors aren’t caused by bad strokes. They’re caused by poor positioning. When you’re out of position, even simple shots feel rushed and uncomfortable. When you’re in the right spot, the game suddenly feels slower and easier.
Why Positioning Matters So Much
Good positioning gives you time, balance, and better options. It allows you to hit the ball in front of your body, stay controlled, and make smart decisions. Poor positioning forces you to reach, rush, or hit while moving—all of which lead to mistakes.
Think about the last few errors you made. Were you balanced and ready? Or were you stretched, late, or scrambling to recover? Positioning often answers that question.
When teams struggle in doubles, it’s rarely because they don’t know how to hit the ball. It’s because they’re not in the right place when it arrives.
Common Positioning Mistakes in Doubles
Standing Still After You Hit
Many players hit a shot and admire it. Doubles requires movement after every contact. If you don’t adjust, you’re already late for the next ball.
Not Moving With Your Partner
If your partner shifts left and you stay planted, gaps open instantly. Doubles works best when both players move together as a unit.
Being Too Close or Too Far From the Kitchen
Standing too far back invites pressure. Standing too close without balance leads to pop-ups. Proper spacing allows you to react instead of guess.
Reaching Instead of Moving
Reaching is usually a sign you were late getting into position. Small adjustment steps before contact matter more than long reaches after.
Simple Ways to Improve Your Positioning
Move After Every Shot
Make it a habit: hit, then move. Even a small adjustment can put you in a better spot for the next ball.
Match Your Partner’s Movement
Watch your partner out of the corner of your eye. Slide together so you stay connected and protect the middle.
Stay Balanced at the Kitchen Line
Arrive under control. Balanced feet lead to softer hands, better volleys, and fewer errors.
Think “Ready Position” Before Contact
Ask yourself: Am I balanced and prepared right now? If not, adjust early.
When Positioning Matters Most
Positioning is especially important when:
You’re defending hard shots or speed-ups
You’re transitioning from the baseline to the kitchen
Your partner is pulled wide
The point speeds up unexpectedly
These moments expose poor positioning quickly.
Make Positioning a Habit
You don’t need to hit harder or learn new shots to clean up your doubles game. Start by paying attention to where you are standing and how you move with your partner.
Next time you miss an “easy” ball, don’t ask, What did I do wrong with my swing?
Ask instead, Was I in the right place when I hit it?
Fix your positioning, and many of your errors will fix themselves.