Doubles pickleball is a team sport, which means knowing how to hit the ball is only part of it. You also have to know when to take the ball, when to leave it for your partner and, most importantly, how to make sure you both know the difference.
A lot of missed points in doubles have nothing to do with a bad shot. Sometimes the ball simply lands between two players because each thought the other was going to take it. Other times, both players go for the same ball and end up out of position.
A little communication goes a long way.
Start With “Yours” and “Mine”
The easiest place to start is also the most obvious: call the ball.
If you know you’re taking it, say “mine.” If your partner is in a better position, say “yours.” Make the call early enough that your partner actually has time to react.
This is especially important on balls that land between you. You might have a clear idea of whose shot it should be, but that doesn’t mean your partner is thinking the same thing.
The more you communicate, the less time you both spend wondering who is supposed to make the next move.
What About Balls Down the Middle?
The middle can be one of the trickiest parts of doubles pickleball because both players can often reach the ball.
You may have heard that the player with the forehand should take the middle. That’s a useful starting point because a forehand is often the stronger and more comfortable shot. But it isn’t a rule that works in every situation.
Maybe one player is pulled out wide. Maybe your partner has a much better angle. Maybe one of you is already moving toward the ball while the other would have to reach across their body.
Pay attention to positioning instead of automatically deciding every middle ball belongs to one person.
And when there’s any doubt, call it.
Don’t Wait Until the Last Second
Timing matters almost as much as the call itself.
If you yell “yours” when the ball is already at your partner’s feet, you haven’t given them much of a chance. Try to communicate as soon as you recognize who should take the shot.
The same goes for “mine.” Calling it early tells your partner they can stop moving toward the ball and start getting into position for the next shot.
Clear, early calls also help you avoid the classic doubles problem of both players moving toward the same ball and leaving a huge section of the court open.
There’s More to Say Than “Yours” and “Mine”
Once you get comfortable calling balls, there are a few other simple calls that can make doubles easier.
“Out” can help when your partner is focused on making contact and you have a better view of where the ball is headed.
“Bounce” lets your partner know they have time to let the ball land instead of trying to take it out of the air.
“Switch” is useful when a point pulls you out of your normal positions and you need to trade sides.
“Stay” can be just as helpful when you don’t need to switch and want your partner to hold their position.
None of this needs to turn into a running conversation. The best calls are usually short, clear and easy to understand.
Remember That Your Partner Sees a Different Court
One reason communication matters so much is that you and your partner don’t always have the same view.
You might have the better angle to see that a ball is going long. Your partner might be able to see an opponent moving before you can. One of you may know immediately that you’re in position for a shot while the other is still trying to decide.
Sharing that information helps both of you make faster decisions.
It’s also why good doubles communication goes both ways. Make your calls, but listen for your partner’s too.
Playing With Someone New? Talk Before the Game
If you regularly play with the same partner, you’ll naturally start learning each other’s tendencies. You know which shots they like, which balls they’ll usually take and how aggressively they cover the middle.
With a new partner, you don’t have that advantage yet.
Before you start, it can help to quickly establish how you want to handle the middle. You might agree that forehands generally take priority, or simply decide that you’ll both call anything that isn’t obvious.
It doesn’t need to be a big conversation. A quick check before the game can save a lot of confusion once you start playing.
Communication Helps With Positioning, Too
Calling the ball isn’t only about deciding who takes the shot. It also helps the player who isn’t hitting know what to do next.
If your partner calls “mine,” you can focus on staying balanced, covering the open court and getting ready for the return instead of continuing toward the same ball.
That’s an important part of doubles. You’re not just thinking about the shot happening right now—you’re trying to stay in a good position for the next one.
When both players know who is taking the ball, it becomes much easier to move together and avoid leaving unnecessary openings.
Keep It Simple
You don’t need complicated signals or a full strategy session before every game. Most recreational doubles communication comes down to a few quick words at the right time.
Call “mine” when you’re taking the ball.
Say “yours” when your partner should take it.
Speak up on the middle balls that could go either way.
And give your partner useful information when you have a better view of what’s happening.
The more consistently you communicate, the more natural it becomes—and the fewer points you’ll lose because both of you were waiting for the other person to make the first move.
Because “yours” and “mine” only work when you actually say them.