One of the most common mistakes in doubles pickleball isn't necessarily about how you hit the ball. It's about where you're standing before the point even begins.
When your team is receiving a serve, you and your partner actually have two very different jobs. Getting your positioning right can help you return more consistently, get to the kitchen faster, and set your team up for a stronger rally.
Let's break it down!
The Receiver: Start Behind the Baseline
If you're receiving the serve, your starting position should generally be behind the baseline.
Why? Because the serve has to bounce before you can return it, and giving yourself a little extra space makes it easier to react to deep serves.
Standing too close to the baseline can leave you scrambling backward, especially when your opponent hits a powerful serve.
A few tips for the receiver:
- Start a step or two behind the baseline, adjusting based on your opponent's serve.
- Keep your knees slightly bent and your paddle ready.
- Focus on returning the ball deep to give yourself more time to move forward.
- After hitting your return, work your way toward the kitchen line as quickly as you comfortably can.
And remember, you don't have to hit a winning shot on your return! A controlled, deep return is often the smartest play.
Your Partner: Head to the Kitchen Line!
Here's something newer players sometimes get wrong: Your partner doesn't need to stand back with you!
When you're receiving the serve, your partner should generally be positioned near the kitchen line, also known as the non-volley zone line.
While you're focused on returning the serve, your partner can already be in a great position to react to the next shot.
Why is this so important?
In doubles pickleball, controlling the kitchen line is a huge part of controlling the point. The closer you are to the kitchen, the better positioned you are to hit dinks, react to volleys, and put pressure on your opponents.
If both players start at the baseline, your team may have to work much harder to move forward and establish that position.
The goal? Get both players to the kitchen line as soon as the rally allows.
Don't Forget the Two-Bounce Rule!
To understand why this positioning works, it helps to remember one of pickleball's most important rules: the two-bounce rule.
Here's how it works:
- First bounce: The serve must bounce on the receiving team's side before it can be returned.
- Second bounce: The return must bounce on the serving team's side before they can hit it.
- After that: Players can hit the ball out of the air or after a bounce, as long as they follow the non-volley zone rules.
This rule gives the receiving team a strategic advantage.
Because the serving team has to let your return bounce, you have time to move forward after returning the serve. Meanwhile, your partner is already waiting near the kitchen line!
That's why you'll often see experienced doubles teams starting with one player back and one player up.
Why Court Positioning Matters More Than You Think
You can have a great serve, a strong forehand, and a reliable backhand, but if you're constantly standing in the wrong spot, you're making the game harder than it needs to be.
Good positioning helps you:
- React faster: Being in the right place gives you more time to prepare for your opponent's next shot.
- Cover the court: When both partners understand their roles, it's easier to avoid confusion over who should take the ball.
- Control the kitchen: Establishing your position at the non-volley zone line creates more opportunities to control the pace of the rally.
- Play smarter together: Good doubles positioning helps you and your partner move as a team rather than two individual players.
And don't forget to communicate! A quick "mine," "yours," or "switch" can make all the difference during a fast-paced point.
One More Tip: Move Forward With Purpose
After returning the serve, it's tempting to sprint straight to the kitchen line, but timing matters!
If your return is short or your opponents are preparing to hit the ball while you're still moving, you may need to pause in a balanced ready position before continuing forward.
The goal isn't just to get to the kitchen as fast as possible. It's to get there while staying ready for the next shot.
A deep return gives you more time to move forward and makes it harder for your opponents to attack.
The Takeaway: Receiver Back, Partner Up!
Sometimes the simplest adjustments can have the biggest impact on your game.
The next time you and your partner are receiving a serve, remember:
Receiver behind the baseline. Partner at the kitchen. Work your way forward together.
It's an easy habit to build, and one that can help you feel more confident, coordinated, and ready for whatever comes your way.
Because playing better pickleball isn't always about hitting harder. Sometimes it's just about knowing where to stand!
Save this tip for your next match, and share it with your favorite doubles partner!