In pickleball, the difference between a good rally and a great one often comes down to positioning. Sure, your swing matters—but your court awareness matters just as much. The smartest players aren’t just reacting; they’re anticipating. They know when to move up, when to hang back, and how to create space that works in their favor.
Start Smart: The Serve and Return
Every point starts with smart footwork. After you serve, hold your ground until your opponent returns the ball. It’s tempting to rush forward, but moving up too early puts you at risk for an easy shot at your feet.
When returning serve in pickleball, the opposite is true—step in with purpose. Hit deep, follow your shot, and make your way to the kitchen line. That’s where most points are won. The quicker you get there, the sooner you can take control of the rally.
Own the Kitchen Line
Holding your position at the non-volley zone opens up angles, forces your opponents to hit up, and lets you dictate the pace. Just remember to hover an inch or two behind the line—close enough to attack, but far enough to avoid a foot fault.
The best pickleball teams know how to apply pressure without overcommitting. Think of it as a balance between patience and precision—staying alert without being jumpy, and ready to step in when the perfect shot presents itself.
Move as a Team
Doubles pickleball is all about rhythm. You and your partner should move like you’re connected by an invisible string—side to side, up and back, always covering the same amount of court. If one of you charges forward while the other hangs behind, you leave open space that your opponents will happily exploit.
Talk constantly. A quick “switch,” “mine,” or “yours” isn’t just good communication—it’s confidence. The more you talk, the more instinctive your teamwork becomes, and the less you have to think about it mid-point.
Know When to Hang Back
Not every rally is won at the net. Sometimes, the smartest thing you can do is take a small step back. If your opponents are firing line drives or throwing up heavy topspin, give yourself time to react. Reset the point, hit a soft drop shot, and move forward again when the opportunity feels right.
Good positioning isn’t about being aggressive all the time—it’s about balance. Patience is part of the play.
Read the Patterns
Once you’re comfortable with your positioning, start reading your opponents. Do they favor their backhand? Do they lob when under pressure? Does one player drift too far from center? The best pickleball players aren’t just focused on the ball—they’re watching tendencies, habits, and angles. That’s how you predict the next shot before it even happens.
Play Smarter, Not Harder
Learning how to read the court transforms your entire game. You’ll start seeing opportunities before they appear, moving with purpose instead of panic, and syncing with your partner like it’s second nature. Pickleball isn’t just about quick hands—it’s about smart feet, sharp instincts, and the awareness to play like you mean it.