4 Shots to Avoid at the Kitchen Line in Pickleball Doubles—and How to Make Better Choices

In pickleball doubles, the kitchen line is where players often win or lose points. Being close to the net gives you a powerful position to control the rally, but it also requires careful shot selection. Even one poor choice at the kitchen can give your opponents a chance to capitalize. Here are four of the worst shots you can make while at the kitchen line—and the smarter alternatives to keep you in the driver’s seat.

1. High-Popped Dinks

When you pop a dink too high, it’s like serving your opponents an invitation to attack. A high dink can be easily smashed or volleyed aggressively back at you, shifting control and forcing you and your partner into a defensive position.

What to Do Instead: Focus on keeping your dinks low and controlled, aiming to clear the net by just an inch or two. Practicing soft, controlled dinks will help you maintain a position of control at the net and prevent your opponents from getting easy put-aways.

2. Low-to-High Drives

Attempting a drive from a low position—especially if the ball is below net height—is often a recipe for an error. Trying to power up a shot from this angle usually results in a shot that either lands in the net or goes too high, making it easy for your opponents to counter.

What to Do Instead: When the ball is low, resist the urge to drive and instead reset with a soft dink or controlled volley. Resetting allows you to continue the rally while waiting for a higher, more manageable ball to attack.

3. Kitchen Lobs

Lobbing from the kitchen line is a high-risk, low-reward shot. Because you’re so close to the net, getting the right height and depth is challenging. A lob that doesn’t clear the opponents well enough becomes an easy overhead smash, often putting you on the defensive or losing the point entirely.

What to Do Instead: Only lob from the kitchen if you’re confident that your opponents are very close to the net and not expecting it. Otherwise, stick to dinks or volleys, which keep the ball low and force your opponents to play patiently.

4. Weak or Short Volleys

Hitting weak or short volleys at the net can be just as dangerous as high-popped dinks. A short volley lands close to your opponents, giving them an opportunity to step in and put the ball away. This mistake often happens when players hesitate or lack confidence in their shot.

What to Do Instead: Focus on hitting a solid, controlled volley that pushes your opponents back. Practice volleying with good technique, keeping your paddle up and using a firm wrist to control depth. A well-placed volley not only keeps you in control but also forces your opponents to stay back, reducing their options to attack.

Mastering the kitchen line means knowing not only which shots to take but also which shots to avoid. Steering clear of high-popped dinks, low-to-high drives, kitchen lobs, and weak volleys will help you maintain an offensive position and prevent your opponents from taking control. By making smart, low-risk choices at the net, you’ll improve your consistency, maintain pressure, and make yourself a much tougher opponent to beat in doubles pickleball.