The 5 Mistakes 80% of Players Make in Doubles Pickleball—Are You Guilty?

If you’re not playing your best on the pickleball court, it might be because of these common mistakes that most players make without even realizing it. Here's how you can avoid falling into these traps and start winning more games!

1. Not Communicating Enough with Your Partner

In doubles pickleball, communication is key. Many players don't talk enough during the game, leading to confusion, missed shots, and overlapping coverage. Make sure you're constantly calling shots, positioning, and who covers what areas.

2. Failing to Get to the Kitchen Line

Staying back is one of the biggest mistakes in pickleball. Many players don't move up to the kitchen fast enough after returning serve or the third shot. Being at the kitchen line allows you to put more pressure on your opponents and control the net.

3. Overhitting the Ball

Trying to smash the ball too hard, especially when you're not in an ideal position, leads to errors. Keep your shots controlled and place them with precision rather than just trying to overpower your opponents.

4. Neglecting to Use the Soft Game

Too many players rely solely on hard shots and forget the importance of dinking and the soft game. Mixing in soft dinks and resets will keep your opponents guessing and give you more opportunities to force errors.

5. Poor Court Positioning

Many players struggle with knowing where to stand on the court. Whether it's being too close to your partner, leaving gaps, or being too far back from the kitchen line, poor positioning leaves your team vulnerable to attacks and weakens your defense.

Correcting these common mistakes will elevate your doubles play and give you a significant advantage on the court!