Partnership Communication in Pickleball: Key Conversations Before the First Point
In doubles pickleball, your partner is your greatest asset—or your biggest liability, depending on how well you communicate. The fast-paced, strategic nature of pickleball makes effective teamwork crucial, and that begins with solid communication. Whether you're playing in a casual game with friends or competing in a high-stakes tournament, having a clear game plan and understanding with your partner before the first point is critical.
In this blog, we’ll explore the key topics to discuss with your partner before the first point is played and how effective communication can elevate your doubles game to the next level.
Why Communication Matters in Pickleball Doubles
Doubles pickleball requires synchronized movement, strategic shot placement, and seamless transitions between offense and defense. If one partner is out of sync or unclear on the strategy, the whole team can break down quickly. Clear communication helps:
Avoid confusion on court: By discussing who covers which shots and areas of the court, you reduce the chances of both partners going for the same ball—or worse, neither of you.
Enhance strategy: A well-planned strategy tailored to both partners' strengths can help you control the pace of the game and outsmart your opponents.
Boost confidence: Knowing you’re on the same page with your partner provides mental clarity and assurance, allowing you to focus on executing shots.
1. Who Takes the Middle?
One of the first things to clarify with your partner is who will cover the middle of the court. This is a common gray area in doubles play. The centerline is often where balls go unanswered, as both players expect the other to step in.
Here’s a general rule: the player with the forehand shot in the middle usually takes the ball. The forehand tends to be stronger and allows better control and placement. However, this may vary depending on your and your partner’s skill sets. If one player has a particularly strong backhand, they might take more middle shots.
Pro Tip: Verbally confirm who is responsible for the middle on each side of the court before the game starts. Practice calling "mine" or "yours" early on to solidify this arrangement during rallies. Learn more about positioning strategies here.
2. Strengths and Weaknesses
Another key pre-game conversation should center around each player’s strengths and weaknesses. Does your partner have a killer drop shot? Is your backhand less reliable under pressure? Understanding each other’s game allows you to capitalize on strengths while covering any weaknesses.
Discuss the following:
Who’s better at dinking? If one player excels at soft dinks, let them handle most of the dinking exchanges at the net, while the other supports from behind.
Who’s stronger at the net? If one partner is more aggressive at the net, they can move forward more often to initiate attacks.
Who has the stronger serve/return game? Position yourselves accordingly. For example, the player with a stronger return should stand in position to return serves to the tougher opponent. Master your game with these essential doubles tips.
3. Defining Roles: The Aggressor vs. the Setter
A useful doubles strategy is to define roles: one player as the aggressor and the other as the setter. The aggressor is more likely to take offensive shots and pressure the opponents with volleys or smashes, while the setter focuses on placing the ball strategically, setting up the partner for aggressive opportunities.
Before the game, decide which role suits each partner best:
The Aggressor: Typically a player with quick reflexes and an aggressive mindset, aiming to end points at the net.
The Setter: This player usually has excellent ball placement skills, keeping the ball low and forcing the opponents into a defensive position. Read more about these roles and how to implement them.
4. Communication Signals and Cues
Verbal and non-verbal signals are essential to keep both partners in sync during the game. Before stepping onto the court, agree on the signals you’ll use for:
When to switch positions: If one player gets pulled wide, discuss how to call for a switch so that the other can slide over and cover the open court.
Poaching signals: If you’re planning to poach (move across the court to intercept your partner’s shot), use a specific call or signal so your partner knows to stay back and cover the court.
Lobs or Overhead Shots: Determine if either partner is more comfortable handling lobs. Clear communication is vital when covering high balls, as a misstep can leave the court wide open.
Non-verbal signals: Paddle taps or head nods can also be effective during intense points when verbal communication isn’t possible. Learn more about non-verbal communication strategies here.
5. Serving and Return Strategies
Serving and returning are the foundations of pickleball points, and discussing your approach to these aspects of the game will give you a strong start.
Serving Strategy: Decide how you’ll approach your serves. Will you go for power to force weak returns, or aim for precision and placement to challenge your opponents' positioning?
Return Strategy: Agree on how you’ll handle returns, particularly when targeting the stronger or weaker opponent. A well-placed return to the opponent who struggles at the baseline can immediately put your team in an advantageous position. Explore serving and return tactics in-depth.
6. Handling Opponent Dynamics
Not only should you communicate with your partner about your own game, but also discuss the strengths and tendencies of your opponents. Pay attention to the following:
Weaknesses in the opposition: Does one player have a noticeably weaker backhand? Are they slower to react at the net? Agree on how you’ll exploit these weaknesses.
How to handle aggressive opponents: Some teams will try to overwhelm you with fast, aggressive play. Decide how to handle high-paced rallies and whether to slow the game down with dinks or play more defensively to draw errors.
7. Keep the Conversation Going During the Game
The pre-game chat is essential, but communication shouldn’t stop there. Keep discussing tactics and strategies throughout the match. Encourage each other, offer quick suggestions, and adjust your plan as the game evolves. Continuous dialogue can make the difference between winning and losing, especially in closely contested games.
In-game Communication Tips:
After each point, provide quick feedback. If your partner hit a great shot, let them know. If a strategy isn’t working, suggest an adjustment.
Keep calls clear and concise during play. Simple words like "yours" or "switch" can prevent confusion and make sure both players are on the same page.
Conclusion
Effective communication is the foundation of successful doubles pickleball. By discussing key aspects like court coverage, strengths and weaknesses, and strategies before the first point is played, you can create a well-coordinated partnership that thrives on teamwork. The most successful doubles teams aren’t just skilled players—they’re excellent communicators who adapt and evolve throughout the game.