Pickleball Doubles Plays: Proven Strategies
Pickleball Doubles Plays: Elevate Your Team Game
Pickleball Doubles Plays: I’ve been around team sports my entire life. I’ve coached basketball, baseball, and football, and one of my favorite parts of those sports was designing plays that took advantage of our team’s chemistry. Then I stumbled upon pickleball and realized something: if we can run planned plays in basketball, why not do the same in pickleball? This idea first hit me after writing an article on predicting your opponent’s shots based on patterns. I realized that if we can spot patterns in our opponents, we can create and rehearse plays that exploit their tendencies.
That’s precisely what I want to share in this article. Pickleball Doubles Plays can give you a significant edge. You can direct the rally, anticipate your opponent’s moves, and capitalize on opportunities before your rivals even know what happened. I’ll walk you through specific plays that have been successfully implemented by top level pickleball players. I’ll also sprinkle in some personal experiences and insights from my coaching journey, so you feel the same excitement I felt when I first applied “coached” plays to this fast growing game. Let’s jump right in and transform your doubles strategy!
Why Planned Plays in Pickleball?
For a long time, pickleball was an organic, instinctive game. Many teams just volleyed back and forth until someone faltered. But after exploring doubles communication, I realized my previous team based coaching experience could translate to structured pickleball plays. After all, why rely solely on reaction when you can orchestrate a scenario that leads your opponents exactly where you want them?
In sports like basketball or football, a well executed play starts with baiting the opponent into a predictable response. Then the magic happens: you pivot to a planned follow up that catches them off guard. The same logic applies here. Pickleball Doubles Plays hinge on reading your opponent’s patterns, communicating with your partner, and creating a scenario where you force them into a tough position.
Top 10 Pickleball Doubles Plays for 2025
Below is a deep dive into ten modern doubles plays I’ve gathered from personal experience, YouTube videos, and analyzing pro pickleball matches. I’ll highlight how each play works, why it’s effective, and how it can fit seamlessly into your game plan.
Quick Reference: The 10 Plays
| Play | When to Use | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Jump the Sideline – Erne | Returning Team | Gain advantage by attacking a sideline drop. |
| 2. Depth Control | Returning Team | Keep opponents pinned back with deep returns. |
| 3. The Peekaboo | Serving Team | Distract opponents by rushing the net quickly. |
| 4. Drop & Erne | Serving Team | Force sideline dink and execute an Erne putaway. |
| 5. Shake & Bake | Serving Team | Drive the third shot, then finish the fifth shot. |
| 6. Drive & Drop Combo | Serving Team | Set up an easy transition to the net. |
| 7. Offensive Crosscourt Dink & Speed Up | Both at the Net | Create an angle and surprise with a quick volley. |
| 8. Low Speed Up (Below Net Tape) | Both at the Net | Catch opponents off guard by striking from a low position. |
| 9. Off Speed Tease – Changeup | Both at the Net | Confuse by mixing pace, prompting opponent errors. |
| 10. Speed Up & Shift | Both at the Net | Hit middle, then shift to catch counterattacks. |
Plays for the Returning Team
1. Jump the Sideline (Erne)
This move takes full advantage of a poorly placed third shot. In many lower to mid level games, you’ll see opponents drop or drive the third shot close to the sideline. If you spot that ball drifting wide, quickly “jump” the kitchen line by stepping outside it and taking the shot in the air. This puts you incredibly close to the net, forcing a high pressure ball at your opponent.
The crucial part is timing. Hang back a moment to confirm that they’re not driving the ball. If they do drive, you’ll need to defend. But if it’s a drop, jump the line and blast it quickly. You either catch them unprepared or force a pop up that you can put away. This is your moment to pounce on an exposed sideline.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Erne
It’s spelled “Erne,” named after Erne Perry. He was known for executing this advanced shot where a player positions themselves outside the sideline, near the net, to catch opponents off guard.
An Erne is a surprise shot where you move around (or through) the kitchen, quickly establish both feet outside it, and make contact with the ball from the sideline after it crosses the net plane. Done correctly, it’s a powerful way to apply pressure and end points swiftly.
Yes, as long as your feet are established outside the non-volley zone before contact and you don’t touch the net, post, or supporting structures. You can run through the kitchen prior to hitting an Erne, but both feet must be clear of the NVZ at the moment you strike the ball.
2. Depth Control
As the returning team, one of your biggest edges is hitting a firm, deep return that pins opponents near their baseline. When they’re forced to drop from deep in the court, their margin for error shrinks. Aim high over the net so the ball lands close to the baseline. That extra height translates into more depth.
Once you join your partner at the Non-Volley Zone, use compact strokes to keep them pinned. Keep your paddle in your peripheral vision, avoid overswinging, and focus on punching the ball deep. This strategy pairs beautifully with your second shot: if their third shot is short or poppy, you can Erne or simply put it away.
Plays for the Serving Team
3. The Peekaboo
I love this play. It’s disruptive and visually distracting. Right after you serve, your partner (the non server) darts to the net. Opponents see that unexpected movement and often panic, hitting the ball toward that rushing player. If your partner actually strikes the ball on the volley at this time, it’s a fault, because according to pickleball rules, the third shot (return of serve) must bounce first. That’s precisely the deception you want, the opponents think they’ll earn an easy side out, but in reality, your partner is just a diversion.
If they do aim at the net player, the server’s partner has the golden opportunity to either duck or pivot, letting the ball pass overhead to the serving partner. The net player can then pop up like a jack in the box and instantly volley if the ball stays in play after bouncing. Practice a plan beforehand: decide where you’ll drive the ball or if you’ll drop it. Teamwork and timing are crucial here. When executed correctly, you’ll see confused opponents and enjoy easy putaway opportunities.
4. Drop & Erne or Bert
When I first started thinking about plays, this was one of the “aha!” moments. Similar to employing an Erne off a predictable pattern, the Drop & Erne sets a trap. You hit a third shot drop crosscourt toward the sideline, forcing your opponent to stretch. When they reach behind, the ball likely comes back up the line. That’s when your partner jumps outside the sideline, performs an Erne, and finish at the net.
This requires clear communication. Let your partner know which sideline you’re targeting, so they can track the crosscourt dink, anticipate the pop up, and snag the Erne. It’s a power move that relies on your opponent’s inability to flick the ball crosscourt from a compromised position. If you’re daring, you can even attempt the entire maneuver solo: hit the drop, sprint across, and Erne the next shot yourself.
5. Solo Shake & Bake
The Shake & Bake typically involves the server driving the third shot while their partner rushes in for a volley. But in a Solo Shake & Bake, you do both parts. Drive that third shot, hang back momentarily, then follow up the fifth shot with a putaway. You have the advantage of full control: you know exactly how cleanly you hit the drive, where it’s aimed, and whether you have time to charge in for that finishing volley.
It’s tricky for opponents to read because they assume you might stay back if your drive was off. Instead, you aggressively move up if you sense a weak block. You catch that next ball early and end the rally. This self contained plan spares your partner from guesswork and potential hazards if your third shot ends up too high.
6. Drive & Drop Combo
This classic combo is a foundation of modern pickleball. Instead of dropping the third shot every time, you drive it first. That drive rushes your opponents, forcing a fast block. More often than not, they return a mid court, neutral ball, letting you execute a softer fifth shot drop. Now you’ve advanced to the kitchen with minimal risk.
This approach is widely used because it’s safer than a third-shot drop that might float high. If your drive is effective, you’ll have an easy short return. If the ball comes back high, you can smash it. AndiIf it’s fairly low, you drop it again. That back and forth keeps you in control. It’s all about incremental progress from the baseline to the Non-Volley Zone.
Plays When Both Teams Are at the Net
7. Offensive Crosscourt Dink & Speed Up
Imagine you’re locked in a dink battle. Many pickleball players treat this as a neutral exchange. But why not go on offense? Hit a sharper, more aggressive dink crosscourt, pulling your opponent wide. If they reach for it, their dink or block often floats a bit. Now you can either target their inside shoulder or down the line with a speed up.
I’ve seen top pros like Andre Daescu use this play effectively. The wide offensive dink is step one. Once they’re off balance, accelerate your next shot at a shoulder or gap. Even if they manage to contact the ball, it usually sets you up for an easy putaway.
8. Low Speed Up (Below the Net Tape)
This sneaky play capitalizes on the opponent’s limited visibility. When you take a low ball out of the air, it often appears to them as if you’re going for a dink. But instead, you swiftly push the ball forward with moderate pace. They rarely expect a ball that fast from such a low contact point.
I personally prefer doing this on my forehand, but backhand can work too. Wait for a ball near the middle or in front of you, crouch, and whip it forward. Since it’s “hidden” below net level, your opponent reacts late. The result is usually a popped up return or an outright miss. Be sure to brush up on the ball in case they move out of the way.
9. Off Speed Tease
In any racket or paddle sport, mixing speeds can disorient even the best players. If your opponents expect a bullet, they’ll overswing or misread your gentler shot. The Off Speed Tease aims to look like a powerful drive, but you deliberately dial down the pace.
Target a sideline or a gap, giving the opponent just enough time to flinch. They often respond prematurely, either netting the ball or feeding you a slow floater. If you see them volley it back lazily, crush the next ball. This play is especially potent in mixed doubles, where a left side opponent likes to poach aggressively.
10. Speed Up & Shift
Thomas Wilson is famous for this move. By speeding the ball into the middle, you limit your opponent’s angles. The ball usually returns straight back, creating a “triangle effect”: you attack, they block in the same line. Your next step is the shift. Right after you whip your forehand (or backhand) up the middle, sidestep slightly. This lets you intercept their block on your strongest side.
If you keep standing in the same place, the block might slam into your torso or your weaker side. The shift ensures you face the ball on your forehand if that’s your better shot. Communication with your partner also matters. While you shift, your partner covers any angle or crosscourt lane.
Pickleball Doubles Plays: Why These Plays Feel So Natural
Back in my basketball coaching days, I loved surprising the other team with a last second alley oop or a sideline inbound that looked like a standard pass. The principle was always the same: bait, anticipate, capitalize. In pickleball, the concept is even more streamlined. Your plays revolve around controlling two or three shots at most.
That “aha” moment came when I wrote an article about patterns and realized that most opponents do the same thing if you give them the same look. So I decided to shape the “look” they’d see. In doubles, that means telling my partner: “We’re setting up a crosscourt drop. They’ll have to stretch. Then we’ll jump for the Erne.” Once we executed it successfully, the lightbulb turned on. If we can do one rehearsed play, we can do a lot more.
Yes, some purists believe pickleball is all about spontaneity. But in a high stakes match, especially at advanced levels, you’ll see top pros orchestrating exactly these sorts of patterns. There’s no reason you can’t do it, too.
Pickleball Doubles Plays Frequently Asked Questions
Organized plays inject predictability and synergy into a dynamic sport. When you and your partner plan specific patterns, you reduce guesswork and force tough decisions on your opponents. It also improves your on-court connection.
Start with simple serve-and-return drills. Gradually layer in one play at a time. For instance, if you want to master “Drop & Erne,” practice crosscourt drops with a partner. Then add the Erne jump. Frequent repetition helps ingrain the flow and keeps communication crystal clear.
Absolutely. Even if you’re new to the game, focusing on structured plays can accelerate your learning curve. Adapt the difficulty level to match your skill. The basic “Drive & Drop” combo, for example, is accessible at almost any level.
Variation is the answer. If you run the “Peekaboo” play every time, they’ll anticipate it. Mix in new tactics. Throw in crosscourt dinks, line drives, and sudden resets. Make sure your plays are part of a versatile toolkit, not a predictable routine.
Calling the Plays: A Step by Step Mini Guide
Below is a concise exercise to help you implement a play, build teamwork, and gain confidence. Let’s choose the “Peekaboo” because it’s both fun and remarkably effective when you first introduce it.
- Plan the Serve
Decide the general placement of the serve. Communication is everything.
- Non Server Races Forward
Immediately after the serve, the non server sprints to the NVZ line, crouching slightly to avoid volleying or becoming too big of a target.
- Server Preps the Drive
The moment your partner rushes up, the receiver often reacts to them, losing focus on you. Drive the return ball if it’s high, or drop if needed.
- Duck or Pop Up
If the ball sails toward the baseline, the non server either ducks for a pass over or side steps, allowing the server to decide whether to let the ball go out, drop it, or drive it.
- Capitalizing Return
If your opponents flub the shot, put it away. If they manage a decent block, reset calmly and maintain your advantage at the net.
Final Thoughts on Pickleball Doubles Plays
When I first introduced structured “plays” in pickleball, I worried it might detract from the game’s spontaneity. It turned out to be the opposite. It gave my partner and me a shared vision, a sense of purpose, and a massive advantage in the point. And It was also just plain fun. With even a handful of Pickleball Doubles Plays at your disposal, you’ll find yourself dictating rallies instead of just reacting.
If you’re looking to dig deeper, check out more articles on PickleTip.com. We cover everything from shot patterns to advanced footwork, and you’ll soon see that setting up your opponents is every bit as critical as that highlight reel smash.
Now it’s your turn. Practice a couple of these plays. Step on the court. Run them. Watch how your opponents get befuddled by your team’s chemistry. And if you want to share your experiences, we’d love to hear from you. Keep refining, keep communicating, and never stop improving your synergy.
