Pickleball has quickly gained popularity as a fun and exciting sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. As a beginner, one of the best ways to get involved in pickleball is by playing doubles, where teams of two compete against each other. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the rules, strategies, and techniques to help you master the game of pickleball doubles.
Introduction to Pickleball Doubles
Pickleball doubles is a game played with two teams of two players each, standing on opposite sides of the court. The objective is to hit the ball over the net and land it within the boundaries of the opposing team’s court while preventing them from returning it successfully. The game is fast-paced, yet accessible to players of all ages and skill levels, making it a great choice for recreational play and competitive tournaments.
Rules of Pickleball Doubles
To play pickleball doubles effectively, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the basic rules of the game. Here are some key rules to keep in mind:
Court Dimensions and Equipment
Pickleball is played on a court that is similar in size to a double’s badminton court. The court measures 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, with a net running across the middle. Players use paddles made of lightweight materials to hit a perforated plastic ball, known as a pickleball.
Serving and Scoring
The serving team always starts the game, serving the ball diagonally to the receiving team. The serve must clear the net and land within the opposing team’s service court. If the serving team fails to execute a valid serve, it results in a fault, and the serve goes to the opposing team. Points are scored only by the serving team, and games are typically played to 11 or 15 points, with a two-point advantage to win.
Faults and Let Serves
Several faults can occur during a pickleball game, resulting in a loss of serve or a point for the opposing team. These faults include stepping into the non-volley zone, failing to clear the net on a serve, hitting the ball out of bounds, and volleying the ball before it bounces once on each side of the net. In some cases, a let serve may occur when the ball hits the net but still lands within the proper service court.
Double Bounce Rule
One unique rule in pickleball is the double bounce rule. After the serve, both teams must let the ball bounce once on their side before they can volley it. Once the ball has bounced on each side, the players may choose to volley or hit the ball before it bounces. This rule encourages longer rallies and strategic shot placement.
Stay tuned for the remaining sections of the article for a comprehensive guide on how to play pickleball doubles.
