If you’ve ever played Pickleball in a doubles game, you might have wondered if you can play in singles. If this is true for you, here’s what you need to know.

You might have started playing Pickleball with a friend who introduced the game to you at the local courts. The games you might have played to learn the sport might be singles, as is the case for most people. However, there might come a time when you want to play with other people. Can you play a doubles match in Pickleball? How much does the game change? Do a different set of rules apply?

Pickleball can be played in both singles and doubles. The singles match places greater focus on each player as they must cover the full 20-foot court. Still, you can use specific techniques from doubles. Besides physical exertion, singles and doubles vary in several ways, like scoring and strategy.

If you’re new to Pickleball and are unaware of the rules, we recommend beginning your practice with single-player tutorials. To help you get ready for these games, I will share some essential knowledge about the game. In this post, I’ll share the differences between singles and doubles, some important terms, and single and double-specific terms.

To create this post, I used my experience of playing Pickleball and consulted experts who have been playing the game for a long time. After reading this post, you’ll know the difference in rules, scoring, and game strategies. So, let the game begin!

Key Differences Between PickleBall Singles and Doubles

• You are supposed to cover half of the court on your side in singles. Whereas in doubles, the team of two players covers each side of the net. Each team member is responsible for defending their courts.
• While playing singles, announcing the score is different since there are only two numbers to call: the opponents and yours. While playing doubles, players have three numbers to remember: their score, the opponent’s score, and the serving order.

For more detailed scoring guidelines, you can check out some videos on YouTube or go through a complete guide here.

• Playing singles requires greater physical effort. Singles require you to move swiftly, switch diagonally, and run from one end of the court to the other. While playing doubles, the court is shared between the two partners, so it’s much less physically challenging since you’re dealing with a smaller court area.

Some Important Terms to Remember When Playing Pickleball

The Rule of Two Bounces

Once the ball is served, the receiving player must let it bounce once before striking it. The ball should bounce one more time before being struck when it returns to the serving side.

It can be struck without a bounce only after the ball has rebounded on either side of the players who are not in the no-volley zone seven feet away from the net.

Don’t know about No-Volley Zone? That’s the second terminology to remember.

No-Volley Zone

On either side, the No-Volley Zone is seven feet from the net. If a player is inside the No-Volley Zone, they cannot hit the ball until it bounces first. A point is lost if the ball touches a player in the No-Volley zone without bouncing.

If a player strikes the ball out of the No-Volley Zone and their momentum propels them into the zone, the point is forfeited. You are regarded within the zone once your foot comes in contact with the line. In case the serve lands on the No-Volley line, a point is lost.

Pickleball Singles: What Strategies Should You Use?

Your opponent may quickly turn the game around if you serve right over the net and it bounces back to the court. Follow these guidelines for a strong start:

1. Your Powerful Serve Must Be Precise and Controlled.

The importance of a strong and accurate serve cannot be overstated. The majority of pickleball players like to serve near the center. The best approach to strike the ball is to go for the rival’s weak points instead of the service box’s extremities. It will help you earn a better return.

 2. Be Quick and Precise in Returning the Serve.

You must strike the opponent’s service hard and precisely to return it, exactly like you should before starting.

Aim towards the far ends of the court to prevent the player from building a solid stance close to the net.

3. Don’t Try to Play a Complicated Game.

There is little opportunity to demonstrate your expertise or explore new plays in a singles game. Strength, rapid movements, plus speed are necessary for scoring points and winning. Try to block your opponent from smashing aggressively in your court by targeting multiple spots. Watch your back instead of allowing them to strike.

Which Strategies Should You Use in Pickleball Doubles?

In a doubles pickleball game, you should have a plan to sync with your partner. Here’s how you can plan:

1. Communicate to Confirm the Ball Is in Play

Pickleball highly depends on the service to win points; therefore, mastering it before playing the game is a smart idea. To prevent allowing your opponent the opportunity to successfully return the serve, negotiate a strong, unambiguous stroke with your mate.

2. Aim for the Center of Your Opponent’s Court

When you serve or play a center shot, the opponents will most likely have trouble deciding who must return the ball. Most players use such trickery strategies as a tactic. All you need to do now is watch their moves and devise a strategy with your partner.

3. Be Precise With Left and Right

Ascertain that your partner’s dominant hand is opposite to yours. Suppose your dominant side is your left. Having a partner that prefers to strike with their right hand will guarantee that all sides of the court have similar serve intensity and strength. It keeps your team as balanced as possible.