How to Serve in Pickleball Doubles: Rules, Techniques & Strategies

Introduction: Pickleball Doubles

Serve in Pickleball doubles, the most exciting game you will ever play! Serving in pickleball doubles is one of the most important parts of the game. Unlike singles, where players often use aggressive serves to push their opponent back, doubles requires a more strategic and controlled approach. The goal of the serve in doubles is not necessarily to win the point outright, but rather to set up a strong third shot and take control of the net.

In the UK’s fast-growing pickleball community, doubles is the most popular format. Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an advanced player refining your serve placement and spin, mastering effective serving techniques in doubles will help you gain an advantage and dictate play. This guide will cover the official rules of serving, different types of serves, and strategic tips to elevate your doubles game.

1️⃣ Official Pickleball Doubles Serving Rules

Before focusing on technique and strategy, it’s essential to understand the official rules of serving in pickleball doubles.

Basic Serving Rules in Pickleball Doubles:

✅ Underhand Serve: The serve must be executed with an underhand motion, meaning the paddle must make contact below the waist.
✅ Paddle Position: At the moment of contact, the paddle must be below the wrist.
✅ Foot Placement: At least one foot must remain behind the baseline while serving, and the server cannot step on or inside the court until after making contact with the ball.
✅ Diagonal Serve: The ball must be served diagonally across the court and land in the opponent’s service box, beyond the non-volley zone (kitchen).
✅ One Attempt Only: Unlike tennis, there are no second serves—if you fault, you immediately lose the serve (except on the first serve of a game, where both partners get a chance to serve).

Pickleball Doubles Serving Rotation:

One of the biggest differences between singles and doubles pickleball is the serving sequence. Here’s how it works:

1️⃣ At the start of the game, only one player from the serving team gets to serve. If they lose the point, the serve moves to the opposing team.
2️⃣ After the first serve, both players on a team get to serve before a side-out occurs.
3️⃣ When the serving team wins a point, the server switches sides and serves to the opposite diagonal box.
4️⃣ The team continues serving until they lose a rally, at which point the serve moves to the other partner.

🔥 Key takeaway: Understanding the serving order and positioning is crucial to avoid faults and lost opportunities in doubles play.

2️⃣ Different Types of Serves in Pickleball Doubles

Serving in doubles requires a balance of control, depth, and strategy. Unlike singles, where serves are more aggressive, doubles serves are often about setting up the next shot.

1. The Deep Serve

✅ A high-percentage serve that lands deep in the opponent’s court near the baseline.
✅ Forces the returner to stay back, making it harder to get to the kitchen quickly.
✅ Sets up a better opportunity for your team to execute a strong third shot drop.

How to execute:

• Aim for deep placement near the opponent’s baseline.
• Use a smooth, controlled swing to ensure consistency.
• Avoid hitting too short, as this allows opponents to attack quickly.

2. The Topspin Serve

✅ Generates forward spin, causing the ball to dip down faster and bounce higher.
✅ Makes it difficult for opponents to attack the return.
✅ Ideal for pushing opponents back and keeping them on the defensive.

How to execute:

• Brush up on the ball in a low-to-high motion.
• Use a slightly closed paddle face to increase topspin.
• Follow through over your shoulder to maintain accuracy.

3. The Slice (Backspin) Serve

✅ Adds backspin to make the ball stay low after bouncing.
✅ Slows down the game, preventing an aggressive return.
✅ Useful against players who like to charge the net quickly.

How to execute:

• Slice underneath the ball in a high-to-low motion.
• Use a slightly open paddle face to generate backspin.
• Focus on keeping the serve low and controlled.

4. The Sidespin Serve

✅ Causes the ball to curve left or right, making it harder for opponents to judge.
✅ Useful for pulling opponents out wide, opening up the court for the next shot.
✅ Great for keeping opponents off balance.

How to execute:

• Swing side-to-side rather than just forward.
• Brush across the ball to create spin.
• Aim toward the sideline to create an angled return.

🔥 Key takeaway: Mixing up your serves prevents opponents from anticipating your shots, making it harder for them to establish a strong return game.

3️⃣ Serving Strategies for Winning in Doubles

Since the serve is not a direct weapon in doubles (as it is in singles), players must focus on strategy and placement rather than power.

1. Serve Deep to Keep Opponents Back

✅ A deep serve prevents the returner from getting to the kitchen line quickly.
✅ This gives your team more time to prepare for the third shot drop.
✅ Keep your serves deep and consistently near the baseline to disrupt the opponent’s return.

2. Target the Weaker Player

✅ In doubles, there is often a stronger and weaker player—serve to the weaker opponent as much as possible.
✅ This increases your chances of getting an easier return and setting up your team’s advantage.
✅ If the weaker player is on the left side, a deep slice serve to their backhand is highly effective.

3. Mix Up Serve Placement

✅ Avoid serving to the same spot every time—change up your targets.
✅ Use deep serves, wide serves, and body serves to keep opponents guessing.
✅ A short serve can catch aggressive players off guard, but should be used sparingly.

4. Keep the Serve Low and Controlled

✅ Unlike in singles, a powerful serve is not always the best strategy in doubles.
✅ A well-placed, controlled serve is more valuable than a risky high-speed serve.
✅ Focus on consistency—a serve in play is better than an aggressive fault.

5. Serve with Purpose, Not Just to Start the Rally

✅ Think of the serve as the first step in your strategy.
✅ Ask yourself: Where should I serve to force a weak return?
✅ Every serve should set up a strong third shot and allow your team to get to the kitchen line quickly.

🔥 Key takeaway: A great serve in doubles isn’t about power—it’s about placement, depth, and setting up your team for success.

Final Thoughts: Mastering the Serve in Pickleball Doubles

A strong, strategic serve is a key component of winning in pickleball doubles. By focusing on deep placement, spin variation, and smart serving strategies, you can gain a significant advantage over your opponents.

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