Rules of Pickleball Doubles: A Guide to Playing Smart and Winning

Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing paddle sports across the world, and its doubles format offers a fun and strategic way to enjoy the game with a partner. But to play confidently and fairly, you need to fully understand the rules of pickleball doubles.

This user-friendly blog explains every aspect of pickleball rules for doubles, including court positioning, serving order, scoring format, and common faults. Whether you're new to the sport or improving your doubles strategy, this guide ensures you play by the rules and win smarter.

Understanding the Rules of Pickleball Doubles

In doubles pickleball, each team has two players. One stands on the even (right) side of the court, while the other is on the odd (left) side. The players must follow certain positioning rules throughout the game.

At the start of a match, the player on the right side (even court) serves diagonally to the opponent’s right-hand court. After the ball is served, both players can move freely to return shots or cover different areas. However, during the serve, the correct player must be in position.

Communication is key in doubles. Teams that talk about who takes the ball or when to switch positions usually perform better. Proper positioning and coordination reduce unforced errors and improve coverage.

Serving Rules in Pickleball Doubles

One of the most important aspects of pickleball doubles rules is serving. In doubles, the serve must be made underhand and must land in the diagonally opposite service court.

Here's how the serving rotation works:

• The team that starts serving only gets one serve turn (not both players) in the first round.
• After that, each team always gets two serve turns per rotation – one for each player.
• When a player faults, the next teammate serves.
• When both teammates fault, the serve moves to the opposing team.
  
  

Important serving rules to remember:

• The serve must be made with an underhand stroke below the waist.
• The ball must not touch the non-volley zone line (the kitchen).
• Feet must remain behind the baseline during the serve.
• The server continues to serve as long as their team scores points.
  
  

Serving rules in doubles add a layer of strategy. Consistency in serving and good placement are crucial for maintaining momentum and scoring points.

Scoring Rules in Pickleball Doubles

Scoring in doubles follows the "side-out" system. Only the serving team can score points. Each time a team wins a rally while serving, they gain a point. If the serving team faults, they don’t lose a point, but the serve switches.

• The score in doubles is announced with three numbers:
• The first number is the serving team’s score.
• The second is the receiving team’s score.
• The third number (either 1 or 2) indicates which server is serving.
  
  

Example: If the score is “6–4–1,” it means the serving team has 6 points, the opponents have 4, and it’s the first server's turn.

Games are typically played to 11 points and a team must win by 2 points. In tournaments, games can also go to 15 or 21 points depending on the format.

Understanding the score and rotation helps teams avoid confusion and ensures the correct player is serving or receiving.

Common Faults in Pickleball Doubles

Knowing what constitutes a fault in doubles is important for avoiding penalties and playing by the rules.

Common faults include:

• Volleying in the kitchen (non-volley zone)
• Serving out of bounds
• Stepping on the baseline during a serve
• Hitting the ball into the net
• Hitting the ball before it bounces once on each side (violating the double bounce rule)
• Switching positions incorrectly during serve or rally
• Calling the score incorrectly or serving from the wrong position
  
  

One of the most misunderstood rules is the kitchen rule. Players must not step into the non-volley zone when executing a volley. However, players can enter the kitchen at any time as long as the ball has bounced before they hit it.

Avoiding these faults will help your team maintain serve and score more consistently.

Strategies to Win Doubles in Pickleball

Beyond learning the pickleball rules for doubles, successful teams use effective tactics to gain an edge. Here are some winning strategies:

• Stay side by side with your partner: Don’t let large gaps form between you.
• Use dinks near the net: Soft shots slow the game and force opponents into errors.
• Target the weaker player: Consistently hit toward the player with less control or slowerreaction.
• Communicate clearly: Decide in advance who takes balls down the middle.
• Play to your strengths: If one player has better reflexes, position them closer to the net.
  
  

Many doubles teams also use the stacking strategy where they rearrange positions during serve to keep their stronger player on a specific side of the court. However, this strategy requires good footwork and quick transitions to avoid faults.

Practicing these tactics regularly can make a huge difference in performance.

Key Takeaways: Pickleball Rules Doubles Recap

Here’s a quick table to summarize the essential rules of pickleball doubles:

Where to Get the Best Pickleball Paddles

If you're ready to put your skills and knowledge to the test, don’t forget to equip yourself with high-quality gear. At Pickadel, we offer a wide selection of premium paddles tailored for performance and control.

Check them out here: Premium Pickleball Paddles

Having the right paddle not only improves your control and power but also helps you master the game based on the official rules.

 

Train Like a Pro at Pickadel Academy, Chennai

Want to go beyond the basics? Join Pickadel Academy in Chennai — the ultimate training ground for pickleball lovers of all levels.

Our academy offers:

• Expert coaching in doubles gameplay
• In-depth training on rules, movement, and tactics
• Drills designed to improve teamwork and serve rotation
• Weekly matches to test your skills and gain experience
  
  

Whether you're a beginner trying to understand the rules of pickleball doubles or a player aiming to compete in tournaments, Pickadel Academy helps you grow faster, smarter, and stronger.

Final Thought:
By mastering the pickleball rules for doubles, you're not just following the rulebook — you're setting yourself up for better rallies, stronger teamwork, and more wins. Practice smart, communicate well, and enjoy the exciting game of doubles pickleball.