5 Ways to Build Team Chemistry When Playing Doubles

Playing doubles in pickleball is like being in a fast-paced, action-packed dance except instead of twirling and waltzing, you’re smacking a ball over a net with a wooden paddle. 

And just like any good dance, the secret to success lies in chemistry. But, hold up this isn’t high school chemistry class, and we’re not talking about Bunsen burners. 

We’re talking about the sweet, sweet synergy that makes your doubles game click like peanut butter and jelly.

Building chemistry with your partner doesn’t just mean you’re in sync with your paddle moves; it means communicating, supporting each other, and knowing when to give a high-five (and when to give a friendly, "you got this" nod). 

So, let’s dive into the dos and don’ts of creating that perfect doubles chemistry. Spoiler alert: it involves more than just yelling “mine!” and hoping for the best.

Photos by @cfongraphy

1. Communication is Key (and So Is Not Yelling “Mine” 50 Times)

First rule of doubles: talk to each other. It’s not enough to just grunt and hope your partner knows what you mean. Pickleball doubles require constant communication, not only about who’s covering what but also about your overall game plan.

You should know when to call out for a ball (“I got it!”) and when to step back and let your partner take it. 

Pro tip: avoid sounding like a broken record with “mine!” Instead, try switching things up with a clear, calm “I’m taking this one” or “I’ve got your back.”

But here’s the kicker: communication goes both ways. Don’t just yell when things go wrong, talk about what’s going right too. 

After a great rally or a killer shot, throw in a fist bump or a "nice one, partner!" It builds morale and reminds both of you that you’re in this together.

2. Trust Each Other (Even When You’re About to Dive for That Impossible Shot)

Trust is the glue that holds any successful doubles team together. Trust that your partner is going to cover their side of the court, trust that they won’t let you face-plant into the ground, and trust that they won’t let that lob sail right over their head (even if it’s your fault in the first place).

In pickleball, a lack of trust can result in confusion, awkward pauses, and, let’s be honest, some really bad court positioning. So, how do you build trust? Easy, start with being reliable. If you say you're going to take a ball, take it. 

And if your partner says they’ll cover a shot, don’t jump in with the “I’m totally gonna get this one” move that ends up with both of you standing there like confused meerkats.

Remember: it’s a team effort. You’ve got each other’s back, so trust that they’ve got the shots covered, and don’t second-guess their decisions (unless it’s a truly questionable underhand serve, but that’s another story).

3. Embrace the Split-Screen View (No, Not the TV Kind)

In doubles, there’s a thing called court awareness, it’s not just for tennis pros. You and your partner need to get in sync and understand each other’s positioning. 

It’s like that perfect synchronized swim move, where you both are on the same page without looking like you’re in a chaotic puddle.

Here’s a nifty trick: imagine your side of the court as a split-screen, one half for each of you. You both need to move as though you’re in perfect harmony, covering different areas of the court while keeping an eye on where your partner is. 

This isn’t just about running back and forth; it’s about moving together, with a clear strategy that each of you understands.

Start practicing by positioning yourself where you know your partner won’t be. And if your partner’s moving up to the net, don’t be that person who follows them and clogs up the space. 

No one likes a partner that leaves them no room to breathe, literally and figuratively.

Photos by @cfongraphy

4. Support Each Other, Even When the Opponents Are on Fire

Pickleball is a game of highs and lows. Sometimes, you and your partner will be on a roll, and sometimes your opponents will seem like they’re serving up nothing but aces. But here’s where chemistry really shines: having each other’s back no matter what.

When your partner misses a shot or an opponent pulls off a killer shot (seriously, how do they do that?), don’t just stand there staring at the ball as it bounces away. 

Support your teammate with a simple “No worries, we’ve got this!” or “Great try!” A positive attitude will help keep the momentum going, even when things aren’t going your way.

And if you make a mistake? Own it. Laugh it off. Acknowledge it with a wink or a “whoops, my bad” to keep things light-hearted. 

You and your partner are a team, and part of building that bond is accepting that neither of you are perfect.

5. Practice, Practice, Practice (And Maybe Throw in Some Pizza)

Like any good relationship, doubles pickleball takes work. It’s not going to be all smooth sailing (or perfect smashes). 

The more time you spend together on the court, the better your coordination will be. So, get out there, practice your shots, and work on your game plan together.

But hey, don’t forget the fun part! After all those drills and practice rounds, grab a post-game snack together. 

Maybe some pizza or smoothies, you know, something to celebrate your teamwork. Remember, pickleball is about having fun together, and that’s the most important part of building great chemistry.

Photos by @cfongraphy

Wrapping It Up

Building team chemistry in pickleball is all about trust, communication, and a shared love for the game (and maybe a little post-match snack). 

With a bit of practice and a positive mindset, you and your partner can turn any doubles match into a fun, synchronized masterpiece.

So, next time you step onto the court, remember: you’re not just playing to win; you’re playing to build a strong, supportive team that’s ready to take on whatever the game throws at you. Ready to serve up some chemistry? Let’s go!