Pickleball Quiz

Here are five pickleball concepts and skills good players use during play.   

Do you do these 5 things?

Smart Play > Power

The first concept emphasizes that pickleball doubles isn’t won by hitting hardest — it’s won by making high-percentage shots and avoiding errors. Rather than trying to “win” every point with a hard shot, aim to keep the ball in play and force your opponents into mistakes.

Bigger swings = more errors.

Get to the Kitchen Line

A recurring theme in pickleball strategy is that controlling the kitchen (non-volley zone) line gives you the best chance to attack and limit your opponent’s options. Being at the kitchen forces opponents to hit up on the ball and gives you more control in volleys/dinks.

Proper Usage of Third Shot

One of the key strategic shots in doubles is the third-shot drop (a soft, controlled shot after serve + return). Baker explains how this shot allows you and your partner to move up the court safely and into an attacking position.

Dinking Fundamentals

Dinking (soft shots from just over the net) is a major theme. Expect discussion on why dinks are foundational — they extend rallies, create openings, and help you control the pace and position of the game.

Moving Together as a Team

Good doubles play is often about communication and positioning with your partner — knowing who takes which shots, how to shift when under pressure, and working cohesively rather than independently.

The above summary is from the most widely viewed pickleball video of all time. 

The video is 10+ years old and everything he covers in the video is 100% applicable today! 

Doubles Pickleball Strategy 101 – How to Play Smart Pickleball, Ten Tips  by Joe Baker