Read a detailed comparison between pickleball singles and doubles to know the key differences and rules in each setting.
Pickleball is a famous sport because it is liked and played by people of all ages. One thing that creates confusion amongst the new players is how pickleball singles differ from pickleball doubles. After observing a few matches on the court, I have decided to pen down the details for you all today. Dive in to know the key differences between both settings in the game.
Difference Between Pickleball Singles And Doubles
Pickleball Singles
It might be clear by the name that pickleball singles involve only two players in the game, one on each side of the court. Many professional players hate playing a match as singles because it can be extremely tough.
They have to cover the entire region of 22 feet, which can be a great workout. You are on your own as no one stands beside you to rely on in the game. Hence, it can be tough for the old players, so you can think of how the beginners will feel about it.
Rules, Positioning, and Strategies For Pickleball Singles
The rules for pickleball singles are almost identical to pickleball doubles, but slight changes are mentioned below. The first and known rule for singles is that if the server wins, he or she will have to switch sides with the opponent in the game. Service must be done with the right hand, and the pickleball ball is present below the waist of the player. These two rules are very important when playing as singles in pickleball.
Moreover, both players will only get one chance to serve. For instance, if you win the rally, you will keep serving until you lose. The opponent will only get the chance to serve when you lose the rally.
When it comes to positioning, it is necessary to serve from the left hand if the score is odd. Similarly, if the score of the pickleball player is 6, he or she will have to use the right hand. This was something new when I witnessed it for the first time in court.
The strategies are very different in pickleball singles because only one player has to cover his surroundings. While playing pickleball, no one will be around you, so cutting off the opponent’s angle is important. This can be done by stepping in the non-volley area near the net.
Another effective strategy other than cutting angles can be deep returns. This will help buy time to go near the kitchen and cut the angles for the next serving. Hence, these are some rules and strategies used during pickleball singles.
Pickleball Doubles
Pickleball doubles are the opposite of pickleball singles and involve four players. Two players play as a team and stand on each side of the court. Most players like this setting because they have a teammate who covers them.
Many professionals prefer playing as doubles because it is less stressful as they do not have to cover an area of 22 feet all by themselves. It is considered a dance because players decide to communicate non-verbally with their teammates.
Rules, Positioning, And Strategies For Pickleball Doubles
The first rule is that the team does all the scores, and no rally scoring is allowed. The players from each team are not allowed to enter the non-volley area in the court unless it is their turn to serve. At the beginning of the game, only one team player is allowed to serve, and the hand must be below the waist area. Any team failing to obey these rules is considered a fault.
Regarding strategies in pickleball doubles, they are quite different from the singles. The first and most important strategy is to move in a rhythm with your partner and communicate with hands or gestures.
The connection is extremely important because it gives you a competitive advantage over the other team. Moreover, any one of the players should reach the non-volley area as soon as he serves. It is also important to hit the ball at the opponent’s body because it increases his chances of missing it.
Court Size
The court size of pickleball for singles and doubles is the same. You will be playing on the same court even if you play as a single or double. The official rule book of pickleball issued by the government has stated a standard size of 34 x 64 feet for the court. This maximum covers many areas, so the size is 20 x 44 feet.
This is the minimum size of the pickleball court and marks the centerline at 22 feet to divide both sides equally for the players. The mid-center portion is also known as the kitchen, but professionals only use this term. The area next to the kitchen is called the non-volley area and covers around 7 feet.
The pickleball players can use the remaining 15 feet during the game. If playing as singles, the entire 15 feet area can be used by the player. Whereas when playing as doubles, the centerline can be drawn at 11 feet so each player stays in his designated area.
Difference Between Pickleball Singles And Doubles
The difference between pickleball doubles and singles is discussed above. One of the biggest differences is that pickleball doubles are more physically accommodating. It does not tire the players because they have a partner to rely on. Whereas when playing as a single player, you must cover the entire court.
Secondly, playing as a team helps all the players bond and reduces depression or anxiety. The physical activity and bond during the game will help maintain a healthy lifestyle for people of all ages. Hence, these are the main differences besides the rules and strategies mentioned in detail for a better understanding.
People Also Ask
Do You Use The Whole Court In Singles Pickleball?
Yes, you will use the full court when playing singles pickleball because the court size is already reduced to 20 x 44 feet.
What Are The Rules In Singles Pickleball?
The rules for singles pickleball are almost the same as the pickleball doubles because the court size is the same.
How Do You Know Your Pickleball Skill Level?
The pickleball skill level can be known by using different strategies and hitting the shots differently during the game.
How To Play Pickleball Singles?
Yes, you can play pickleball as a single player with the same pickleball rules as doubles. For this purpose, the serve ball must be underhand, and contact with the ball must be below the server’s waist.
How To Keep Score In Pickleball Singles?
In pickleball singles, the score comprises only two numbers, 0-0, representing the first number for the server’s score and the second for the receiver’s score, as each side has only one server, so there is no third number. Points can be scored only by the server.
How To Keep Score In Pickleball Doubles?
Scoring in pickleball doubles is slightly different from singles. In pickleball doubles, the starting score is 0-0-2, which means that the second server can start the game, and when the serving team loses a point, the serve goes to the other team.
Do You Serve Twice In Singles Pickleball?
You only get one serve in pickleball except in the event of “let.” The first serve is made from the right-hand court. The serve is made diagonally cross-court and must land in the confines of the opposite court.
Conclusion
A detailed article with all the differences between pickleball doubles and singles is given. This will help you differentiate between a single-player game and a double-player game. The strategies and rules are mentioned so you can better understand the game as a beginner. I hope you can know the key differences and players’ strategies in each setting.
Other Related Posts:
- Can You Play Pickleball On Tennis Court?
- Best Shoes For Pickleball
- Pickleball Tips For Advanced Players
- What Year Was Pickleball Created?
- Difference Between Paddle Tennis And Pickleball
The writer is a biologist by profession but has a spark for writing and giving life to her words. She’s been in the field for the last 4 years and has so many achievements in her name. She loves to write about sports. Her recent experiences are in niches like football, pickleball, baseball, golf, car racing, tennis, table tennis, etc.
Leave a Reply