Can Either Player Return Serve In Pickleball?

Pickleball has exploded in popularity over the last decade, quickly becoming one of the fastest growing sports in America. With its fun, social nature and easier learning curve than tennis, pickleball is appealing to players of all ages.

However, with its growth comes an influx of new players who may not fully understand the nuances of the game. One of the most common questions from beginners is: can either partner on a pickleball doubles team return the serve?

What Are The Pickleball Serving Rules?

First, let’s quickly go over the basic pickleball serving rules. The serve must be made underhand, below waist level, diagonally crosscourt, and land within the confines of the opposite diagonal court. The ball must bounce once before being struck by the returner. The serving team only gets one chance to put the ball in play, otherwise they fault and lose the serve.

According to the USA Pickleball Association, the server must call out the score before serving. In doubles, either partner on the serving team can serve at the start of each new game. The first server continues serving until their team commits a fault, at which point the second server steps up to serve. This rotation continues throughout the game with partners alternating serves.

Now let’s dive into our main question – who on the receiving team can return the serve in pickleball doubles?

The Returning Team Has Options

The short answer is that either player on the receiving team in pickleball doubles can return the serve. Unlike in tennis, both partners on the receiving side have equal standing and do not have defined roles like the “deuce” or “advantage” sides.

Dick Evans, a renowned pickleball teaching pro and member of the USA Pickleball Association Hall of Fame, confirms that “both players on a doubles team are equals and get to return serve.”

This allows flexibility in deciding which partner will return serve based on individual strengths. For example, if one player has a stronger backhand, they may line up on that side to take advantage. The freedom to position either partner to return serve is a strategic element that doesn’t exist in tennis.

Also Read:

• Can You Hit Overhand In Pickleball?
• How Safe Is Indoor Pickleball?
• Does Pickleball Help Your Tennis?

Where Should The Returner Position Themselves?

Pickleball experts agree that the returner should generally position themselves a few feet behind the baseline in order to move forward into the shot.

Simone Jardim, a leading pickleball strategy coach and author, explains that “the goal is to return the ball deep to gain control of the point, so start a little behind the baseline to allow forward momentum.”

Standing further back improves the angle to return the ball crosscourt deep into the opponent’s court. It also provides time to react and prepare your swing.

Dan Brown, a top-ranked pro player and pickleball instructor, advises newer players to “focus on consistent returns directly down the middle of the court to keep them simple.” As skills improve, aim more diagonally crosscourt to increase depth.

Proper footwork and balance are critical. The Pickleball Bible recommends side-stepping to align your feet with the path of the incoming serve, keeping your weight centered and ready to burst forward. Remain light on your toes and turn sideways to target the ball at the optimal contact point in front of your body.

Forehand Returns Are Most Effective

When it comes to swing mechanics, forehand groundstrokes are generally the most reliable pickleball return shot.

As Coach Margaret of Pickleball Fire explains, “the forehand return allows the longest swing and best control. A smooth full backswing and follow-through stepping into the ball creates power.”

Backhands are more challenging to control given the shorter, more compact swing. New players may default to backhands just because that’s their pickleball comfort zone, but should practice forehand returns for more success.

Profiting from the longer forehand swing does require quickly reading the serve and prepping into position. Rushing causes inadequate setup and Contact in front of the body, resulting in weaker returns. Patience is a virtue on service returns.

Vary Strategies Based On Opponent Or Conditions

While strong forehand returns may be the go-to, having diversity in your return repertoire is an advantage.

“Keep the opponents guessing by mixing up return placements, spins, and speed,” says Catherine Parenteau, apickleball pro and gold medalist. “Changing the pace can disrupt their rhythm.”

Returning high and soft is an effective change-up, allowing time to get forward to the non-volley zone before the 3rd shot. Hitting low returns at the feet also disrupts the serving team’s attack.

Avoid being predictable since observant opponents will catch on and exploit patterns. Integrating dinks, slice spins, and angle shots will enhance your return game.

Also Read:

• Are Tennis Players Good at Pickleball?
• Will Pickleball overtake Tennis in popularity in the near future?
• How Big Is the Non Volley Zone in Pickleball?

Returning Serve Is Just The Start

A successful pickleball return is not just about getting the ball in play, but quickly transitioning up court to take control of the point.

Coach Mo of Pickler emphasizes, “the returner’s focus should immediately go to moving forward to get to the non-volley zone. Don’t stay back admiring your shot!”

Hustling forward right after contact allows you to potentially move up and block the serving team’s 3rd shot volley. That instant offensive position shift is a huge flipped advantage.

The receiving team that gains control of the no-volley zone first typically wins the point. So constantly strive to implement that quick 1-2 punch of solid return followed by an aggressive net surge.

Conclusion: Use Positioning, Footwork And Focus

In pickleball doubles, both partners can return serve unlike pre-designated roles in tennis. This provides options to strategize based on strengths. The receiver generally positions behind the baseline to allow forward movement into the shot, preferably using a strong forehand.

Mastery requires reading the serve quickly, setting up balanced footwork, and focusing intently on hitting deep returns to the opponent’s weakness. Perfect practice makes perfect returns to win more points.

So put in the time practicing serves and return of serves. With dedication, your capabilities capturing control right off the service return will undoubtedly shock opponents and thrill partners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the server’s partner return serve in pickleball doubles?

No, only the player positioned diagonally across from the server can return serve. The server’s partner at the net cannot return serve.

Where should you aim pickleball return of serves?

Aim crosscourt returns diagonally deep into the opponent’s court to move them back and gain control of the point. Target any weaknesses you spot. For beginners, just focus on consistent returns down the middle.

Should you use backhand or forehand to return serves?

Forehand returns allow longer swing and better control, so master this first. Backhands are more compact and tricky. But have diversity by integrating backhand blocks and spins once forehand skills improve.

How do you strategize who returns serve in doubles?

Decide based on each partner’s strengths. For example, position the player with a better backhand on that side to utilize it returning serve. Mix it up strategically to keep opponents off balance.

Why move forward after returning serve?

Quickly transitioning forward after solid contact allows you to potentially block the serving team’s 3rd shot volley. Getting to the non-volley zone first gives your team offensive positioning and control of the point.

References:

• https://usapickleball.org/what-is-pickleball/return-of-serve/
• https://www.pickleballuniversity.com/home/9-ways-to-improve-your-pickleball-return-of-serve
• https://www.pickleballuniversity.com/home/5-simple-tips-to-hit-a-perfect-pickleball-return-of-serve
• https://www.selkirk.com/blogs/educational/3-tips-for-return-of-serve-in-pickleball