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If you’ve recently stepped onto a pickleball court, you already know that doubles is the most popular way to play pickleball. Whether you’re a beginner just learning pickleball rules or an experienced player trying to climb the ladder in pickleball ratings, the fastest way to improve is by drilling with a purpose, utilizing skill-based drills.

This guide breaks down the best pickleball doubles drills by skill level so you can level up your game, no matter where you’re starting.

Why Drills Are Essential in Pickleball Doubles

Drills aren’t just busy work, they simulate real-game situations, improve muscle memory, and can help you communicate better with your partner. Practicing targeted pickleball drills for doubles will sharpen your consistency, strategy, and confidence in tournaments and rec play.

And here’s the bonus: consistent practice can help you improve your DUPR rating over time.

Drills for 2.0–3.0 Skill Level

At this stage, you’re focused on learning proper strokes, movement, and teamwork. Simple, repeatable drills are the key. Our goal is to develop consistency, ball control, and court awareness.

The Dink Toss Drill

• Partner feeds soft balls into the kitchen.
• Practice controlled dinks back and forth.
• Focus on paddle angle and placement rather than speed. 

Serve + Return Drill

• One player practices consistent serves.
• Partner practices deep returns crosscourt.
• Helps with shot reliability while reinforcing pickleball rules around serves and returns.

Have you been serving illegally without knowing it? Most players have. Read this article to find out if you have been breaking the serving pickleball rules too.

Shadow Movement Drill

• Without a ball, move in sync with your partner across the court.
• This teaches positioning and doubles communication.
  
  

Interested in learning more about communication in doubles? Check out this article and avoid missing unnecessary points. 

3.0–3.5 Skill Level

Once you’ve mastered the basics, the focus shifts to building rally endurance and tactical doubles play. At this point, your goal should be to strengthen doubles rallies, learn controlled aggression, and improve transition play.

Third Shot Drop Drill

• Practice third shot drops from baseline into the kitchen.
• Rotate partners feeding and hitting.
• Critical for advancing in doubles strategies.

Transition Zone Drill

• Start at baseline, hit a third shot, then move forward together.
• Pause in the transition zone to reset, then  advance.
• Helps overcome “getting stuck” in no-man’s land.

If you usually get stuck in the transition zone, check out Bobbi Oshiro’s guide on how to avoid that. One simple tip can change your life. 

Crosscourt Dink Rallies

• Rally diagonally across the kitchen line.
• Focus on depth, angles, and patience until your opponent pops one up.

4.0 and Above

At higher levels, drills simulate real-game pressure and fine-tune doubles strategies. The Goal: Add advanced tools like resets, poaching, and lobs to dominate doubles matches.

Speed-Up and Reset Drill

• One player speeds up a ball at the net.
• The partner works on resetting into a soft dink.
• Builds reflexes and calm under pressure.

Poaching Drill

• Set up crosscourt rallies.
• Practice timing your movement across the middle to intercept a ball (poach).
• Refines anticipation and partner trust.

3. Defensive Lob Drill

• Opponents lob over one player.
• Partner covers, returning either overheads or defensive resets.
• Perfect for high-level doubles where lobs are strategic weapons.

How Drills Impact Your DUPR Rating

Practicing these pickleball doubles drills at every skill level not only sharpens your game but also impacts your official DUPR rating. The more comfortable you become with dinks, drops, and doubles strategies, the better your performance in matches and tournaments will be.

If you’re new to DUPR, here’s a guide on how to get a pickleball rating.

Final Tips To Get Better at Pickleball Doubles

• Consistency beats power. Most points are won by avoiding errors, not by hitting winners.
• Communicate constantly. Call shots, discuss strategies, and stay in sync.
• Drill before you play. Ten minutes of focused practice is more valuable than a full game without any purpose.

Whether you’re chasing a higher pickleball rating, preparing for pickleball tournaments, or just want to win your next rec game, tailored doubles drills will take you there.

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Pickleball isn’t just a test of skill; it’s a team sport built on chemistry, communication, and trust. You can have the best hands or the biggest drive, but if you and your partner aren’t in sync, it’s hard to win points consistently (or have fun doing it).

Choosing the right doubles partner isn’t just about DUPR ratings or skill levels; it’s about finding someone who complements your game, keeps the energy positive when things get tough, and wants to improve together.

What To Look For In A Doubles Partner

Here are three key things to look for when choosing your next doubles partner:

1. Complementary Game Style

It could be as simple as pairing a right-sided player with a left-sided player, or finding someone who balances your strengths and weaknesses.

If you love to drive and attack, find someone who thrives at the net and can clean up your shake & bake. If you’re steady and patient, maybe you need a banger to finish points. There’s no single winning formula; we’ve seen all kinds of pairings succeed.

The key: know your game and find someone whose style complements yours. And remember: the more versatile you are, the easier it is to mesh with different partners.

2. Positive Energy & Effort

You want a partner who competes hard, stays composed under pressure, and lifts you up when things aren’t going your way.
Pick someone who hustles, encourages, and brings energy instead of tension.

That kind of positivity is contagious; it helps you play looser, more confident, and often… better.

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3. Willingness to Work Together

Even if you don’t live in the same city, find a partner who’s open to learning and improving together.
The best partnerships come from players who reflect after matches, identify what to fix, and actually give it another try instead of immediately switching partners.

Talk through the small details: who takes the middle, how you handle third shots, or what patterns work best. Consistency and collaboration almost always win over constant rotation.

How to Be a Good Doubles Partner

Sometimes we focus so much on finding the “right” partner that we forget to be one ourselves.
Here’s how to make sure your partner wants to keep teaming up with you:

1. Give 100% Effort

Always bring your best during every point and every match.

One of my favorite quotes from my college tennis days was:

“The biggest sign of respect you can give your opponents is to play your hardest every point.”

Effort is contagious. When your partner sees you grinding even when the score’s not in your favor, it inspires them to match your intensity.

2. Keep Your Body Language Positive

Your partner can feel your energy. Eye rolls, shoulder shrugs, or checking out between points can tank morale faster than a bad serve.

You don’t have to fake happiness; just stay engaged. Walk with your partner between points, share quick pep talks, celebrate small wins, and show you’re in it together.

A simple fist bump or “Let’s go” goes a long way. 

3. Use “We” More Than “You”

Doubles is a team game; it’s we, not you.
Say things like:

“Let’s try returning crosscourt.”
“What do you think about stacking next game?”

Avoid blame or unsolicited coaching (“You need to do more with your dinks”). Collaborative language builds teamwork; criticism creates pressure.

The Bottom Line

The best partnerships aren’t built overnight ; they’re built through communication, effort, and trust.

Pickleball fever is officially sweeping across Asia and two countries are leading the charge. Malaysia and Vietnam have become the continent’s fastest-growing pickleball markets, with explosive growth in players, clubs, and communities over the past year.

Malaysia: Southeast Asia’s Pickleball Powerhouse

Malaysia’s pickleball scene has skyrocketed in popularity. Over the last 90 days alone, the country has seen +59% player growth, and projections for 2025 show an astonishing +410% increase in active DUPR players.

Clubs across Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru are expanding rapidly, introducing structured leagues and DUPR-rated events that have sparked a new era of competitive play.

Local federations and organizations such as Franklin Pickleball Malaysia have played a key role in spreading the game nationwide, hosting events that attract everyone from first-timers to national-level competitors.

Vietnam's Pickleball Momentum is Undeniable

Vietnam’s growth tells a similarly inspiring story. The country recorded a +30% increase in DUPR players in just 90 days, with an +184% growth in 2025.

From Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, Vietnam’s pickleball community has embraced DUPR as a way to measure progress and connect with players worldwide.

Vietnam’s unique blend of athletic energy and community spirit is fueling a culture where players are not just competing; they’re helping shape the future of pickleball in Asia.

DUPR’s Impact on Pickleball’s Growth in Asia

As new regions join the pickleball wave, DUPR has become the universal language for players across borders. Whether you’re playing in a local club in Kuala Lumpur or a rooftop court in Ho Chi Minh City, DUPR ratings allow players to connect, compare, and compete on the same level.

This growing ecosystem, powered by data and community, ensures that Asia’s emerging markets grow with fairness, transparency, and inclusivity.

With record-breaking player growth and a surge of new events, Malaysia and Vietnam are setting the tone for pickleball’s next frontier.

As DUPR continues to support federations, clubs, and players across Asia, one thing is clear:
Pickleball is taking over Asia.

Follow @duprpb on social media to stay up tp date on pickleball news!

College pickleball is booming, and nowhere was that clearer than at the North Carolina Super Regional, where 140 players competed, up from just 40 last year.

NC State, Miami, and Georgia Earn Bids

NC State, the University of Miami, and Georgia each secured bids to Nationals after a weekend of high-level play.
Top-seeded NC State faced a major test in the quarterfinals, narrowly escaping a Dreambreaker against #9 High Point. Their close call showed how competitive the collegiate field has become.

Miami’s Dominant Debut

In its first-ever collegiate event with DUPR, the University of Miami made a strong impression, sweeping both the semifinals and finals 3–0 to take home the regional title.

North Carolina Schools Shine on Home Courts

Teams from NC State, UNC Chapel Hill, East Carolina (ECU), Davidson, High Point, and UNC Charlotte all represented the state.
ECU stood out in its DUPR debut, winning the Sunday consolation bracket and proving it can hang with established programs.

Coastal Carolina 2 Defies the Odds

Coastal Carolina 2 entered as the lowest-rated team in its group but went 2–1 in group play, one of several unexpected results that made the event memorable.

A Milestone for College Pickleball

From Dreambreakers to debut champions, the North Carolina Super Regional captured the momentum of a sport that keeps expanding on campuses nationwide. Participation more than tripled in a single year, a reflection of the excitement fueling collegiate pickleball and the systems helping power it.

📸 Check Tournament Pictures
View and download your photos here.
Tag @duprpb on social media to get featured.

🎥 Relive the Action
Watch full highlights on our YouTube channel.

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Big things are happening in North Carolina’s college pickleball scene: City of Wilson is officially hosting its first-ever College Pickleball Super Regional!

What to Expect

This weekend, 25 teams from 12 different schools will compete for three bids to the Collegiate National Championship in April.

It’s the first time this event has come to Wilson, and the turnout is incredible. While  the last North Carolina Super Regional in 2023 featured only 38 players, this year, that number has jumped to 140 athletes, showing just how fast college pickleball is exploding across the region.

According to the latest power rankings, the #11, #12, and #20 schools in the nation will be competing, setting the stage for some serious high-level matchups.

Top 3 Men’s Players To Watch 

1. Chase Brautman (NC State)
   
2. Drew Warren (Tennessee)
   
3. Derek Kraje (Liberty)
   

Top 3 Women’s Players To Watch 

1. Evie Kenna (NC State)
   
2. Maddie Fowler (NC State)
   
3. Bree Green (Georgia)
   

Top 3 Schools To Watch 

1. North Carolina State University
   
2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
   
3. University of Miami (FL)
   

Schools Competing

A diverse lineup of programs will make their mark in this historic event:

• Coastal Carolina University
  
• Davidson College
  
• East Carolina University
  
• Florida College
  
• High Point University
  
• Liberty University
  
• North Carolina State University
  
• University of Tennessee
  
• University of Georgia Athena
  
• University of Miami (FL)
  
• University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
  
• University of North Carolina Charlotte

Tournament Schedule

🎥 Livestream Information

Cracked Racquets will be livestreaming the semifinals and finals so fans can follow the action on championship Sunday.

College pickleball is booming, and Wilson City is stepping onto the big stage.
With record participation, powerhouse programs, and a growing community, this Super Regional is shaping up to be one of the highlights of the collegiate pickleball season.

To check the latest news on college pickleball, join our Collegiate News Channel on Instagram here.

As we celebrate National Sports Day, we’re proud to highlight how pickleball  continues to inspire millions of players around the world. What started as a backyard hobby has become a global phenomenon, holding the title of America’s fastest-growing sport for the fourth straight year.

The Fastest-Growing Sport in America

Pickleball’s rise is unprecedented. According to the Pickleball Single Sport Report (2024), participation increased by 45.8% since 2023, marking a remarkable 311% growth over the past three years.

From recreational players to elite athletes, people of all ages and skill levels are discovering why pickleball has become America’s favorite new pastime. It’s an accessible, inclusive, and social sport that brings people together both on and off the court.

At DUPR, we’re proud to support that growth by helping players measure, understand, and improve their performance through data.

Pickleball Participation in the United States

According to a pickleball statistics’ analysis by PickleRage, approximately 36.5 million Americans have played pickleball at least once, which is  more than one in ten people nationwide. The community continues to expand through local clubs, recreational leagues like Minor League Pickleball, and national tournaments that welcome players of every background.

Pickleball’s infrastructure is also keeping pace. The same study shows that there are now over 10,724 dedicated pickleball courts across the country, with new facilities being built weekly in public parks, schools, and fitness centers. Cities and private organizations alike are investing to meet this unprecedented demand for play.

DUPR: Powering Pickleball’s Global Growth

As pickleball expands, DUPR  has emerged as the sport’s leading global rating system and a driving force behind its continued growth.

DUPR now connects players in 175 countries and partners with over 10,000 pickleball clubs worldwide, providing a unified, data-driven standard for competition.

With DUPR, every player can:

• Measure their performance with consistent, transparent data.
  
• Find balanced matches at their true skill level.
  
• Track improvement over time and see their DUPR climb as they play more.
  

At DUPR, we believe performance should be measurable. Our system transforms play into progress, giving every player a clear path to improvement.

The more you play, the more data you generate  and the more insight you gain into your growth as an athlete.

Team Sports Continue to Thrive

While pickleball leads the charge, the broader Team Sports Category is also experiencing strong momentum. Of the 24 team sports analyzed in 2024 by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), 20 saw increased participation, with eight growing by more than seven percent year over year.

This trend reflects a nationwide resurgence in physical activity and community engagement. From basketball to volleyball to pickleball doubles, team sports are uniting players across generations and regions.

The Final Rally: Play More. Grow More. Raise Your DUPR.

On this National Sports Day, DUPR celebrates every player, coach, and community contributing to pickleball’s extraordinary growth.

What began as a simple game has become a movement driven by competition, connection, and data. Whether you’re new to the sport or chasing your next rating milestone, DUPR is here to help you measure progress, find fair play, and elevate your game.

Pickleball is changing the landscape of sports. At DUPR, we’re proud to be part of that evolution and even prouder to empower the players making it happen. 

To stay up to date on pickleball news, follow @duprpb on Instagram!

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Wesley Chapel, FL – October 14, 2025 – The Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR) has announced it will deepen its partnership with MyJourney Pickleball by adopting Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) as its official rating system across all certification programs, coaching education workshops, and pickleball-related initiatives.

PPR-certified coaches will be trained on DUPR during their certification courses and workshops, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the rating system, how to become a DUPR Coach, how to assign Coach-Assigned DUPRs for non-rated players, and how to deliver effective DUPR programming for recreational and competitive players from day one.

By integrating DUPR across all education and certification programs, PPR and MyJourney Pickleball are creating a direct connection between coaching, player development, and measurable progress. Every PPR-certified coach, their players, and the clubs they serve will now be linked through one trusted rating system, strengthening competitive integrity, simplifying player matching, and accelerating pickleball’s evolution into a truly unified global sport.

“This partnership between PPR and MyJourney Pickleball marks a defining moment for the future of pickleball coaching and player development,” said Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR. “With PPR’s unmatched reach and scale, and MyJourney Pickleball’s innovative platform built on the DUPR rating system, we now have a powerful opportunity to empower coaches — the lifeblood of this sport — like never before. When coaches are equipped and supported, players stay engaged, improve faster, and enjoy the game more. Together, PPR and MyJourney Pickleball are helping standardize the sport from the ground up, giving every coach the tools to measure and elevate progress, create professional opportunities, and guide every player on a clear, measurable path to growth.”

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Sarah Ansboury, Managing Director of PPR, added, “At PPR, our mission is to certify, educate, and elevate the world’s best pickleball coaches. By adopting DUPR across all certification programs, coaching workshops, and initiatives, we are connecting our members to the sport’s global rating ecosystem and establishing a unified standard for player development. This partnership empowers coaches to maximize their impact, ensures players at every level can be introduced to the game, grow, and compete confidently, and positions pickleball for sustainable, global growth.”

PPR’s decision to adopt DUPR exclusively cements the organizations’ shared commitment to a unified, trusted rating system. As PPR certifies thousands of new instructors each year, the reach of DUPR and the number of rated players worldwide will expand. By combining PPR’s education and certification expertise with DUPR’s universal rating platform, the two organizations are shaping the sport’s next chapter, where every lesson, match, and milestone contributes to measurable growth for players, coaches, and clubs alike.

About PPR

The Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR) is the premier global standard in pickleball instructor certification, dedicated to educating, certifying, and supporting pickleball professionals in their mission to grow the game. As the official education and certification partner of USA Pickleball, PPR provides coaches with the tools, resources, and credentials to deliver excellence on and off the court. Learn more at www.pprpickleball.org. 

About MyJourney Pickleball

MyJourney Pickleball is the creator of the DUPR Coach program and the My DUPR Coach app, designed to empower coaches to conduct detailed skill assessments and assign official Coach-Assigned DUPRs to non-rated players. Coaches, clubs, and players can learn more at duprcoach.com.

About DUPR

DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is the premier global pickleball rating system and technology platform, trusted by the world's leading clubs, tournaments, leagues, and federations. DUPR’s dynamic system unifies pickleball across age, gender, and location by analyzing match results to provide an accurate evaluation of players worldwide, on a scale from 2.000 to 8.000. DUPR is the official rating system of Pickleball Canada, the United Pickleball Association (UPA), PPA, Major League Pickleball (MLP), Life Time, The Picklr, and many more. DUPR also owns and operates Minor League Pickleball and Collegiate Pickleball, two of the largest amateur leagues in the sport. Players and organizers can sign up for free at www.dupr.com.

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When you search for pickleball drills to improve your dinks, most of them focus on control, and that’s great. But once you’ve got consistency down, the next step is learning how to attack out of a dink rally. That’s where the Dink Speed-Up Drill comes in.

It’s simple, it’s fun, and it teaches you how to go from calm, steady dinks to fast, point-winning shots; all without losing control.

Your Goal: 

Get comfortable controlling the pace at the kitchen and learn when (and how) to speed things up.

Setup

• Both players start at the kitchen line, dinking straight ahead.
  
• Focus on keeping the ball low, soft, and consistent.
  
• Don’t worry about power yet. This is about touch and timing.
  

How It Works

1. Start with a smooth dink rally.

2. When the moment feels right, one player speeds it up, driving the ball from their middle toward the opponent’s sideline.

3. The other player blocks or resets the ball back into the kitchen.

4. Switch roles and keep the rhythm going.

You’ll quickly feel how small changes in paddle angle or contact point can completely change the rally’s pace.

 What You Should Focus On

• Stay ready. Keep your paddle up because speed-ups come fast.
  
• Use your body, not your arm. Short, compact moves give you more control.
  
• Make it look the same. The best attacks are disguised as normal dinks.
  
  

Pro Tip: Don’t rush it. A sneaky, well-timed speed-up after five or six patient dinks is way more effective than trying to blast the ball early. Timing and disguise always beat brute force.

Why It Works

The Dink Speed-Up Drill builds confidence at the kitchen. You’ll learn to stay patient when you need to and strike when it counts , turning soft shots into smart offense.

Want more tips like this? Check out our breakdown of the “7/11” Pickleball Drill ; it feels unfair… but that’s exactly why you need it.

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