Pickleball is overwhelmingly a doubles game, but singles offers an intense, athletic alternative for players.
As someone who has spent countless hours on the court, I get asked this question all the time. When new players arrive, they often wonder if pickleball is a singles or doubles game. The vibrant scene of four players laughing and strategizing is what most people see, and for good reason. But beneath that social surface lies a thrilling one-on-one battle that many players never experience. This guide will break down everything you need to know, helping you understand the heart of pickleball and discover which style of play is the perfect fit for you.
The Heart of Pickleball: Why Doubles Reigns Supreme
Step onto any set of pickleball courts, and you'll likely see a sea of players enjoying doubles. This isn't by accident. The game was designed with a social, inclusive spirit in mind, and doubles gameplay embodies this perfectly. With four players on a small court, the physical demand on each person is significantly lower than in many other racket sports. This makes it incredibly accessible for all ages and fitness levels.
The beauty of doubles lies in its strategy. It's less about raw power and more about teamwork, communication, and finesse. A successful doubles team moves like a well-oiled machine, anticipating each other's shots and covering the court in tandem. The game often slows down at the non-volley zone, or "kitchen," leading to long, strategic "dink" rallies where patience and precision are key. I’ve found some of my greatest joys in pickleball during these rallies, working with a partner to create an opening and win the point through clever placement rather than a powerful slam. This cooperative dynamic is what makes doubles the most popular way to play.
The Intense Challenge: A Deep Dive into Pickleball Singles
While doubles is the social core of the sport, singles is its athletic soul. If you’re looking for a serious workout, pickleball singles is the answer. Playing one-on-one transforms the game entirely. Suddenly, you are responsible for covering the entire court, from sideline to sideline. The pace quickens, and the game becomes a test of stamina, speed, and agility.
The strategy shifts dramatically as well. The patient dink rallies common in doubles are much rarer in singles. Instead, players focus on hitting deep serves and powerful groundstrokes to move their opponent around and create an open court for a winning shot. It feels more like a tennis match played on a smaller court. From my own experience, playing singles was a game-changer. It was humbling at first; the amount of running was a shock. But it forced me to improve my footwork, shot accuracy, and mental toughness, which ultimately made me a much stronger doubles player.
Key Differences: Singles vs. Doubles at a Glance
Understanding whether pickleball is a singles or doubles game comes down to knowing the core differences between the two formats. While the basic rules are similar, the experience is completely different.
Court Coverage and Physicality
In singles, you are on your own. You have to cover all 20 feet of your court's width. This requires constant movement, quick directional changes, and a high level of cardiovascular fitness. In contrast, doubles allows you to share that responsibility with a partner. You are generally responsible for just 10 feet of the court, which dramatically reduces the amount of running and makes the game more about quick, lateral movements.
Scoring and Serving
The scoring in singles is simpler. The server calls their score first, then the opponent's score. For example, if you are serving with 5 points and your opponent has 3, you would call "5-3." You continue serving until you commit a fault. In doubles, the score call includes a third number: the server number (1 or 2). For example, a score call might be "5-3-2," meaning the serving team has 5 points, the receiving team has 3, and the second server on the team is about to serve. This system ensures both players on a team get a chance to serve before the ball goes to the other side.
Strategy and Shot Selection
Singles strategy is all about creating space. Players use deep serves, hard passing shots down the lines, and angled groundstrokes to force their opponent out of position. The goal is to hit a winner into the open court. Doubles strategy is more collaborative. It revolves around controlling the kitchen line, using soft dink shots to create an opening, and targeting the weaker opponent. Communication with your partner about who is taking which shot is absolutely critical for success.
Which One is Right for You?
So, should you play singles or doubles? The best way to answer that is to think about what you want to get out of the game. Your goals, fitness level, and personality will guide you to the right choice.
You should try doubles if:
- You are new to pickleball and want to learn the basics in a friendly environment.
- You are looking for a social activity to enjoy with friends and meet new people.
- You prefer strategy and teamwork over intense physical exertion.
- You are playing with a wide range of ages or skill levels.
You should try singles if:
- You want an excellent cardiovascular workout.
- You have a competitive spirit and enjoy one-on-one challenges.
- You come from a tennis background and are comfortable covering a court on your own.
- You want to rapidly improve your footwork, shot placement, and overall skills.
Ultimately, you don't have to choose just one. I play doubles most of the time for the fun and social connection, but I hop into a singles game whenever I want to push my physical limits and sharpen my skills. Trying both is the best way to become a well-rounded player and discover all that pickleball has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pickleball Singles and Doubles
Can you play pickleball with just two people?
Yes, you absolutely can! When you play with two people, it is called singles, with one player on each side of the net.
Is pickleball singles good for beginners?
While beginners can play singles, it is often more challenging due to the physical demand. Most instructors recommend starting with doubles to learn the basic strokes and rules in a less demanding setting.
Are the rules different for singles and doubles pickleball?
The fundamental rules regarding the kitchen, faults, and scoring to 11 are the same. The main differences are in the serving rotation and score calling, as doubles involves two servers per team.
Why do most tournaments focus on doubles?
Tournaments feature doubles prominently because it is the most popular format of the game. Doubles draws more participants, allows for more people to play on a limited number of courts, and reflects the social nature of the sport.
Does playing singles make you a better doubles player?
Yes, definitely. Playing singles forces you to improve your court coverage, agility, and shot-making ability, all of which translate directly to making you a stronger and more reliable doubles partner.
Conclusion
While pickleball thrives as a social, strategic doubles game, it is just as exciting as a fast-paced singles match. The right format for you depends on your personal goals, whether you're seeking a fun pastime with friends or an intense athletic challenge. There is no single answer to whether pickleball is a singles or doubles game because it is both.
The best thing you can do is get out on the court and experience both for yourself. Grab a partner for a friendly game of doubles, then challenge a friend to a singles match to test your limits. You might just be surprised by which one you love more.
What's your favorite way to play? Let us know in the comments below