Singles Strategy (Pickleball)
Also known as: pickleball singles strategy, how to play singles pickleball, singles pickleball tips, singles serving side, skinny singles
Singles pickleball rewards a deep serve, a deep return followed by a move toward the net, and passing shots down the lines. The returner can attack the net right away. The server must stay back until the return bounces. Serve from the right when your score is even and from the left when it is odd.
In singles you cover the whole 20-foot width alone. Depth and pace matter more than in doubles. Serve deep to keep the returner back, often to the backhand. Return deep, ideally to a corner, then move forward behind it. The two-bounce rule means the server must let your return bounce. That gives the returner the first chance to take the net.
With the whole court to cover, many singles players drive or pass on the third shot rather than drop it. Hit to the open court, down the line or at the feet of a player rushing in. At the net, cover the middle and the line your opponent is most likely to use. Use angles and low dinks to stretch them sideways. A lob can work against a player crowding the net.
In singles the score is two numbers, server's score first. Serve from the right when your score is zero or even, and from the left when it is odd. You switch sides after each point you win. You keep serving until you lose a rally. There is no second server. A half-court game, often called skinny singles, is a popular drill. The rulebook also has a scored half-court variation called mini-singles.
Tips by skill level
Remember the serving side. Even score, right side. Odd score, left side. Focus on deep serves and deep returns before anything else.
Approach to the backhand corner, then shade toward that line. It narrows the angles your opponent can use to pass you.
Example
Returning in singles, she hits deep to the server's backhand corner and runs to the kitchen line. His third-shot drive comes at her chest. She blocks it crosscourt into the open court for a winner.
Why it matters
Singles is a different game from doubles, with more running and fewer soft exchanges. Using its own patterns instead of doubles habits wins more points.
Common mistakes
- Hitting short serves and returns that let the opponent attack
- Staying at the baseline after a deep return
- Playing slow doubles-style dinks with the whole court open
- Serving from the wrong side for your score
Frequently asked questions
What is the best strategy for singles pickleball?
Serve and return deep, and move toward the net behind your return. The server has to stay back until the return bounces. Use passing shots down the lines and low balls at the feet of a player rushing in.
Which side do I serve from in singles pickleball?
From the right when your score is zero or even, and from the left when it is odd. You switch sides after each point you win while serving.
Do you drop the third shot in singles pickleball?
Less often than in doubles. Many singles players drive or pass instead. One player at the net leaves more open court to hit into.
Sources
Related terms
- Deep ServeA deep serve lands near the opponent's baseline. It keeps the returner farther from the kitchen line and gives the serving team more time to advance.
- Return DepthReturn depth means hitting the serve return deep, near the opponent's baseline. That makes it harder for them to approach the kitchen line comfortably before the third shot.
- DriveA drive is a hard, flat or low-trajectory shot hit from mid-court or the baseline. It aims to push opponents back or force a weak return.
- Two-Bounce RuleThe two-bounce rule requires the ball to bounce once on each side before either team may volley. The serve must bounce on the return side. The return must bounce on the serving side, and only after those two bounces may either team hit a ball before it bounces.
- Baseline PlayBaseline play refers to deliberately staying near the back of the court. This uses drives and drops rather than advancing to the kitchen, often as a defensive or reset strategy.
- Calling the ScoreIn doubles, call three numbers before you serve: your team's score, the opponents' score, then your server number, 1 or 2. Each game starts at 0-0-2. In singles, and in rally scoring, call two numbers: the server's score, then the receiver's.
Related guides & benchmarks
Have a question about this?
There is nothing here to film. Ask SwingVantage a follow-up question, or keep reading the related terms above.