Targeting the Weaker Player (Pickleball Doubles)
Also known as: targeting the weaker player in pickleball, hitting to the weaker player pickleball, pick on the weaker player pickleball, hit everything to the weaker player in pickleball, target the weaker opponent pickleball
Hitting most balls to the weaker opponent is a fair, common doubles tactic. Serve and return to them, dink to their weaker side and attack their pop-ups. Mix in shots to the stronger player so they cannot cover for their partner.
A doubles team is only as steady as its less reliable player. Sending that player more balls forces more decisions and more chances to miss. Start with the serve and return, and pin them deep. Then keep the dinks coming to their backhand or feet. Many teams also target the player who is slower to reach the kitchen.
Do it with care. If every ball goes one way, the stronger partner starts poaching and taking over the middle. Hit just enough to the strong player to keep them honest. The weaker player may also settle in as they get more balls. Watch for that and adjust.
It is within the rules and part of the game at every level. Social play has its own etiquette. In a mixed-ability open play game, many players spread the ball around rather than picking on one person all game. Aiming hard shots at someone's body is different from aiming at their weaker shots.
Tips by skill level
Find the opponent who misses more, and send them most of your serves and dinks. Keep it friendly in social games.
Target the weaker player's backhand side in the middle. It pulls the stronger partner across and opens their sideline.
Example
In a league match, one opponent's backhand dink keeps floating. The other team serves to that player, dinks to that backhand and attacks the first pop-up. Every few rallies, they slip a ball to the stronger partner to keep them from poaching.
Why it matters
Doubles points often end in errors. Directing play at the less reliable player raises their error count and lowers yours.
Common mistakes
- Hitting every ball to the weaker player until the stronger one poaches everything
- Forgetting to adjust when the weaker player settles in
- Aiming hard shots at a beginner's body in social play
- Feeding the stronger player easy attackable balls
Frequently asked questions
Should we hit everything to the weaker player in pickleball?
Hit most balls to them, but not all. If every ball goes one way, the stronger partner starts poaching. Mix in enough to the strong player to keep them honest.
Is it rude to target the weaker player in pickleball?
No. It is a normal tactic and within the rules. In social or mixed-ability games, many players spread the ball around more.
What do I do when the other team keeps hitting to me in pickleball?
Keep your shots low and safe, and stay patient in dink rallies. Ask your partner to take middle balls on their forehand. Aim at the stronger opponent sometimes to change the pattern.
Related terms
- PoachA poach is a doubles move where one player crosses in front of their partner to volley a ball that was heading to the partner — intercepting it to attack with a better angle, more pace, or the element of surprise.
- Middle BallA middle ball is a shot aimed directly between two opponents in doubles, designed to create confusion about who should take it and generate communication errors.
- Dink Target (Feet vs Body)Dink targeting is choosing between an opponent's feet and body. A dink at the feet forces an awkward low contact, while one at the body crowds the paddle and limits a clean swing.
- Mixed Doubles Strategy (Pickleball)Good mixed doubles strategy plays to each partner's real strengths. Agree who takes middle balls and lobs, use stacking to keep each player's best shots in play, and both share the soft game at the kitchen. Hit behind an opponent who poaches too much.
- Partner CommunicationPartner communication in doubles pickleball is the ongoing verbal and non-verbal exchange — "mine", "yours", "switch", "bounce it" — that keeps both players coordinated and prevents errors from confusion.
Related guides & benchmarks
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