Playing pickleball is not restricted to just playing singles or doubles. Sometimes, you may not have four players, maybe the players present are of differing skill levels, or perhaps not everyone is up to playing singles. A solution is to play pickleball 2 vs 1 which offers a similar experience of playing doubles while challenging the lone player.
How To Play Pickleball 2 vs 1
The rules are the same to play pickleball 2 vs 1 as it is to play regular doubles. However, the lone player will get two serves while having to play the whole court. Playing 2 vs 1 is slightly different than playing with three players where each player rotates and the two players only aim for half the court that the third player is at. If you’re interested in playing that way, check out the next article where we show you.
Read Also: How To Play Pickleball With Three Players
As mentioned, the lone player will have to cover their whole side of the court in a 2 vs 1 game. They will start the service the same way as they would in a regular game of doubles. Then, they will switch and serve from the other side when they score. Once they lose a service, they will get another chance until they side out.
This is a great game to consider if one player is a more experienced or higher-level player than the other two. If you’re introducing your friends or family members to pickleball for the first time, it is a good way to make the game competitive for everyone.
How Playing Pickleball 2 vs 1 Can Improve Your Game
If you’re an intermediate to advanced pickleball player, playing 2 vs 1 can be great practice for many reasons. First, it will force each shot you make to be controlled and intentional. When you have a partner, there is another set of hands to depend on. Therefore, you may not feel pressured to make every shot perfect.
But if you make a bad drop as a lone player, the other two players can either attack it easily. Or place the ball where you’re not. Secondly, playing alone means you have to be efficient with your footwork. If you’re out of position reaching for a ball, you know you need to be able to reset. So you may have to be faster at lunging, regrouping, and balancing yourself to be ready for the next shot.
Lastly, playing 2 vs 1 will force you to stay focused. For whatever reason, people can lose their thoughts in the middle of a game. It could be because of something going on internally or externally around the court. Next thing you know, they make a bad shot that they immediately regret or whiff the ball.
You need to stay focused on each shot you’re making and coming to you when you don’t have a partner. So if you tend to find yourself not as focused as you think you should be, playing pickleball 2 vs 1 will help you level up.
Pickleball Recommendations
Outdoor Pickleballs: Franklin X-40 Pickleball Balls
Indoor Pickleballs: Onix Pure 2 Indoor Pickleball Balls