How To Play Singles Pickleball When You’ve Only Ever Played Doubles (The No-Panic Guide)
Have you only ever played pickleball doubles and wondered whether you should try giving singles a go? The idea of playing singles can feel like stepping into a whole new sport. Don’t worry—this guide is your roadmap to starting playing singles, even if you’ve never played it before.
The great news is, playing singles pickleball will tremendously help your doubles game by making you faster, sharper and giving you a range of new weapons to deploy because in pickleball you are forced to learn new tactics. We’ll break down the changes in rules, strategies, and mindset shifts needed to thrive in this fast-paced, one-on-one game. By the end, you’ll not only understand singles but also feel ready to dominate the court solo. Let’s dive in!
Understanding the Basics of Singles Pickleball
Singles pickleball uses the same court as doubles but with one player per side (obviously). The absence of a partner changes everything as you are responsible for covering the entire court, making every shot, and strategizing alone. The rules are nearly identical to doubles, but the serving and scoring nuances can catch doubles players off guard.
In general, singles follow the same two-bounce rule: the serve and return must bounce before being hit. Scoring is straightforward but critical to grasp. Only the server can score points, and games are typically played to 11, win by 2. Unlike doubles, there’s no partner to alternate serves—every serve is yours until you lose the rally.
Key Rule Differences from Doubles:
- Serving: The server uses only the right side of the court when their score is even and the left when odd.
- No partner rotation: You handle every shot, so positioning is entirely on you.
Doubles is a team effort; singles is a solo sprint. In doubles, you cover half the court, rely on your partner for shots, and strategize together. Singles demands you do it all—move faster, think quicker, and endure longer rallies.
This physical demand is a shock for doubles players. You’re not just hitting shots; you’re constantly repositioning to anticipate your opponent’s next move.
Mentally, singles requires a shift too. You can’t rely on a partner’s strengths to compensate for your weaknesses. If your backhand is shaky or your stamina wanes, there’s no one to cover for you. This vulnerability pushes you to refine every aspect of your game.
Mastering Singles-Specific Strategies
Serving and Returning
The serve sets the tone. In singles, a deep, accurate serve forces your opponent back, giving you control of the rally. USAPA recommends aiming for the baseline to limit your opponent’s attacking options. Practice serves that land within 1–2 feet of the baseline for maximum effectiveness.
Returns are your first defense. Unlike doubles, where you might aim for a soft return to set up a dink, singles returns should be deep and aggressive.
Serving Tips:
- Vary serve placement to keep opponents guessing.
- Use spin serves to disrupt their return rhythm.
- Stay balanced post-serve to prepare for a quick return.
Court Positioning
Positioning is your lifeline. In doubles, you stick to your side of the court. In singles, you must dynamically adjust based on the ball’s trajectory. After serving, move toward the center to cover both sides efficiently. Post-return, aim to reach the non-volley zone (NVZ) line to control the net.
Controlling the center of the court is critical for good positioning—after your shot, recover near the centerline to prepare for the next.
Positioning Table:
| Situation | Where to Stand | Why |
| After serving | Near centerline, behind NVZ line | Prepares you for deep returns or quick volleys |
| After returning | Move toward NVZ line | Allows you to control the net and limit opponent’s angles |
| During rally | Centerline, slightly behind NVZ | Balances coverage of forehand and backhand shots |
| Defending a lob | Step back quickly, face the ball | Gives you time to reset and counterattack |
Shot Selection
Shot variety wins singles matches. Doubles often relies on dinking and soft shots, but singles demands a mix of power, precision, and finesse. Use aggressive groundstrokes to keep opponents on their heels. Coaches recommend practicing crosscourt shots to open up the court and create angles.
Dinks and soft resets still have value in singles, especially to neutralize a point or lure an opponent forward—just don’t over-rely on them
Key Shots to Master:
- Passing shots: Hit low and wide to bypass an opponent at the net.
- Lobs: Use sparingly to push opponents back, but ensure accuracy to avoid easy smashes.
- Drop shots: Force opponents to move forward, disrupting their positioning.
Physical Preparation for Singles
Singles is a fitness test. To keep up, you need stamina, agility, and quick recovery.
Incorporate both longer distance runs and interval training to mimic the stop-and-go nature of singles rallies. Strength training for legs and core also improves your ability to lunge and pivot.
Before or after playing your doubles games see if a player wants to play a game of singles. This helps you to build up your fitness over time. If you are part of club groups, post to see who wants to drill with you. Sometimes there are two people wanting to play singles, but they never connect and people just need to ask. You can also use some of these drills…
Drills to Transition from Doubles to Singles
Practice makes perfect. Doubles players need drills that simulate singles’ intensity and court coverage. Solo drills are a great starting point. Partner drills are also effective. Try the “crosscourt challenge,” where you and a partner hit only crosscourt shots for 5 minutes, aiming to keep the ball in play. This builds stamina and precision, key for singles success.
Drill Table:
| Drill | How to Do It | Benefit |
| Serve + 3rd Shot Drop | Serve from baseline, then practice dropping the 3rd shot | Improves consistency |
| Crosscourt challenge | Hit crosscourt shots with partner for 5 min | Builds stamina and angle precision |
| Serve-and-sprint | Serve, then sprint to NVZ line, repeat 10x | Enhances serving and positioning speed |
| Shadow pickleball | Mimic game movements without a ball, 10 min | Boosts footwork and court awareness |
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Doubles habits can sabotage singles. Many doubles players overuse dinking, stay too close to the net, or neglect fitness. Avoid the dink trap. In singles, excessive dinking leaves you vulnerable to passing shots. Focus on drives and placement instead.
Another pitfall is poor court coverage. Don’t hug the net after every shot. Stay dynamic, returning to the centerline to prepare for the next play. Finally, don’t underestimate stamina—fatigue leads to errors. Train consistently to outlast your opponent.
Mistakes to Watch For:
- Over-dinking: Mix in drives and passing shots.
- Static positioning: Stay mobile and centerline-focused.
- Underestimating fitness: Prioritize cardio and agility.
Final Thoughts
Singles pickleball is a thrilling, empowering challenge. It tests your skills, fitness, and mental grit in ways doubles never will. By mastering serves, positioning, and shot selection, you’ll transform from a doubles veteran into a singles powerhouse. Start small, practice consistently, and embrace the learning curve. Soon, you’ll be ruling the court—solo and unstoppable.
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