Pickleball Doubles: Offensive Lob and Switch

Pickleball doubles situation where players at the kitchen line lob over the opposing pair, who respond by turning, running, and switching sides. Students work on the tactical use of the lob and a safe way to defend it.

How to play

1. Six courts with 4 players each and one rotating referee. Place a cone in each back corner to mark the lob target area (2 min).
2. Safety demo: never backpedal on a lob; turn and run sideways or facing the ball while your partner crosses over to cover the other side (3 min).
3. Guided drill: all four players dink at the kitchen; on the whistle, pair A hits a crosscourt lob and pair B practices the turn and switch. 4 reps, then swap roles (5 min).
4. Game to 11: a lob that forces the opponent to return from behind the baseline earns a bonus point if the team then wins the rally (7 min).
5. Wrap-up: when is the lob worth it and when is it a gift? Each pair gives an example (3 min).

Rules

• Lobs only earn the bonus when hit from the kitchen line or very close to it.
• The defending pair must call "Switch!" when they cross.
• Safety: nobody jumps backward to hit a lob; if you can't get there sideways, let it bounce.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the partner always covers lobs while this student controls the kitchen with dinks.
• Shy students: practice the switch call quietly with their partner before the game.
• Lower fitness: limit lobs to one per point and allow rest between games.

Learning goals

• Use the offensive lob when the opposing pair is tight to the net.
• Apply a safe technique for moving back by turning the body.
• Coordinate the side switch with a partner using a clear call.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Paddles: 25
• Pickleball balls: 18
• Nets: 6
• Cones: 24

Teacher tip

Backpedaling causes falls, so correct it from the first minute. Lobs in the wind are risky; if it is gusty, swap the lob bonus for dinks at the feet.

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