Why I Like Singles More Than Doubles in Pickleball
I don’t play singles because I hate doubles—I play singles because I love running the show. No guesswork, no soft shots unless I feel like it, and definitely no babysitting someone else’s pop-ups. Just me, the court, and a whole lot of forehands down the line.
When I first started playing pickleball, like most beginners, I played doubles. I didn’t think much about singles, it just wasn’t on my radar. But one day, while waiting for a game, I played my first singles match against my sister Mackenzie.
Turns out, I really like singles. A lot. Here’s why:
It Matches My Style
In singles, I love ripping clean drives and catching people with passing shots. The pace, the spin, the constant movement, that kind of intensity fits how I like to play. Sure, doubles has more variety with hands battles and dinks, but sometimes I just want to unload and keep things aggressive.
I Like Being in Charge
Doubles always brings some guesswork. Is my partner moving up? Are they going to poach or pop one up? But in singles, I’m the one making every decision. My court, my shots, my game plan. That kind of control suits me.
If I Lose, It’s On Me
This might sound weird, but I actually like being the only one to blame. If I lose, it’s my fault. If I win, it’s because I earned it. There’s no mental clutter from wondering how my partner feels or what they should have done. It sharpens my focus and keeps my mindset strong.
Less Dinking, More Driving
Don’t get me wrong, I can dink. I can drop. But I’d rather rip a forehand down the line and keep pressure on my opponent. Singles lets me play that kind of game more often. The rallies are fast, the court is open, and I can let loose.
Simpler, Mentally
Singles clears the mental noise. I don’t have to track where my partner is or figure out who takes the next shot. I just read my opponent, set up points, and adjust as I go. It’s a different kind of mental game, one I really enjoy.
Doubles Can Still Be Fun (Sometimes)
Look, I’m not totally hating on doubles. If I’m tired or want to work on touch shots, I’ll play it. And yes, it can be fun, especially when the chemistry is right. But if I had to pick just one format to stick with forever? It’s singles, no question.
To the Tennis Players Who Think Singles Pickleball Is Easy...
I know it looks basic. Hit it back and forth, right? But once you actually play real singles points, trying to hit deep drops, manage angles, and run down every ball, you realize it’s not so simple. I’ve played both sports, and trust me, singles pickleball will humble you fast.
Final Thoughts
I’m not knocking doubles. It has its place, and for some folks, it’s the best part of the game. But for me? Singles is the one. It fits how I think, how I move, and how I want to compete. If you’ve never tried it, give it a shot. You might just get hooked, like I did.
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