Maintain shot-selection standards, communication, and a brief between-point routine when the score feels consequential.
Equipment
- Pickleball paddles
- Pickleballs
- Pickleball court
- Score cards or scoreboard
Setup
Use normal doubles scoring and starting positions. Choose three close-score starts appropriate to the format, such as 8–8–1, 9–9–2, and 10–9–1.
How to run it
1. Begin each mini-game at a selected pressure score.
2. After every rally: take one breath, confirm score/server/position, share one concise message, choose a target, and commit.
3. Play until the scenario resolves, then reset to a different starting score.
4. Track process wins: correct score call, high-percentage choice, early partner call, and balanced transition.
5. Finish by naming which decision changed most under pressure.
Coach Dave’s cues
A close score does not turn a low-percentage shot into a good choice. Keep the routine short. Use the same fundamentals that work earlier in the game.
Watch for
Abandoning the routine, forcing the first attack, arguing about calls, giving too much partner information, or letting artificial pressure override safe court awareness.