Technical–tactical behaviour and rally structure in professional men's doubles pickleball: A combined descriptive,predictive,and sequential analysis

Abstract

Despite the recent expansion of pickleball, empirical evidence on the technical–tactical demands of men's doubles play remains scarce. This study provides the first integrated analysis of match structure and point-resolution mechanisms in elite men's doubles pickleball. A total of 2344 points from fifteen semifinal and final matches of the 2023 PPA Tour were analysed using observational methodology. All actions were coded with LINCE PLUS, and descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted in SPSS. Variables included rally length, striking zone, finishing zone, and final stroke. A CHAID decision-tree model was used to identify multivariate predictors of point outcome, and THEME 6 Edu was applied to detect recurrent T-patterns. Receiving pairs won 55.5% of rallies, consistent with a limited serve advantage characteristic of men's doubles play. Very long rallies (≥13 shots) were the most frequent (35.2%). Short and medium rallies favoured receivers, whereas long and very long rallies favoured servers. Most decisive shots were executed in zone 2, which acted as the primary operational area for rally control. Groundstrokes were closely associated with unforced errors, while volleys (especially in medium and long rallies) showed greater winning potential. The CHAID model identified rally length as the strongest predictor of point outcome, followed by striking and finishing zones. T-pattern analysis revealed recurrent temporal structures characterised by alternations between deep and mid-court zones and terminal volley actions. Men's doubles pickleball exhibits a distinctive internal logic based on cooperative spatial management, prolonged rallies, and incremental serving consolidation. These insights provide objective references for optimising training design and tactical preparation in doubles play.