Going Solo: Why Singles Pickleball Deserves a Spot in Your Game
The fast-paced format that sharpens every skill you’ve got
I admit, sometimes I get frustrated when my partner flubs a shot into the net. Or misses that easy putaway that should have ended the point. It’s not like I’m mistake free by any means, but playing with a partner means you only control half the game. Playing singles changes this. It’s all me all the time. No one to blame for a lost point but myself. And sometimes, it’s just what the doctor ordered.
Whether it’s the stripped-down skinny singles version or a full-court slugfest, playing one-on-one can sharpen your skills, boost your fitness, and change how you see the game.
Skinny Singles: Small Court, Big Gains
Skinny singles is the gateway drug for many doubles players. Instead of covering the whole court, you play only half—either sideline to centerline or centerline to sideline, depending on the point. Serve cross-court, and your opponent returns into your half.
Why it works:
More manageable movement – You get the feel of singles without feeling like you need a personal oxygen tank between points.
Targeted accuracy – Forces you to work on hitting to a specific lane, improving ball control.
Quick decision-making – Smaller target areas mean you need to recognize opportunities fast.
For anyone who loves the strategy of doubles but wants a low-impact singles workout, skinny singles is a perfect bridge.
Full-Court Singles: The Real Workout
When you’re ready for the deep end, full-court singles delivers. There’s no partner to cover your misses and no one to bail you out at the net—it’s all on you.
Benefits you’ll notice quickly:
Improved conditioning – Covering the whole court means more lateral movement, more sprints, and more calories burned than most doubles games.
Stronger groundstrokes – You’ll rally from the baseline more often, which builds power and consistency in your forehand and backhand.
Better shot tolerance – Singles forces you to stay in points longer and find ways to reset under pressure.
Sharper court awareness – You’ll see patterns and openings faster because you’re reading one opponent’s game instead of juggling the chaos of four players.
Why Play Singles at All?
Even if your main pickleball life revolves around doubles, mixing in singles can make you a stronger, more confident player. It’s a chance to:
Push your fitness without leaving the court for the gym.
Isolate and improve strokes that doubles doesn’t always demand.
Learn to construct points without relying on a partner’s strengths.
And let’s be honest—singles also gives you bragging rights. Beating someone one-on-one is a very different kind of victory than sneaking out a doubles win.
The Bottom Line
You don’t have to choose between doubles and singles—think of singles play as cross-training for your pickleball brain and body. Start with skinny singles for a tactical tune-up, then work up to full-court for the ultimate challenge. Who knows? You might just find that going solo brings your doubles game to a whole new level.
