Unimproving your doubles game requires both good positioning and communication among teammates. An experienced pair will use hand signals to plan out each point before serving their ball.
Partner of server can stand anywhere on court; however, only changing sides once per set. Players must also keep receiving order consistent for the entire set.
Court layout
A tennis court layout defines the area where balls may land during a point. It encompasses the baseline, singles and doubles sidelines and center service line – each marked by its own color – representing different aspects of the game; such as baseline as farthest point where serves can travel; singles/doubles sidelines providing boundaries along side of court; center service line as a place where serves must land to be valid; etc.
Adjusting the dimensions of a tennis court to meet different playing conditions is possible, yet it’s crucial that the playing lines stay as close to their recommended measurements as possible. In particular, base line width shouldn’t vary more than 14 inches from its initial measurement in order to maintain uniformity on court and avoid confusion amongst players.
Ideal, tennis courts should remain free from obstructions such as fences, backdrops and divider curtains for at least 21 feet around them; however this can often be impractical in indoor facilities. Net posts should ideally fall three feet outside the doubles sideline in the center of the court; singles nets may be used instead for competitions at higher education institutions but must still measure three feet high at least.
Scoring system
Instead of serving alternately like in singles tennis, doubles teams rotate serving based on which player is strongest and who receives first. The same order must apply throughout a set; this facilitates exchanges of strategic ideas as players must consider both strengths and weaknesses when making decisions about how best to play their partner.
One point is scored when either player scores two consecutive points. Once the score reaches deuce, whichever player wins their first point will lead 1-0; should another point be won by them or received from someone else, their win becomes 2-1 or 3-2 depending on where it comes from.
Players may switch sides after winning a point; however, this cannot occur throughout a match. Furthermore, hitting the ball with any part of their body other than their racket is prohibited and incurring penalties by running into the net costs an extra point.
Tennis matches typically consist of three to five sets. When a set reaches six points each way, a tiebreak game may be held – typically, the first player to score seven points wins the set and therefore wins that round. Since these rules may differ between tournaments and it is essential that before entering a tennis match you check its rules first!
Rules
When playing doubles tennis, communication with your partner is of utmost importance. Praise their great shots when they hit them and be supportive if they become discouraged; having this positive outlook will enable both of you to play at their best and make the game even more enjoyable for both of you.
Tennis doubles has some distinct differences from singles, yet some similarities. Points are scored the same way and whoever wins more games will win the match. Furthermore, there may be slight variations to serving order and where players may stand during gameplay.
Deciding who serves first is of critical importance in any partnership, as this will determine the rotation for the rest of the set. While it used to be determined primarily by who was best at serving, more often now it’s more common to adopt an alternate serving role that best fits both players.
Next, the server must choose to serve to either side and alternate between sides until all players have had an opportunity to serve. When your turn comes, try controlling the middle window; 95% of shots pass through it over the net strap. By controlling it effectively, you may force your opponent into making errors and making more costly plays for yourself.
Variations
There are various variants of tennis doubles to try in order to advance your game and gain an edge. The key to keeping opponents off balance is attacking through the middle of the court; this prevents easy volley returns while encouraging more risky shots from your opponents.
Regular doubles formation is a great way to begin a point, but other variations can unnerve your opponents and throw off their timing. One such variation is Australian or “I” formation: in this formation you stand very near the tee while serving, with your partner crouched behind in the service box – forcing returners to guess which side you and your partner will cover, potentially unnerve them further and make them nervous!
Remember when defending, it is crucial to use their least preferred shot in their least preferred spot on the court. If this proves impossible, try attacking low over the net strap or lobing it back at them in an attempt to prevent their opponent from hitting an outstretched high volley over it that may prove hard for them to hit.