Doubles tennis uses the wider court, including the alleys, and rewards teamwork, positioning and quick net play more than raw power. Partners take turns serving full games in a fixed rotation, each player keeps the same receiving side for the whole set, and most points are won by the team that takes control of the net together. Learning the rules that differ from singles, the main formations and a few simple communication habits will improve any doubles team quickly.
This guide covers doubles rules, court dimensions, formations, the roles of each player, strategy, communication, drills and the mistakes that cost doubles teams points.
Doubles rules that differ from singles
| Rule | Doubles |
|---|---|
| Court | The alleys are in play during rallies, making the court 36 feet (10.97 m) wide instead of 27 feet (8.23 m) |
| Serve | The serve must still land in the normal service box; the alleys are not part of the service box |
| Serving order | Players take turns serving full games in rotation: A1, B1, A2, B2; the order can change at the start of each set |
| Receiving | Each player keeps the same side, deuce or ad, for the whole set; the team can choose again at the start of the next set |
| Who hits | Either partner may return a ball, but only one player may hit it |
| Scoring formats | Many events use no-ad scoring or a match tiebreak instead of a third set |
Main formations
- Up and back. One player at the net and one at the baseline. It is common at club level and suits teams with one strong baseliner.
- Both up. Both players at the net. This is the strongest position for winning points because it takes time away from opponents and opens sharp angles.
- Both back. Both players on the baseline, useful against strong net players or big returns, and as a defensive reset.
- I-formation. The server’s partner crouches near the center line at the net and moves left or right after the serve, based on a signal, to confuse the returner.
- Australian formation. The server’s partner stands on the same side of the court as the server, blocking the returner’s crosscourt reply.
Roles of each player
| Player | Main job |
|---|---|
| Server | Get a high percentage of first serves in, then follow to the net or hold the baseline based on the plan |
| Server’s partner | Guard the alley, poach weak returns and put away volleys |
| Returner | Keep the return low and crosscourt, away from the net player, or lob over them |
| Returner’s partner | Call the serve, watch the opposing net player and move forward when the return is strong |
Core doubles strategy
- Get first serves in. A reliable first serve with good placement is more valuable than a big serve that misses often.
- Return crosscourt. The crosscourt return keeps the ball away from the net player and gives you the most court to aim at.
- Take the net together. Teams that move forward together control points and close angles.
- Hit down the middle. Balls between the two opponents often cause confusion and reduce the angles available to them.
- Aim at the feet. Low balls to an opponent’s feet force weak, upward volleys you can attack.
- Use the lob. A well-placed lob over the net player can push the opposing team back and open the court.
- Move as a unit. Partners should shift side to side and forward and back together, like they are connected by a rope.
Communication
Good doubles partners talk before, during and after points. Common calls include “mine” or “yours” for balls down the middle, “switch” when a partner crosses to the other side and “bounce” or “out” to help each other judge balls. Between points, partners often meet briefly to agree on serve placement, whether the net player will poach and where to play the return. Hand signals behind the back are common for serve and poach plans. Encouragement matters too: a quick “good try” after a missed shot keeps the team together.
Who takes the middle ball?
Balls hit down the middle cause more confusion than any other shot in doubles. A few simple guidelines help:
- The player closer to the net usually takes it, since they can hit down.
- If both players are at the same depth, the player with the forehand in the middle often takes it.
- The player who hit the previous crosscourt shot usually has the better angle.
- Whatever system you use, agree on it before the match and call early.
How to poach effectively
Poaching, when the net player crosses to intercept a crosscourt ball, is one of the most effective weapons in doubles. Time your move so you start crossing as the opponent commits to their shot, not before, or they will simply hit behind you. Move diagonally forward toward the net rather than straight across, which cuts off the ball earlier and lets you volley down. Aim the volley at the feet of the opposing net player or into the open middle. Agree with your partner in advance, often with a hand signal, so they know to cover the side you leave open.
Choosing a doubles partner
Strong doubles teams often combine complementary strengths, such as a consistent baseliner with an aggressive net player, or a big server with a player who returns well. Communication and trust matter as much as skill level. Many players also find that one partner is more comfortable on the deuce side and the other on the ad side, so talk about preferences before the first set.
Drills to improve your doubles
- Crosscourt rallies. Two players rally crosscourt while the net players try to poach.
- Volley-to-volley. All four players at the net volleying, focusing on keeping the ball low.
- Serve and first volley. Practice serving and moving forward to hit a first volley.
- Return and approach. Return crosscourt and move forward with your partner.
- Lob and switch. Practice covering lobs and switching sides smoothly.
Common mistakes
- Returning to the net player. Returns hit straight at the net player are easy to put away.
- Standing still at the net. A net player who never moves is easy to play around.
- Leaving a big gap. Partners who split apart leave the middle open.
- Silence. Not calling balls leads to both players leaving it or colliding.
- Going for too much. High-risk winners from the baseline are less effective than patient, low crosscourt shots.
- Blaming your partner. Negative reactions damage teamwork and confidence.
Rulebook note
Doubles rules on serving order, receiving positions and scoring formats are set by the ITF Rules of Tennis and adapted by national associations, leagues and tournaments, some of which use no-ad scoring or match tiebreaks. Check the rules for your event.
Frequently asked questions
Are the alleys in play in doubles tennis?
Yes, during rallies. The serve, however, must still land in the normal service box, which does not include the alleys.
Can you change the serving order in doubles?
Yes, at the start of each set. Within a set, partners must serve in the order chosen at the start of that set.
What is the best formation in doubles?
Both players at the net is usually the strongest position for winning points, but up-and-back and both-back formations are useful depending on your strengths and opponents.
