Good communication in doubles tennis means short, clear calls during the point, agreed hand signals before the serve, and calm, positive talk between points. Calls such as “mine,” “yours,” “switch” and “bounce” prevent collisions and missed balls, while signals from the net player tell the server where to serve and whether the net player will poach. Teams that communicate well cover the court better, make fewer unforced errors and stay confident when a match gets tight.
This guide explains the most useful calls, how hand signals work, what to say between points, how to communicate with a new partner, and the common mistakes that cost doubles teams points.
Calls during a point
| Call | Meaning | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| “Mine” or “Yours” | Who takes the ball | Balls down the middle and lobs |
| “Switch” | Partners change sides | After a lob over the net player or a poach |
| “Stay” | Keep your current position | When your partner might be tempted to cross |
| “Bounce” | Let the ball bounce before hitting | High lobs or balls that may be going long |
| “Out” or “No” | Leave the ball, it is going out | Shots heading wide or long |
| “Up” or “Back” | Move forward or retreat together | Changing formation during a rally |
Keep calls to one or two words and say them early and loudly enough for your partner to hear. A late call can be worse than no call at all.
Hand signals at the net
Before the serve, the net player signals behind their back so the opponents cannot see. Many teams use a simple system:
- Closed fist: stay on your side after the serve.
- Open hand: poach, crossing the court to intercept the return.
- Fake signal: pretend to poach, then stay, to confuse the returner.
- Serve location: the hand used or finger pointed shows whether to serve wide, at the body or down the T.
The server should confirm each signal with a nod or a quick word so there is no confusion. If the server wants a different play, they can call the net player back for a quick word before serving.
Step by step: setting up your team’s system
- Agree on your calls and signals before the match, ideally during practice.
- Decide who takes middle balls by default, often the player with the forehand in the middle or the player closer to the net.
- Choose one or two poaching plays you are comfortable with rather than many complex options.
- Practise the signals in warm-up so they feel natural.
- Review after each set and adjust what is working.
What to say between points
The time between points is when strong teams reset and plan. Keep it short and useful.
- Plan the next point: “Serve to the backhand, I’ll poach” or “Let’s both stay back on this return.”
- Share observations: “Their forehand is breaking down” or “They lob when under pressure.”
- Stay positive: “Good try, next one” after a miss keeps confidence up.
- Reset after mistakes: A quick high five or tap of the rackets helps both players move on.
Avoid long tactical discussions or criticism during a match. Save detailed analysis for changeovers or after the match.
Communication for different situations
| Situation | Helpful communication |
|---|---|
| Returning serve | The receiver’s partner calls whether the serve is in, as they often have the better view of the service line |
| Opponent lobs over the net player | The baseline player calls “Mine” and “Switch” early |
| Ball down the middle | Use your agreed default, and call it early if you break it |
| Losing streak | Use the changeover to agree on one simple change |
| Close game at deuce | Confirm the plan for the next point and stay encouraging |
Communicating with a new partner
Playing with someone for the first time takes extra care. Before the match, agree on basic calls, who takes middle balls and whether you will use signals. Ask about your partner’s strengths, such as a strong volley or a reliable lob, so you can plan around them. During the match, check in at changeovers and keep your feedback simple and positive. Partnerships improve quickly when both players feel supported.
Drills to practise communication
- Middle ball drill: A coach feeds balls down the middle. Partners must call “mine” or “yours” before every shot, and any ball not called counts as a lost point.
- Lob and switch: The coach lobs over the net player. The baseline player calls and covers, and both partners switch sides smoothly.
- Signal serve games: Play practice games where the net player must signal every point and the server must confirm before serving.
- Silent then talk: Play a few points with no talking, then the same number with full communication, and compare how many balls fall between you.
Body language counts too
Communication is not only words. Your posture, eye contact and reactions after mistakes send messages to your partner and your opponents. Standing tall, meeting your partner between points and keeping frustration under control all show a united team. Teams that look calm and connected are harder to break down, even when they are behind in the score.
Communication in mixed doubles
Mixed doubles follows the same principles. Agree on roles, such as who covers lobs and who takes middle balls, and make sure both partners feel free to call balls. Clear, respectful communication helps each player use their strengths and prevents one partner from feeling left out of the point.
Etiquette and rules to know
Partners may talk to each other during play, but communication should not be used to distract opponents. Talking or shouting while the ball is travelling toward the opponents can be treated as a hindrance, which may cost you the point. Keep calls to your own side of the play and avoid loud comments aimed at the other team. Check the ITF Rules of Tennis and your national association’s guidance for unofficiated play, such as the USTA’s The Code, for exact wording.
Common communication mistakes
- Calling too late, leaving both players hesitating on a ball in the middle.
- Using long sentences during a point when one word would do.
- Silence after errors, which can make a partner feel blamed.
- Criticising your partner during the match instead of offering a solution.
- Changing signals mid-match without agreeing first.
- Forgetting to confirm signals, so the server does not know whether the net player will move.
Frequently asked questions
Who should take the ball down the middle in doubles?
Many teams agree that the player with the forehand in the middle takes it, or the player closer to the net. The key is to agree before the match and call it early.
Can you talk to your partner during a point in doubles?
Yes. Short calls such as “mine” and “switch” are normal. Just avoid talking when the ball is moving toward your opponents, since it could be ruled a hindrance.
What does an open hand signal mean in doubles?
In many teams, an open hand behind the back means the net player will poach after the serve, while a closed fist means they will stay.
