In doubles tennis, both teams change ends of the court at set points during a match—not after every game. The usual rule is to switch ends after the first game, then after every two games, such as at the ends of games 3, 5 and 7. During a tie-break, players change ends every six points.
One detail causes confusion: changing ends is not the same as switching between the deuce and ad sides of the court. A player who receives on the deuce side generally stays on that receiving side for the set, even after the teams walk to the opposite ends.
When Doubles Teams Change Ends
In a standard set, players change ends when the total number of games played is odd. That means the change happens after games 1, 3, 5, 7 and so on. Both players on each team move to the other end of the court.
| Point in the set | Change ends? |
|---|---|
| After game 1 (1 game played) | Yes |
| After game 2 (2 games played) | No |
| After game 3 (3 games played) | Yes |
| After game 4 (4 games played) | No |
| After game 5 (5 games played) | Yes |
A quick way to remember the pattern is: change after the first game, then every two games. The score does not matter; count the games that have finished in the set.
Example: a 6–4 set
In a set that ends 6–4, the teams switch ends after games 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9. Ten games have been played when the set ends, so they do not make an extra change just because the set is over. They change ends after the first game of the next set instead.
If a set ends after an odd total number of games, such as 6–3, the players change ends at the end of the set. This keeps the change-of-ends schedule consistent across the match.
Changing Ends During a Tie-Break
In a tie-break, doubles players change ends after every six points. For example, they switch after the score reaches 3–3, then again after 6–6, 9–9 and each later six-point mark. The score can continue beyond seven points, so keep counting the total points rather than assuming the tie-break ends at 7.
At the end of the tie-break, the set’s normal change-of-ends rule still applies. Since a tie-break set commonly finishes 7–6, 13 games have been played. The players change ends at the set break, even if they have already changed ends during the tie-break.
Changing Ends Is Not Switching Court Sides
In doubles, “sides” can mean two different things:
- Ends of the court: The two teams move from one end of the court to the other at the scheduled changeovers.
- Deuce and ad sides: These are the right and left service and receiving positions when facing the net.
Changing ends does not, by itself, mean partners swap their deuce-side and ad-side roles. For example, if you receive on the deuce side at one end, you continue receiving on the deuce side at the other end. The court looks reversed from the players’ viewpoint, but their receiving roles remain the same.
Under the standard rules, a doubles team’s receiving order stays in place throughout the set, including its tie-break. Teams can choose their serving and receiving order at the start of a new set. Some leagues and recreational formats use modified rules, so check the competition regulations if they say otherwise.
What Changes—and What Does Not
Walking to the other end does not reset the match or change which player is due to serve. Doubles partners continue to serve in their established rotation, and the receiving order remains in effect for that set. The change is mainly about which end each team occupies.
Changeovers also give players a brief chance to rest, drink and talk tactics. Under standard rules, players get a short rest at most changes of ends, but not after the first game of a set or during a tie-break. A tournament or local format may set out different details.
Common Doubles Change-of-Ends Mistakes
- Switching after every game: In a standard set, teams switch after game 1 and then every two games—not after every game.
- Forgetting the tie-break count: Change ends every six points, including in a tie-break that goes well past seven points.
- Swapping receiving roles by mistake: A change of ends does not automatically switch partners between deuce and ad sides.
- Counting the score instead of completed games: Track the total games played in the set to know whether a change is due.
Before a close match, agree with your partner on who serves and receives from each side. Then use the game count as your cue to change ends. It is a simple habit that prevents confusion when the score gets tight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do doubles players change ends after every game?
No. They change ends after the first game of a set and then after every two games, when the total number of completed games is odd.
When do players change ends in a doubles tie-break?
They change ends after every six points. Keep counting if the tie-break goes beyond the usual seven points.
Do doubles partners switch deuce and ad sides when they change ends?
No. A change of ends means moving to the opposite end of the court. It does not automatically change a player’s receiving position for that set.
Do players change ends after a set?
It depends on how many games were played. If the set ended with an odd total, they change ends at the set break. If the total was even, they change after the first game of the next set.
Final Thoughts
For standard doubles, remember two rules: change ends after game 1 and every two games after that, and change ends every six points in a tie-break. Keep that separate from the deuce-side and ad-side roles, which do not switch just because the teams move to the other end. If you are playing under a league or club format, check its rules for any variations.
