In doubles, the receiving order decides which partner takes serves from the deuce court and which takes them from the ad court. The order is set at the start of each set, then followed whenever that pair receives. It does not change just because the score changes or the players switch ends.
Getting the order right prevents confusion, but it can also shape a team’s tactics. A pair might put its stronger returner on the deuce side to face a particular opponent’s serve, or choose the arrangement that lets each player cover a preferred part of the court.
How doubles receiving order works
At the start of a set, the pair receiving in the first game chooses which partner will receive the first point. That player takes serves directed to the deuce court; their partner takes serves directed to the ad court. They keep those roles for the pair’s receiving games in the set.
The other pair makes its choice when it first receives—in the second game. Its chosen player takes deuce-court returns, and the partner takes ad-court returns. That arrangement also stays in place for the rest of the set.
| Receiving pair | When it chooses | Order applies in |
|---|---|---|
| Pair receiving the first game | Before the set begins | Its odd-numbered receiving games |
| Pair receiving the second game | Before its first receiving game | Its even-numbered receiving games |
The server’s court alternates with the score: the first point starts from the deuce court, the next from the ad court, then back to deuce. So the player assigned to the deuce side receives the first, third, fifth and other deuce-court points of a game. Their partner receives the ad-court points.
A simple example
Suppose Maya and Lena receive serve in the first game. They choose Maya for the deuce court and Lena for the ad court. If Maya and Lena receive again in the third game, they keep that same setup. Maya takes the deuce-court returns; Lena takes the ad-court returns.
Their opponents, Sam and Jo, make a separate choice when they receive in the second game. If Sam is assigned to the deuce court, Jo takes the ad court when their pair is receiving—throughout the set.
Within a game, the receiver does not swap courts after a few points. At 30–15, for example, the next point is served from the ad court, so the ad-side receiver takes it. The score affects which court the serve comes from, not which partner is assigned to receive from that court.
Receiving order is not service order
These are two different arrangements. Service order determines which partner serves each game. Receiving order determines which partner takes serves from each court when the team is returning.
A pair might have one player serve first and choose the other player to receive first. There is no rule that the first server must also be the first receiver. Teams can make those choices to suit their strengths and matchups.
Can a pair change the receiving order?
Yes, but the normal time to make a new choice is at the start of a new set. A pair can switch which partner covers the deuce and ad courts then. It cannot freely change the arrangement halfway through a set just because one opponent is serving or the match situation has changed.
Players may change ends during a set, but that does not change their assigned receiving courts. The deuce court remains the deuce court, and the same partner continues to receive there.
Receiving in a tiebreak
The receiving order used during the set carries into the tiebreak. Partners should follow their established order rather than choosing a new receiver for each point. Tiebreaks also follow a specific service rotation, so check whose turn it is to serve as well as which partner is due to receive.
If you are unsure about the sequence, pause before the point and confirm it with your partner. In an officiated match, ask the umpire for clarification rather than guessing.
Why the choice can matter tactically
Both players need to be ready to return, but the choice of sides can give a team a small advantage. A player with a strong backhand return, for instance, might prefer the side that lets them take more returns with that shot. A team might also consider which opponent serves from which side and where that server tends to place the ball.
There is no single best arrangement for every pair. A reliable way to decide is to talk before the set: consider each player’s return strengths, comfort under pressure and preferred court coverage. Then stick to the agreed order so there is no last-second hesitation when a serve comes in.
What if the wrong partner receives?
If you notice a possible receiving-order mistake, stop and raise it promptly—especially in a match with an umpire. Do not assume you can simply switch back without checking. The correction can depend on when the mistake is discovered and the match rules being used; an official can determine how to proceed. In a casual match, agree on the correct order with your opponents before continuing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we choose a different receiver in each game?
No. Each pair chooses its receiving order at the start of its first receiving game in the set, then keeps that arrangement for its receiving games until the next set.
Does the receiver change when the score changes?
The serving court changes with the score, but each partner’s assigned court does not. The deuce-side player receives deuce-court serves, and the ad-side player receives ad-court serves.
Can the receiving order change between sets?
Yes. A pair can choose a different partner for the deuce court at the start of a new set.
Is receiving order the same as service order?
No. Service order sets which partner serves each game. Receiving order sets which partner returns serves from the deuce and ad courts.
Final Thoughts
Doubles receiving order is straightforward once the two court assignments are clear: one partner takes deuce-court serves, the other takes ad-court serves, and the pair keeps that setup for the set. Agree on the choice early, remember that it is separate from service order, and confirm the sequence if a tiebreak or an officiated match makes anyone unsure.
