Singles and doubles use the same ball, net, and basic scoring system, but they reward very different decisions. Singles players usually need to create space and cover it alone. Doubles partners share the court, so positioning, communication, and quick decisions at the net can matter as much as shot power.
Understanding the difference helps you choose better targets, make fewer unforced errors, and avoid leaving your partner exposed. Here’s how singles and doubles strategy changes—from serve and return patterns to court coverage and teamwork.
How the Courts Change the Strategy
In singles, the court is 27 feet wide. In doubles, the sidelines extend to 36 feet, adding a 4.5-foot alley on each side. Those alleys count during doubles rallies, but they do not make the service boxes wider. A serve must still land in the same service box used in singles.
The extra width gives doubles players more room to attack, but it also creates more court to defend. With two players sharing that space, the usual positions are different: one partner often serves or returns from the baseline while the other looks to intercept the next ball near the net.
| Strategic feature | Singles | Doubles |
|---|---|---|
| Main challenge | Create space, then cover the open court alone | Coordinate coverage with a partner |
| Common positions | Both players begin near the baseline | One player may start at the net while the other serves or returns |
| Useful targets | Deep corners, the middle, and open space | The middle, the opponent’s feet, and space between partners |
| Biggest risk | Leaving too much court open after an attack | Hesitating or leaving a gap between partners |
Singles Strategy: Build the Point and Protect the Court
Use depth before going for a winner
In singles, a deep shot can push your opponent back and give you time to recover toward the middle of the court. You do not need to hit a line to make progress. A deep crosscourt ball is often a safer way to move an opponent wide, while a shot up the line can be useful when you have already pulled them away from that side.
For example, if you hit a strong forehand crosscourt and your opponent is stretched near the sideline, the open side may look tempting. But changing direction too early can send the ball into the net or long. Use the opening when you have balance and a clear chance—not simply because the court looks open.
Recover with your next shot in mind
After hitting, move back toward a position that gives you a chance to reach either side. That usually means recovering toward the middle, but not always to the exact center. If your shot sends your opponent wide, shade toward the side they are most likely to hit into. Good recovery is part of shot selection: a risky attack is less useful if it leaves you stranded.
Use the middle to reduce angles
Aiming through the middle can limit your opponent’s ability to hit sharp angles. It is also a practical choice when you are stretched or off balance. Against an opponent who likes to pull you side to side, a deep central ball can slow the rally down and help you regain control.
Doubles Strategy: Work as a Pair
Take away time at the net
A net player can pressure the opponent by moving across to intercept a ball—a tactic called poaching. The goal is not to chase every shot. A good poach is timed when the return or groundstroke is likely to be weak, short, or directed through the middle. The serving partner should know when the net player plans to move, so both players can cover the space that opens behind the move.
Many doubles teams use simple hand signals before the serve. One signal can mean “stay,” while another means “poach.” Agree on the signals before the point, and keep them simple enough to use under pressure.
Target the middle with purpose
The middle is a valuable doubles target because it can make partners hesitate over who should take the ball. It also gives the opponent less room to hit a sharp angle. But don’t assume every ball between two players is yours: call “mine” or “yours” early, and let the player with the clearer shot take responsibility.
A low ball at an opponent’s feet is another useful target, especially when you are at the net. It is difficult to attack a ball that arrives below the net, and a weak reply may give your partner a chance to finish the point.
Cover the court together
When both partners are at the net, move side to side as a unit. If one partner shifts toward the middle to cut off a volley, the other should adjust to cover the outside. When one player is pulled wide, the partner should be ready to protect the middle rather than remain fixed in place.
In a common serve-and-volley pattern, the server moves forward after serving while the partner starts near the net. The pair can then pressure the returner with volleys. If the return is strong and low, the server may need to stay back instead. The right response depends on the quality of the shot, not on a rule that says every server must charge forward.
Serve and Return: Different Priorities
In singles, a serve can set up the next groundstroke. A wide serve may pull the receiver off court, while a serve through the body can jam them and make it harder to attack. The server still has to recover and cover the open space after the return.
In doubles, the serve often aims to produce a return the net partner can attack. A serve into the body can limit the receiver’s swing; a well-placed wide serve can create a predictable angle. The returner’s job is often to keep the ball low and make the first volley difficult. Aiming at the net player’s feet or driving a firm return down the middle can be more effective than trying for a risky winner.
Both games follow the same basic service-box rule. In doubles, players also follow a set service and receiving order: partners take turns serving, and each receiver stays on their chosen side for that set while the pair alternate receiving games. Knowing the order prevents confusion before the point starts.
Common Strategy Mistakes
- In singles: going for the lines too early, admiring a shot instead of recovering, or hitting short without a plan.
- In doubles: both partners chasing the same ball, leaving the middle unprotected, or standing still when a partner moves.
- In either format: choosing a high-risk shot when a deep, controlled ball would put you in a better position.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is doubles tennis played on a wider court?
Yes. The doubles court is 36 feet wide, compared with 27 feet for singles. The extra width comes from the alleys, which count during doubles rallies. The service boxes are the same width in both formats.
What is the most important doubles strategy for beginners?
Communicate and move together. Call the ball early, agree on who takes the middle, and adjust when your partner moves. Reliable positioning often wins more points than trying to hit a winner from every ball.
Should you always go to the net in doubles?
No. Moving forward can put pressure on opponents, but charging in behind a weak or short serve may leave you open to a passing shot. Come forward when your shot gives you time or puts the returner under pressure.
Why is the middle a useful target in doubles?
A ball through the middle can reduce the opponents’ angles and make them decide who will play it. It can also create a weak reply for your team to attack. Use clear calls so your own partnership doesn’t hesitate over the same ball.
Final Thoughts
Singles strategy is about creating space, recovering well, and choosing the right moment to attack. Doubles strategy adds a second player—and the need to coordinate every move. Use depth and smart recovery in singles; in doubles, communicate, protect the middle, and look for chances to put pressure on the net. In both formats, a clear plan usually beats trying to hit a winner from every position.
