A strong doubles team does more than hit good shots. Partners need to agree on who takes the middle, when to poach, where to serve, and what the score is. When those messages are late or unclear, even a routine ball can turn into a collision or an easy winner for the other team.
Most tennis doubles communication mistakes are fixable. A few clear calls, simple signals, and short conversations between points can prevent confusion without turning every rally into a running commentary. Here are the common trouble spots—and how to handle them within the rules.
1. Both players go for the same ball
The classic doubles mix-up happens when a ball lands between partners. Both players move, neither commits, or they collide while trying to hit it. This is especially common on lobs, sharp cross-court shots, and returns hit down the middle.
Agree on a default before the match. For example, the forehand player takes the middle, or the player nearer the net takes balls they can reach comfortably. There is no universal rule that says one side always owns the middle, so the best plan is the one both partners understand.
Use short, early calls such as “Mine,” “Yours,” or “Switch.” Call while the ball is traveling, not at the last second. If your partner has clearly committed, avoid shouting a competing instruction that could make them hesitate.
2. Staying silent when a partner needs a call
Silence can be just as confusing as two people calling at once. A player at the net may see that a lob is drifting long, while their partner is running backward with their back to the court. A clear “Out” or “Let it go” can save the point.
Be specific. “You” is less useful than “Back” or “Let it go,” and a call should come early enough to help. Partners should also agree that the player with the clearest view will make the call. That reduces the chance of two different calls on the same ball.
Line calls need care: players are responsible for calls on their own side of the net, and an uncertain ball should be treated as good. Follow the rules and procedures of your league or event, especially if an official is present. Don’t try to make a call on your opponents’ side.
3. Using unclear serve-and-volley signals
Hand signals can help the server and net player coordinate a poach, stay, or movement after the serve. They only work, though, if both partners know what each signal means. A raised finger could mean “stay” to one player and “fake” to another.
Keep the system simple and agree on it before the match. The server can glance at the signal, confirm it with a nod, then begin the point. If the signal is missed or the plan changes, use a quick verbal cue before the serve rather than guessing.
A signal is a tactical choice, not a guarantee. If the returner hits an unexpected shot, the net player should react to the ball instead of forcing the planned poach. Flexibility matters more than carrying out a signal at all costs.
4. Changing the plan without telling your partner
Suppose you planned to serve wide and cover the line, but then decide to serve down the T and move across. If your partner does not know, they may cover the wrong space. The same problem arises when a player suddenly switches from staying back to coming in.
Keep between-point updates short: “Same serve, stay,” or “Body serve, I’m crossing.” If the returner is ready and there is no time for a full discussion, use the signal you agreed on. Avoid changing the plan during the opponent’s preparation in a way that distracts them.
After a point, talk about what to adjust. During a rally, focus on useful calls about the ball and your partner’s movement. Deliberately distracting an opponent is not acceptable; event rules govern how officials handle hindrance. If you are unsure whether a shout or movement is allowed, check the rules for your competition.
5. Losing track of the score and serving order
Score confusion can lead to the wrong player serving, the wrong partner receiving, or an argument about which point comes next. Before the match, confirm the serving order and who will receive on each side. In doubles, the receiving order chosen for a set stays in place for that set, so partners should not switch sides of the receiving formation mid-set just because a particular opponent is serving.
Before each point, the server should call the score clearly. If the partners disagree, pause between points and settle the score before play resumes. Don’t guess and hope the other team will correct you. In a tiebreak or a no-ad format, make sure everyone understands the order and any special receiving choice before the deciding point.
6. Giving too many instructions during a rally
“Move left,” “watch the line,” “take it,” and “switch” all at once can make a partner freeze. During a point, use only calls that help with an immediate decision: who has the ball, whether it is going out, or whether partners need to switch after a lob.
Save tactical feedback for the space between points. Keep it about the next play—“I’ll take more middle returns”—rather than criticizing a missed shot. A calm, useful message helps a partner reset; blame usually makes the next point harder.
A simple communication routine
- Before the match: Agree on middle-ball responsibility, receiving positions, serve signals, and who calls balls on your side.
- Before each point: Confirm the score and use a signal or brief phrase for the serve plan.
- During the point: Make early, short calls. Avoid unnecessary chatter.
- After the point: Share one practical adjustment, then get ready for the next ball.
The goal is not to talk constantly. It is to make the important information clear before confusion costs you a point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can doubles partners talk during a point?
Partners can use brief calls to coordinate, such as “Mine” or “Switch.” Communication should not be used to deliberately distract opponents. Event rules and officials determine how a possible hindrance is handled.
Who should call a ball out in doubles?
Players make calls on their own side of the net, following the rules for their match. Agree on who has the clearest view, make the call promptly, and treat an uncertain ball as good.
Can doubles partners change receiving sides during a set?
No. The receiving order chosen at the start of a set remains in place for that set. Confirm each partner’s receiving side before play so there is no confusion later.
What should a team do if the score is disputed?
Stop between points and work out the score before continuing. Use the last point both teams clearly agree on to reconstruct it, and ask an official to decide if one is available.
Final Thoughts
Good doubles communication is brief, early, and agreed on in advance. Decide who owns the middle, make clear line and movement calls, keep serve signals simple, and say the score before the next point. Those small habits help partners play with confidence—and keep avoidable mix-ups from deciding the match.
