Doubles is a different game
The first time you play doubles after only playing singles, it feels chaotic. Four people, balls flying everywhere, and you're not sure where to stand. That's normal. Doubles has its own rhythm, and it takes a few matches to feel comfortable.
The good news: doubles forgives mistakes better than singles. You've got a partner covering half the court. The bad news: you can also get in each other's way, miss easy shots because neither of you went for it, and generally look uncoordinated until you figure out the basics.
Where to stand
The most common formation is one player at the net, one at the baseline. Net player looks to intercept anything they can reach. Baseline player handles groundstrokes and covers lobs.
When you're returning serve, the traditional spot is both players in this one-up-one-back formation. Some pairs prefer both at the baseline when receiving, which is more defensive but simpler.
The middle of the court is where doubles points are won and lost. Both teams try to hit there because it creates confusion about who takes the ball. Talk to your partner constantly about middle balls.
Talk to each other
Communication is the difference between a good doubles team and two singles players standing on the same court. Call every ball. "Mine!" or "Yours!" on anything that could go either way. It feels over-the-top at first, then becomes automatic.
Between points, check in with each other. What's working? What should we try? Even a quick "you're playing well" helps keep the energy up.
After a mistake, yours or your partner's, say nothing negative. Doubles falls apart when partners start blaming each other. A missed shot happens, reset for the next point.
The return of serve
In doubles, the net player on the other team is watching your return, ready to pounce. Hit a weak floater and they'll put it away. Your job is to keep the return low, preferably crosscourt to the server.
Going down the line is risky because the net player can intercept it. Save that shot for when you've genuinely got them wrong-footed.
If the net player keeps picking off your returns, mix it up. Hit earlier to give them less time. Throw in a lob over their head. Hit right at them occasionally, because body shots are uncomfortable to volley.
Getting to the net
Doubles rewards aggression. When both you and your partner are at the net, you control the point. The team that gets to the net first usually wins.
After a strong serve, move forward. After a deep return, both players can approach. The goal is to volley from close range where you can hit downward at your opponents.
Watch for lobs when you're both up. If one goes over your head, yell "switch!" and your partner moves to cover while you retreat for the ball.
Poaching
Poaching means crossing over to intercept a ball hit toward your partner. It's one of the most satisfying shots in doubles. You read the return, explode across, and put away the volley.
The key is timing. Move too early and they'll hit behind you. Move too late and you're stuck in no-man's land. Watch the returner's body, not the ball, to read where they're going.
When you poach, your partner needs to cover your side. Work out signals beforehand. Some pairs use hand signals behind the back, others just have a rhythm where the net player poaches after certain serves.
The mental game
Doubles is social tennis. Even competitive doubles should be fun. When you're enjoying the match, you play better. When you're tense and frustrated, mistakes multiply.
Support your partner vocally. Celebrate good shots. Commiserate briefly on bad ones, then move on. The best doubles teams genuinely enjoy playing together.
If your partner is having a rough game, don't try to take over. Play your normal game, stay positive, and let them work through it. Everyone has off days.
Finding a regular partner
The ideal doubles partner has a complementary style to yours. If you're aggressive at net, a steady baseliner works well. If you're both baseline players, you'll need to work on transitioning forward together.
More important than skill level is reliability. Someone who shows up, communicates well, and doesn't blame you for losses is worth their weight in gold.
Join our waitlist to find doubles partners when our matching feature launches.