Doubles

What is the definition of in tennis?

Doubles tennis is a popular variation of the traditional singles game, where players compete in teams of two against each other. It is considered the team version of tennis, offering a unique blend of strategies, communication, and teamwork skills. In doubles tennis, each player works closely with their partner to cover the court more effectively, maximize their strengths, and exploit the opponents’ weaknesses.

When playing doubles, court positioning, and player roles become crucial factors, as they directly impact the outcome of the match. For instance, communication between partners is essential to execute well-coordinated plays and avoid misunderstandings on the court. Doubles tennis also requires players to develop specific tactics and adapt their strategies based on their opponents and the match’s progress.

Key Takeaways

  • Doubles tennis is a team-based version of the sport, with two players on each side working together.
  • Court positioning and player roles are vital components for a successful doubles match.
  • Effective communication and strategic adaptation are necessary skills for doubles players.

Basics of Doubles in Tennis

Doubles in tennis is a variation of the regular tennis game, where two players form a team and compete against another team of two players. It is an exciting team-based game that adds an extra layer of strategy and cooperation to the traditional singles game.

Court Dimensions

The doubles tennis court is slightly wider than the singles court, measuring 36 feet wide compared to 27 feet for singles. The length of the court remains the same at 78 feet. The additional 4.5 feet on each side defines the doubles alleys, which are considered to be in play only in doubles matches.

Scoring System

The scoring system in doubles tennis is similar to singles. Points are awarded as 15, 30, 40 and game point. A set is won by the team that reaches 6 games with a margin of at least 2 games. If the set is tied 6-6, a tiebreak is played to determine the winner, except in some cases where the final set (usually the 3rd or 5th set) is decided by a two-game lead, depending on the tournament rules.

Serving Rules

In doubles tennis, the serve rotation moves through each team member in a specific order throughout the entire match. The first server of the team starting the match serves the entire first game. In the next game, the server from the opposing team serves, and so on. When the initial serving team regains serve, the other team member becomes the server for that game.

The server is required to serve from his/her side to their opponent’s corresponding side (e.g., deuce side to deuce side) and alternate sides with each point. In case of a deuce (40-40), the receiving team can choose which side to receive the serve on, known as the “ad” point. If the serving team wins the point, the game is won; if the receiving team wins the point, the score goes back to deuce.

Doubles tennis is both thrilling and engaging and allows players to experience the game in a different way than traditional singles play. Understanding the variations in court dimensions, scoring, and serving rules are crucial for a successful doubles game.

Strategies for Doubles Play

Serve and Volley

The Serve and Volley strategy is a highly effective and classic doubles tactic. It involves the server hitting a strong serve, quickly moving to the net, and following up with a volley to finish the point. A well-executed serve makes it difficult for the opponents to return accurately, providing an opportunity for the server’s partner to attack weaker returns. This strategy is more challenging when facing players with strong return capabilities, but when executed well, it can quickly put pressure on the opponents. Masterclass offers further insights on improving your doubles game.

Two Back Strategy

The Two Back Strategy consists of both players remaining on or near the baseline. It is particularly useful when both players excel at groundstroke rallies and prefer to defend rather than attack. This strategy aims to be more consistent than the opponents, forcing them to make errors as the rallies go on. The ACTIVE article discusses this strategy in greater detail.

In this formation, communication becomes crucial; both players need to coordinate their movements and cover openings on the court. While it is generally a more defensive tactic, occasional net approaches by either partner can surprise the opponents and keep them off-balance.

One Up One Back Strategy

Another popular doubles formation, the One Up One Back Strategy, positions one player at the net and the other near the baseline. This arrangement gives the team a balance between attacking and defending on the court. The player at the net focuses on putting away volleys and intercepting cross-court shots, while the baseline player aims to control rallies with consistent groundstrokes.

The success of this strategy largely depends on efficient communication between partners and the ability to capitalize on opportunities. Both players must be ready to switch roles if needed and cover any gaps left by their partner. Doubles Tennis 101 provides a comprehensive beginner’s guide, which includes more information on rules, tips, and strategies in doubles tennis.

Communication in Doubles

Verbal Communication

In doubles tennis, clear and concise verbal communication between partners is crucial for maintaining a good partnership. This can be as simple as calling out “mine” or “yours” when both players are approaching the same ball. Effective communication helps in avoiding collisions, confusion, and wasted energy on the court.

Another essential component of verbal communication in doubles is discussing the upcoming serve and planned strategies. By discussing, the server and the receiver can decide on the type of serve (e.g., flat, spin, slice) and the targeted area (e.g., wide, T, body). This preparation increases the chances of executing successful plays.

Non-Verbal Signals

Along with verbal communication, non-verbal signals also play a significant role in doubles tennis. One common form of non-verbal communication is hand signals, which are used for agreeing on tactics and strategy without alerting the opponents. For example, a partner might display a specific hand signal behind their back to indicate the type of serve they are planning, while the other partner responds with a hand signal to confirm or suggest changes.

Here are some standard hand signals and their meanings:

  • Closed fist: Serve down the T
  • Open hand: Serve wide
  • Two fingers: Serve at the body
  • Pointer finger up: Net player will poach

Using hand signals effectively helps develop a strong doubles partnership by ensuring both players are on the same page during matches. This way, the team can execute well-coordinated plays without verbal communication that may give away their tactics to the opponents.