Want to dominate the doubles court? It's all about communication. Here's how to sync with your partner and crush your opponents.
Why it matters: Most doubles issues stem from poor communication, not bad technique. Master these tips and watch your game soar.
Ready to level up your doubles game? Let's dive in.
Hand signals are key for quiet communication during doubles. They help plan serves and net moves without alerting opponents.
Before playing, agree on these basic signals:
Start with serve signals, then add net player moves as you get comfortable.
"Most doubles issues stem from communication breakdown, not bad technique." - Chelsea Vea, Teaching Pro at Universal Tennis Academy-Blackburn Park
To avoid this:
Calling shots in doubles tennis is crucial. It's not just about yelling random words - it's about clear communication that helps your team play better.
Why bother? Simple:
Here's how to do it right:
Use simple words like "mine", "yours", "out", or "let." Your partner needs to hear you over the game noise.
Don't wait until the last second. The moment you decide to take a shot, yell "mine." Give your partner time to react.
Say "lob", "drop shot", or "passing shot." It helps your partner guess what's coming next.
For noisy courts, pair your calls with hand signals. Set these up before the match.
Here's a key rule to remember:
"If a ball cannot be called out with certainty, it is good." - ITF Rule of Tennis
If you're not sure, play the ball. You can always talk about it after the point.
Positive language can make or break your doubles tennis game. It boosts confidence, keeps focus, and creates a supportive atmosphere. Plus, it might throw off your opponents.
Here's how to use positive words effectively:
When your partner misses a shot, give them a high five. Say, "We'll get the next one."
After a great point, shout "Awesome playing!" Keep that momentum going.
Falling behind? Remind your partner, "We're good. Next point is ours."
Between points, say "Let's get this one" to keep energy high.
Communicate with your partner every few points.
"Venus Williams says it's actually 'clueless' not to be talking that often." - Kim Selzman, Tennis Quick Tips Host
Your words shape your thoughts, which influence your game. Use positive phrases to start a cycle of better play.
Planning with your doubles partner is crucial. Here's how to create a winning strategy:
Watch them warm up. Look for strengths and weaknesses. Are they lefties or righties? Strong forehand or backhand?
Use a court diagram to plot positions. Decide who covers what. For example:
Agree on tactics for different scenarios:
Focus on dominating the middle. As Abi Spears, Tennis Coach, says:
"Don't blame each other if things don't go according to plan. Instead, analyze what happened and use it as a learning experience moving forward."
Be ready to change if your plan isn't working. Talk between points to make adjustments.
Listening in doubles tennis isn't just about hearing words. It's about tuning into your partner's message - both spoken and unspoken.
Here's how to sharpen your listening skills on the court:
Brian Montez, tennis pro and owner of K Factor Sports, puts it bluntly:
"Listen to what your partner has to say to you and communicate your ideas with them. DON'T GET DEFENSIVE AND FRUSTRATED!"
Good listening leads to better teamwork and performance. As Shannon Olson, LSCW, notes:
"Listening is an art form that requires practice and vigilance."
Body language in doubles tennis? It's a game-changer. Here's why:
Eye contact: A quick glance can say it all. Look at your partner between points. Stay connected.
Positioning: Face the play. Move as a unit. When you go left, your partner goes right. Keep opponents guessing.
Hand signals are key.
Practice these in warm-ups. Make them automatic.
Your overall vibe matters. Walk fast between points. Head up, shoulders back. Even when you're down. It messes with opponents and boosts your game.
Craig Townsend puts it well:
"The Mind controls the body, and the Mind is Unlimited."
Look at the pros. Nadal's confidence. The Williams sisters' power stances. That's body language at work.
And don't forget: your body language affects your partner. Stay alert and engaged. Always.
Celebrating good plays in doubles tennis isn't just about high-fives. It's a team-building powerhouse.
Here's how to do it right:
Celebration isn't just for winners. It's about recognizing skill, no matter the score.
Fun fact: Doubles teams that celebrate regularly win 15% more often, according to the International Tennis Federation.
Martina Navratilova put it best:
"In doubles, the team that communicates better usually wins. Celebrating good plays is a big part of that communication."
So go ahead, celebrate those good plays. Your game will thank you.
Changeovers in tennis aren't just for catching your breath. They're prime time for quick strategy chats with your partner. Here's how to use these breaks:
Meet up before you reposition. When a point ends, huddle with your partner. This quick chat sets the tone for the next game.
You've got 90 seconds during changeovers. Use them wisely:
Stay positive, even if you're behind. Say things like "We got this" or "Let's keep pushing". It builds confidence and improves your teamwork.
Take a cue from the DePaul women's tennis doubles team, Hristina Djokic and Marija Jovicic. Jovicic says:
"We keep finding ways on how to improve our doubles, and what to do better, what to stop doing."
Their four-year partnership shows how good communication leads to success on the court.
Use these breaks to:
Djokic points out:
"It's hard to control your emotions on the court when you're playing singles. When you're playing doubles, now you have two people."
Use these breaks to help each other stay cool and focused. They can make or break your match, so make them count.
Disagreements happen in doubles tennis. Here's how to keep your cool:
It's about winning the match, not the argument. As Bailey Huston from PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center says:
"Start with a one-on-one conversation. You want to get to the core of what's actually going on before you help them hold a conversation to resolve the situation."
Don't skip the post-match review. It's a game-changer for your doubles team.
Here's how to do it right:
Marija Jovicic from DePaul's women's tennis team gets it:
"We keep finding ways on how to improve our doubles, and what to do better, what to stop doing. We're pretty good at giving feedback to each other."
This approach has made Jovicic and her partner, Hristina Djokic, a force to be reckoned with.
Communication is key in doubles tennis. It's not just about skill—it's teamwork.
Why these tips matter:
Most doubles issues? Poor communication, not bad technique. Chelsea Vea, Teaching Pro at Universal Tennis Academy-Blackburn Park, says:
"Most issues teams encounter while playing doubles are not necessarily driven by bad technique but by a communication breakdown."
Need proof? Look at Hristina Djokic and Marija Jovicic from DePaul's women's tennis team. Four-year partners, facing challenges. But strong communication kept them winning. 2019-20 season: 10 out of 14 matches won, including a seven-match streak.
Their coach, Marie Arce:
"They're the type of team that you don't have to babysit. They know what they're doing, they know how to get it done and they want it for themselves and for the team."
Next time you play:
Try these. You might be shocked how much your game improves when you're in sync with your partner.
