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Tennis etiquette: 10 rules for good doubles partners

Want to become a better doubles partner? Here are the 10 most important rules.
Tennis etiquette: 10 rules for good doubles partners

These rules not only make you a better player, but also a more desirable partner.

1. Communication in tennis doubles

Good communication is crucial in doubles. This is how it works:

  • Say "we" instead of "you". This strengthens the team spirit.
  • Praise good actions: "Great game!"
  • Agree on hand signals for strategies.
  • Do not speak if the ball flies to the opponent. This could be considered obstruction.
  • Shout "My ball!" when you are in a better position.

Will Boucek, tennis analyst, says:

"Positive thoughts → Better performance"

Kim Selzman, podcast host, warns:

"Beware of verbal obstruction when communicating on the pitch."

2. Understanding your partner's strengths

In doubles tennis, it's crucial to know your partner's skills. How do you do that?

Ask before the game: What are your favorite strokes? Which side do you prefer? Serve strategy?

Observe during the game: Which strokes work particularly well?

Adapt your strategy: Play so that your partner can shine.

Good doubles partners complement each other. Example:

Player 1

Solid baseline

Strong serve

Tactics pro

Player 2

Good net reflexes

Aggressive volleys

Talent for movement

Andy Murray said after a mixed doubles match with Serena Williams:

"Your serve made my net position MUCH easier."

Practical tip: Be flexible. Adapt so that your partner can flourish. Are you the attacker? Then take on more responsibility when scoring.

Remember: The best doubles teams were not always the top singles players. They were simply the best TEAMS. Use your partner's strengths for joint success.

3. Positive attitude: the key to success

A good attitude in doubles tennis is worth GOLD. It influences your performance, that of your partner and the dynamics of the game.

That way you stay positive:

  1. Body language: Stand up straight, take a deep breath.
  2. Verbal support: Short, positive statements such as "Come on, let's get this point!"
  3. Put mistakes behind you: Don't show frustration - this only motivates your opponents.
  4. Celebrating small victories: a high-five strengthens team spirit.
  5. Develop a mantra: Find a motivational saying for difficult moments.

Communication is everything: professionals communicate 75% more than amateurs during a match. Find out what helps your partner.

Focus on the game: Concentrate on the tennis, not on disputes. Accept line decisions and avoid unnecessary discussions.

A positive attitude improves your game and makes it more fun. So: cheer up and let's go!

4. Be polite to opponents

Tennis doubles is not just about good teamwork. Respect for your opponents is just as important. Fair play simply makes the game better for everyone.

This makes you a fair opponent:

  • Handshake before the game
  • Nod or brief praise for good strokes
  • Apologies for accidental hits
  • No excessive celebrations at lucky balls

Rohan Bopanna showed true fairness at the 2023 US Open men's doubles final:

"The ball hit my elbow. Nobody saw it. So I reported it myself."

He conceded the point at 2:4 in the deciding set. His opponent Rajeev Ram commented:

"Rohan's sporting gesture shows what kind of person he is. He deserves to play for titles like this."

This is how tennis becomes special. Remember: fairness beats every single point.

These principles will ensure a good atmosphere on the pitch. That makes it more pleasant for everyone.

5. Own up to your mistakes

In doubles tennis, it is crucial to take responsibility for your own mistakes. This strengthens the partnership and improves team performance.

Why is this so important?

  • It relieves the partner
  • It creates a positive atmosphere
  • It enables learning and improvement

Will Boucek, CEO of Tennis Tribe, says:

"Taking responsibility on the pitch shows your partner: We are a team. It's not your fault, I need to get better too."

This is how you put it into practice:

Partner misses overhead kick:

"No problem, my volley should have finished the point. My mistake."

Own mistake:

"My fault. Next point is ours!"

Unclear situation:

"Sorry, I'll communicate better next time."

Also pay attention to your body language:

  • Keep your head up
  • Shoulders back
  • Nod encouragingly to your partner

Dr. Patrick Cohn, sports psychologist, asks:

"Do you have trouble letting go of mistakes? Do you get annoyed with your game?"

To avoid this: Accept mistakes as part of the game. Concentrate on the next point. See mistakes as an opportunity to improve.

Remember: even the best make mistakes. The difference lies in how you deal with them. Own up to your mistakes and react positively. This will make you a better partner and a stronger player.

6. Customize your playing style

You need to be flexible in doubles. Here are a few tips:

Change tactics

  • Serve: Aim for the weak backhand
  • Defense: High lobs and flat groundstrokes
  • Attack: go to the net, put pressure on

Covering adjustment

  • Lawn: Short rallies, serve-and-volley
  • Sand: Long rallies, more spin
  • Hard court: play versatile, be fit

Remember: Good doubles players constantly change formations and positions. This is how they keep their opponents out of sync.

7. Body language in tennis

Your body language in tennis is a game changer. It influences you, your partner and even your opponent.

That's the right way:

  • Keep your head up, even after mistakes
  • Move quickly between points
  • Bounce lightly for energy
  • High-five with partner

Avoid:

  • Shake your head
  • Drooping shoulders
  • Racket throwing
  • Frown

"Body language that is not positive is stupid. It works against you." - Rafael Nadal

Remember: body language is your choice. Use it to strengthen your team and unsettle your opponents.

Practice in training. This way, it becomes a habit in competition and helps in difficult moments.

8. Keep focus in the game

Tennis requires full concentration. Here are a few tricks to stay mentally in the game:

Define strategy

Choose ONE main focus, such as "balls on the backhand".

Ball observation

Follow the ball closely. This keeps you in the here and now.

Know your score

Keep an eye on the score. This will keep you mentally focused.

What counts for long rallies

Count your strokes. That keeps you present.

Use breaks

Briefly analyze between points. Then let go and refocus.

"Don't concentrate on winning points. It distracts from the shot." - Rolf Clark, tennis coach

Remember: concentration can be trained. The more often you practice, the more natural it becomes in the game.

9. Observe tennis rules

For doubles, you need to know the rules of tennis. Here are the basics:

Serve and points:

  • Announce the score before each serve
  • Serve is behind the baseline
  • Partners take turns serving
  • Counting: 15, 30, 40, game

Where do they stand?

  • Serve partner: everywhere on his side
  • Return partner: opposite field

Play fair:

  • In case of doubt: Advantage to the opponent
  • Retrieve balls quickly
  • Quiet during rallies

Practical tips:

  • Clarify the deuce rule beforehand
  • Determine the order of serve together
  • Discuss tactics between points, not during rallies

This ensures a fair, enjoyable game - for everyone involved.

10. Thanking the partner

After the match? Thank your doubles partner. No matter whether you win or lose. It strengthens the team spirit.

This is how it works:

  • Shake hands with your partner first
  • say "Good game" or "Thanks for playing"
  • Talk briefly about the match

Why? It shows respect, creates a good atmosphere and promotes camaraderie.

"Gratitude instead of expectations makes you more generous and less self-centered." - Angelo Rossetti, Tennis Director

Tips:

  • Thank you even after defeats
  • Emphasize positive aspects of the partner's game
  • Learning together

Showing gratitude? That's real tennis etiquette.