Doubles Communication
Also known as: doubles communication, partner communication, communicating in doubles, talking to your partner, talking to your doubles partner, doubles partner communication, doubles hand signals, tennis hand signals, mine or yours, three second rule
Good doubles partners talk before, during and after every point. Before the serve, agree on the serve target and whether the net player will cross, often with hand signals. During the point, call short words like mine, yours or switch while the ball is coming toward you. Between points, meet within a few seconds, stay positive and plan the next point.
Doubles is a team game, and silence causes confusion: two players going for the same ball, or neither of them. A few agreed calls and a short routine between points fix most of it.
Before each point, the server and the net player agree on a plan: where the serve is going and what the net player will do. When they are not talking, the net player usually signals behind their back. Fingers show the serve target, an open hand means they will cross, and a clenched fist means they will stay.
During the point, use short, early calls. Mine or yours settles balls down the middle, and switch tells your partner to swap sides after a poach or a lob. Under The Code, partners may talk while the ball is coming toward them, but not while it is moving toward the opponents. Talking that distracts an opponent can count as a hindrance.
Between points, LTA doubles coach Louis Cayer recommends a three-second rule. After every point, go to your partner within three seconds, encourage them and talk through the next point. If your partner makes a mistake, your job is to lift them. Praise good shots and keep the energy positive.
Tips by skill level
Agree on three words with your partner before you play: mine, yours and switch. Call every middle ball early and loudly.
Signal before every serve, including the points where nothing changes, so the returner cannot read your plan. Keep the between-point talk to one simple plan for the next point.
Example
Mia and Jo meet after every point. Before Jo serves, Mia shows a finger for the T and an open hand. When the return floats down the middle, Mia calls mine and puts the volley away.
Why it matters
Confusion over who takes a ball costs easy points, and a silent or negative partnership tends to fade under pressure. Clear calls, shared plans and positive talk help a team cover the court together.
Common mistakes
- Calling too late, when the ball is already there
- Talking while the ball is heading toward the opponents
- Changing the plan mid-point without telling your partner
- Going silent or negative after your partner misses
Frequently asked questions
What should doubles partners say to each other?
Before the point, agree on the serve target and whether the net player will cross. During the point, call mine, yours or switch early. Between points, encourage each other and plan the next point.
What do doubles hand signals mean?
The net player signals behind their back before the serve. Fingers show the serve target, an open hand means they will cross, and a fist means they will stay.
Can you talk to your partner during a point in tennis?
Yes, while the ball is coming toward your team. Under The Code, partners should not talk while the ball is moving toward the opponents, and talk that distracts them can be a hindrance.
How do I support my doubles partner after a mistake?
Go to them within a few seconds, say something positive and agree on a simple plan for the next point. LTA coach Louis Cayer calls this the three-second rule.
Sources
- LTA — Essential doubles tactics and hand signals (agreeing the plan; serve-direction and open-hand/fist signals)
- LTA — How to improve your doubles skills: questions answered by LTA coach Louis Cayer (three-second rule, supporting your partner)
- USTA Friend at Court 2026 — The Code §34 (talking when the ball is in play)
Related terms
- Poaching (Doubles)Poaching is when the net player in doubles crosses over to intercept a ball meant for their partner. It cuts off the angle and finishes the point at net.
- Net Player in DoublesWhen your partner serves, start about halfway between the net and the service line, near the middle of your service box. Shift with the ball, cover your alley when it comes down your side and poach weak crosscourt balls you can reach. When your partner returns, start near the service line and move forward once the return gets past the opposing net player.
- Doubles Serving TacticsIn doubles, serve mostly down the T or into the body to cut down the returner's angles and send returns through the middle, where your partner can poach. Landing a high share of first serves usually matters more than raw pace. As a result, add spin and take a little speed off if you need to. Stand wider along the baseline than in singles, and agree on the target with your partner before each point.
- Doubles PositioningDoubles positioning is how two partners split and cover the court. Usually one is at net and one at the baseline, shifting together as the point develops.
- Two-Up Formation (Doubles)Two up, with both partners at the net, is usually the strongest position in doubles. This is because volleys are easier to put away from there and the other team has less time. Move forward together on a short ball, stand around the middle of your service boxes slightly staggered, and cover the middle first. The main risk is the lob, so do not crowd the net.
- Match NervesMatch nerves are normal, and the aim is to play well with them, not to make them vanish. Use a between-point routine, breathe out slowly and pick one simple target for the next ball. When you feel tight, keep a relaxed grip, swing through to a full finish and play shots with margin instead of going for the lines.
Related guides & benchmarks
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