Taktiska skillnader mellan dubbel och singel i tennis

Tactical differences between doubles and singles in tennis

September 2, 2025

Doubles tennis is a discipline of its own with unique tactical elements compared to singles. For advanced exercisers and competitive players, it is important to understand how interaction, positioning and strategy affect the game. Doubles is a lot about taking advantage of the fact that there are two of you on the court – the right formations, good communication and smart point construction can give you the upper hand. Here we go through classic doubles formations, how to use hand signals and cooperate before the serve, how points are built up differently in doubles and the differences between mixed doubles and playing with two of the same sex. The language is educational but tactically sound, and we assume that the reader is seriously interested in tennis and wants to deepen their doubles strategy.

Classic formations in doubles and their purpose

One of the biggest differences between singles and doubles is the ability to use different formations in doubles. Formation refers to how the serving team positions themselves when serving. By varying your formation, you can surprise your opponents and play to your strengths. Here are the three most common doubles formations and when they can be used:

Standard lineup (one at the baseline, one at the net)

The classic formation in doubles is that the server starts on the baseline and the partner stands in front of the net, approximately halfway between the center line and the doubles line on their side [1] . Each player is “responsible” for their half of the court diagonally – the server covers groundstrokes from the baseline, while the net player covers quick volleys and threatens at the net [1] The advantage of this formation is that the team covers both the lob (the baseline player can take it) and the net (the net player can clear short balls) at the same time [2] The presence of the net player also stresses the returner to avoid hitting directly at them, often forcing a more predictable crosscourt return away from the net player [3] .

But the standard formation also has its drawbacks. Skilled opponents who are confident in their shots can get into a rhythm if you always stand the same way – they get to practice their crosscourt shots over and over again without surprises [4] A passive net player can also get “stuck” by just covering the sideline (the tramline) instead of actively threatening [5] . Against skilled teams, you risk them dictating the game with safe crosscourt rallies unless the net player intervenes. Nevertheless, the standard formation is the basis in doubles and should be used the majority of the time (some coaches recommend 75–90% of the points in the standard formation) – but supplement with other formations to keep the opponents off balance [6] .

The I-formation

The I-formation is a more offensive and surprising formation. Here the net player and the server line up almost in line behind each other , much like the letter “I” [7] . The net player crouches near the center line on their own side of the service box, and the server also positions themselves near the center behind the baseline. The point is to mask where the net player will go after the serve – the opponent returning does not know whether the net player will move left or right until the ball is in play [8] This can put pressure on the rebounder even before the hit has started, as he is forced to guess and read the net player's movement instead of just focusing on the ball [8] .

For the I-formation to work , good communication between the server and the net player is required. Before the serve, the net player signals (often with a hand signal behind his back) which side he intends to cover after the serve, and thus the server knows to cover the opposite side [7] [9] . For example, an agreement might be that the net player will move to the left (i.e., return crosscourt) and the server will then cover the open line on the right side. A clenched fist behind the back might mean “I’m staying on my side,” while an open hand might indicate “I’m going over and poaching in the middle” – more on hand signals below [10] .

Tactical purpose: The I-formation is often used when the opponent is very good at returning and you want to disrupt their rhythm. By setting up in the I-formation you force them to hesitate a bit – they want to avoid hitting the net player directly but don't know where he will be [11] The result is often more missed or impaired rebounds under pressure [11] . I-formation is a good option to throw in as a variation a few times per set to break up the opponent's flow [12] The downside, of course, is that if the returner manages to read you and makes a perfect pass down the open line, you've left a lot of space and could get into trouble right away [8] Therefore, the I-formation requires that the server is prepared for a possible straight return, and that you do not use it every point but at well-chosen occasions.

Australian formation (Australian formation)

The Australian line-up is another formation for serving that can be effective against certain opponents. The “Aussie” formation involves both the server and the net player starting on the same side of the court, meaning the net player positions themselves on the same side as the server instead of diagonally [13] . For example, if the server serves from the right (deuce court), the partner at the net is also on the right side. This leaves the entire other side (the left side in this case) completely open under the serve, which looks risky – and it is, if the opponent can exploit it. However, the aim is to force a certain type of return. Typically, the Australian formation is used when a certain opponent has a very dangerous cross-court return. By lining up on the same side, you effectively “block” the cross-court angle; the returner sees that if he hits cross-court, the ball will go straight to your net player. The only clear open shot is instead a straight down-the-line return along the sideline on the empty side – a shot with a lower percentage chance for many players [14] . So you entice your opponent to try the harder move.

When to use the Australian set-up? A given situation is, as mentioned, if your opponent is eating up your serves crosscourt. Force them to go straight instead – many will miss or dip in quality on that return [14] . Another situation is if the server himself has a preference for one side. For example, some players have a weaker backhand: a right-handed server may find it difficult to play a possible next ball with a backhand if the return comes diagonally. The solution may be to set up Australian style on the advantage side (left side) so that if the opponent returns there, the server hits the ball with his forehand instead (i.e. the server's forehand stays in the middle) [15] It may sound counterintuitive to voluntarily leave one side bare, but the point is to rig the game against your strengths and your opponent's weaker moves.

It takes courage and activity to succeed with this formation – the net player must be very alert . An explosive net volleyer can cut off many balls immediately and “plug” the gap. Coach Patrick Mouratoglou points out that the Australian formation, properly executed, destabilizes the opponents and can create opportunities for easy points [16] . The key is for the net player to try to control the score early; if he manages to intercept the return, it gives the server time to get back in position [17] . But if the return actually comes hard along the open line, it becomes difficult – the server must then be lightning fast or have already started a movement in that direction [18] . Therefore, this formation is used more selectively, perhaps on important points against a specific opponent. The element of surprise is a bonus – many amateur players rarely see the Australian formation, so when you suddenly do it, they may become hesitant and lose focus the first few points you run it [19] [20] .

In short: Learn several formations. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. By mastering the standard, I, and Australian formations, you can switch tactics during the match depending on what is needed. According to doubles expert Will Boucek, it is not about choosing a formation and running it slavishly, but about being able to integrate several formations during the match in an effective way [21]. If you “throw different formations” at your opponents during the match, you keep them constantly guessing and uncomfortable, which can give you a mental advantage [22] Remember to practice these setups in advance with your partner, so that the communication and movement patterns are in place before you try them in a live situation.

Communication and signaling before the serve

In doubles, communication is key – two players acting as a close-knit team often beat a stronger individual game [23] . Since both partners move around the court and have different roles (baseline vs. net, etc.), it is important to know what the other is planning to do at all times. However, during a ball duel, there is rarely time to talk; therefore, doubles pairs often use silent signals before the ball is put into play, especially during serves and returns.

Hand signals behind the back

If you have watched professional doubles, you have probably seen the net player hide one hand behind his back before serving and show a few fingers or a clenched hand. These hand signals are the most common way for doubles partners to communicate tactics for the next point. The net player often determines the signals, as he or she is standing with his or her back to the opponents (who cannot see the signals). The signals tell two things: 1) where the server intends to place the serve, and 2) what the net player will do immediately after the serve. [24] .

Serve position: 1–3 fingers are often shown pointing in a certain direction to indicate the line of service. Three basic signals are commonly used – out to the side (wide), on the body and towards the middle (T-serve) [25] . Exactly which finger means what can vary; the important thing is that you as a couple agree. For example, the little finger could mean “serve out to the sideline”, the middle finger could mean “serve towards the body”, and the thumb/index finger could mean “serve towards the T/middle” [26] [27] . On the advantage side, sometimes you switch which finger means “wide” vs. “T” (some use thumb for wide on the ad side) – solve what feels logical to you. The point is that the server should know before serving where the partner wants the serve to go.
Net player movement: In addition to the direction of the serve, it also shows whether the net player intends to stay on his side or make an aggressive move across the middle ( poach ). Here the signals are more standardized: a clenched fist means “I stay” (i.e., cover my line), while an open hand means “I go” (will try to volley the opponent’s return into the middle) [10] . These two positions – stop or poach – are crucial to sync. If the net player plans to cross over (poach), the server must know this and cover the opposite side.

After the net player gives his or her signal, the server usually confirms that he or she is on the score, either by a silent “okay”/“yes” (sometimes just by nodding) or by making a hand sign to his or her partner. If the server does not like the signal – for example, if the server is not comfortable serving outwards against the forehand on that particular point – he or she may whisper “no” or shake his or her head behind his or her back, and the net player will find a new sign until both agree [28] . Only when both players know what is going to happen does the server initiate the point. This micro-tactical chat of a few seconds before each serve can do wonders for your cooperation. You avoid misunderstandings (like both covering the same side and leaving a space wide open), and you can execute predetermined play patterns like a handball attack.

Communication during return: The receiving team can also use signals, although less frequently. On the first serve, there is usually no time; but on the second serve, the receiving pair may also signal, for example, that they intend to lob or that their net player intends to poach the opponent's second hit [29] . The principle is similar to the serve case: you show a signal for the direction of the return (smash, straight or in the middle) and a signal for what your own net player should do (stop or take a chance and change sides). This is more advanced and requires a lot of coordination, but it occurs at higher club levels.

Finally, communication is also about verbal and intuitive cooperation during play: clear calls like “mine!” or “yours!” to distribute shots when both are going for the same ball, shouting “switch!” when a lob goes over your head (so you switch sides with each other), as well as encouragement, a positive attitude and continuous adjustments between points. The better you talk to each other, the better you can exploit your formations and playing patterns. As coach Adam Brownlow puts it: create an environment of trust where you both know the game plan in advance and then keep the communication simple but constant during the match [23] [30] A doubles pair with good communication often feels like a unit on the court instead of two individuals.

Scoring structure in doubles compared to singles

How you build a point – that is, what sequences and patterns of strokes you try to achieve – differs somewhat between singles and doubles. In singles, it is common for players to use ground strokes to move their opponent from side to side, open up the court, and then go for winning shots in the open space. In doubles, there are two opponents who together cover more surface area, and often at least one of them is standing at the net. This means that some singles tactics are not as effective, while other opportunities arise.

1. Attacking the middle. A classic saying in doubles is: “Down the middle solves the riddle” [31] . What does that mean? Well, when both opponents are at the net or on their way in, the area between them is a golden scoring area. A hit through the middle of the court creates communication problems for the opponents – who should get the ball? Often they hesitate or go for the same ball [32] . In addition, it takes away their angles: a ball in the middle gives the opponents tight return angles [32] . You can dare to “pinch” towards the middle after hitting there, because the probability is high that the opponents will not be able to pass you out at the edges. Playing through the middle also means that you hit over the lowest point of the net, with maximum margin in to the lines, so the risk of miss is less. Many top coaches teach their doubles players to choose the middle volley rather than a flirtatious side volley. As former Fed Cup captain Judy Dixon notes: if you volley sharply out to the side and do not get a clean winner, the ball often comes back along the unguarded side line – the opponents punish the angle with an angle of their own [33] [34] . But a volley through the middle hits over the lowest part of the net and doesn't leave any big openings; you maintain a solid position on the court even if the ball comes back [35] The same principle applies when both pairs are in front: if you hit a volley straight between the opponents, they are both forced to pull towards the middle and lose side coverage, which can give you the next opportunity [36] Conclusion: Make extensive use of the middle of the court in doubles – it is both safe and effective for creating chaos for your opponents.

2. Attack weaker volleys and “weaker wings”. In doubles, each player has their strengths and weaknesses, and since there are two of you, you can often choose to target the weaker link . This may be because one opponent is generally worse than the other – then you direct the majority of the balls towards that player. But even at higher levels, everyone has a shot that is a little weaker. A common rule of thumb is that most people have a worse backhand volley than a forehand volley. If both opponents are at the net and you get a ball to hit, feel free to aim for it with a backhand volley as a default and place the shot low at the feet [37] . A hard or dipping shot against a backhand volley will likely cause the volleyer to miss or leave a high return that you can smash away. However, if you get the ball up against a chest-high forehand volley to a skilled net player, they may place it hard, so you'd better avoid that. Hitting the volleyer's feet is generally an excellent shot - it's hard to volley up from your shoes, often the ball bounces low and the opponent pops the ball up for you to finish. [38] . This is a bit different from singles, where the opponent is rarely at the net so early – in doubles you often want to get a ball up that you or your partner can smash/volley win. Imagine you are grinding with groundstrokes crosscourt against a player; sooner or later a slightly shorter or looser stroke comes along that you can push towards the net player (the weaker volleyer) – either he misses outright or the ball bounces up and invites a poaching position for your partner to step in and kill the ball.

Another example of exploiting a weakness is serving tactics: If you notice that a certain opponent has a clearly weaker backhand return, serve more to that side. In fact, at club level most players have a weaker backhand in general, so a common tactic is to serve up-the-T on the right side and out to the backhand on the left side (for a right-handed opponent, both of these serves mean that the return is a backhand) [39] You don't need to go for aces, but rather get a high percentage of first serves into the returner's weak side - then many returns will be shorter or softer, giving the net player the opportunity to get into the game and attack the volley directly [40] .

3. Use angles wisely. Angled shots are a double-edged sword in doubles. On the one hand, hitting a sharp angle can pull your opponents apart – for example, a crosscourt pass that goes far out to the sideline can force a net player away from the middle, leaving the court open for the next shot. A lob over a net player pulls them back from the net and can give you the initiative. On the other hand, hitting to the edges opens up your own half of the court in case the ball comes back. A very wide crosscourt in doubles gives your opponents the chance to hit either another wide angle back (this time into an empty area) or a straight return down the line while you are out of position [33] . Therefore, the basic rule is not to use extreme angles unless you are in a clear offensive position or have covered up behind. For example: if you are at the net and get a high sitter that you can place, then a volley angle straight off the court can of course be winning – go for it. But if you hit a fairly difficult volley from the middle and try to cut it steeply to the side, you risk, as Judy Dixon described, giving away an easy save along your empty alley [41] [42] . Same thing with serves: a wide serve does draw the returner out, but gives them a sharper angle to return crosscourt plus opens up for a straight return past your partner. That's why you often see in doubles that serves to the middle (T or body) are prioritized to limit return options – the wide serve is saved for the right moment as a surprise [43] . The gist: use angles smartly – when you can really punish your opponents – but rather build the score through the middle otherwise, until the situation turns out on the wing.

4. Poaching and feint – dynamic net play. A difference in point construction compared to singles is that in doubles you can plan combinations where the net player actively breaks in . In singles there is no partner at the net who can “chop” a ball for you, but in doubles it is often precisely the cooperation that creates the point. Through serves and hits against the right surface you can set up for the net partner to poach. A typical example is as mentioned: serve against the opponent’s backhand and let the net player prepare for a possible short cross-return – then it is in the air that the net player will step in that direction and volley the ball away [44] . Poaching means that the net player changes sides and volleys the ball intended for the partner, with the aim of surprising the opponent and ending the point. [45] A good rule of thumb is to try to poach early in the game a few times, before the opponents have had time to start hitting their lines [46] . Especially if the server places a good serve that forces a weak return, then the net player should almost always move forward and diagonally towards the center to intercept it [44] . If your opponents know you can poach, they will be more cautious about hitting crosscourt – which will either lead to more misses or they will take more chances straight (where your partner is waiting). You can also mix in fake poaching – pretending to jump out prematurely and then quickly jumping back to your original side [47] . The aim is to pressure the returner into making mistakes; they might try to change direction at the last second and miss, or they might hit you straight because you came back. Through active net play – alternating poaches, feints (fake poaches) and pinches (moving steps towards the middle to shrink the opponent's crosscourt hole) [48] – as a net player, you can contribute to the scoring, not just wait for the ball. At club level, you often see the net player “honestly” standing still and covering the line all the time, but then it becomes easy for the opponents to ignore the net person and play crosscourt rallies. Dare to move at the net – even small movements side to side increase the pressure on the opponent [49] In short, you build points in doubles by constantly looking for opportunities to attack two on one: either in the form of both of your team going to the net against a lone baseliner, or the net player stepping in and “stealing” the ball right in front of the baseliner’s nose.

Mixed doubles vs. single-gender doubles – adapting tactics

Mixed doubles means that a team consists of one man and one woman, unlike traditional doubles where the pairs are two men and two women respectively. This brings with it some unique tactical considerations. There is often a physical strength difference – although not always the case – with male players generally serving harder and hitting heavier groundstrokes than female players. How do you handle this as a team? The basic principle is to exploit your strengths and protect your weaknesses as a pair. This may mean distributing the roles on the court a little differently than in “regular” doubles.

An experienced coach, Adam Brownlow, believes that in mixed, it is natural for the partner who has the upper hand in a certain part of the game to take on more of the responsibility – sometimes perhaps 70–80% of the team’s work if the situation demands it [50] . At the same time, both should play their best tennis and support each other; the key is to use the right tools at the right time. Here are some practical tactical adjustments in mixed doubles:

Serve and side selection: Let the one with the stronger serve serve first in the match/set (to immediately put pressure and perhaps hold serve more easily) [51] . Also, usually place the stronger player on the advantage side (ad-court) in doubles – many crucial points (40-40, advantage/break points) are played there, so you want to have your best weapon on that side [52] . Additionally, if the stronger player is right-handed, the ad-side means that he gets his forehand volley in the middle, giving him more chances to aggressively poach important points. [52] (If you happen to be a left-hander who is stronger, you might choose the opposite side for the same reason – forehand volley to the middle.)
Groundstroke duels: If both teams end up on the baseline in a ball (e.g. during a longer crosscourt duel), it is wise to let the one with the better groundstroke take most of the balls that go down the middle [53] . Often this means that the male player steps in and hits if a ball gets in the way, as he can generate more speed or weight. But it could also be that the woman on the team has more stability from the baseline – then she should take many of the shots while the man may look for opportunities to move forward. The point is that the one who has the greatest chance of dominating from the backcourt takes the initiative, and the other tries to support.
Net play and smash: At net, you also want to let the more confident volleyball player be the most active . Often the man has a reach and strength advantage at net, so a classic setup is for him to play very mobile – poaching and covering large areas – while the woman takes care of her side more fundamentally. But it’s not written in stone; if the woman in the pair happens to be a phantom at net, let her do the work! Generally: the one with the better volleyball skills is happy to take an extra step forward and try to take chances (poaching, moving after the opponent’s shot, etc.) [54] . The same goes for overheads (smashers) – if you have a player with a really good smash, let him take most of the lobs. In mixed you often see that the man takes maybe 80% of all the high lobs that can be reached, precisely because he usually has more power to smash the ball away [55] The weaker smasher stands ready in case the lob becomes difficult (then you may have to defensively lob back) but the stronger one takes everything he/she has time for.
Return and serve strategy: The adaptation in mixed also applies to how you return and serve against different opponents. A man returning a women's serve may be able to step in and attack harder than he would against a hard men's serve - so the opposing team may need to adjust, for example, that the serving woman's partner is not standing too close to the net in case the return comes as a projectile. On the other hand, a woman returning a really fast men's serve may need to back up an extra step or block the return more than swing fully, to get the ball into play. As a serving pair, it is sometimes wise to adapt the formation when there are big differences in serve strength : if one partner has a very weak second serve and the opponent is ready to bomb the return, you may consider placing both players on the baseline during that serve instead of having one wide net. Then you first receive the return as a team (a bit like in singles but 2 vs 2 from the backcourt) and then try to work your way towards the net together after the first hit, instead of risking the net player becoming a “sitting target” for a heavy return. This can be a good tactic to neutralize a large strength difference in serve/return for a while, until you are in a better position to advance.
Playing against a specific gender: Many people wonder if in mixed you should “play the girl” all the time because she is the weaker one in general. At an intermediate level, it is common to direct more balls at the lady, but you have to do it with finesse. Don’t just bombard one player aimlessly – a good mixed lady can punish predictable play. Instead, as a team, you should identify which shots of your opponents give you an advantage. It could very well be that the woman has better returns than the man in a certain pair, or that the man volleys worse. Be one step ahead: if you notice that the opponent’s man always steps around and dominates when he gets a chance, maybe you lob over him more so that he is forced to back off and the woman has to hit the next shot. If you see that the woman on the other team has difficulty with low volleys, try playing dips against her even if the man is generally better. Mixed requires a little open-minded thinking – don’t just base your decision on gender, but see what style of play each individual has. At the same time, it can be said that if a man and a woman are playing against two men, then it is wise to try to make it man against man and woman against woman as much as possible. That is, the male player in the mixed doubles should seek duels with the opponent's man (because there the physics are equivalent), and the female mixed doubles player can try to neutralize the opposing woman. If you succeed in "isolating" the game in this way, the risk of your female partner being run over by a bombing male player, or of your male partner being taken out of the game by never getting the ball against a strong lady who keeps it away from him, is reduced. This is where communication and tactics come in – talk through how you want to set it up beforehand, and be prepared to adjust if the match picture requires it.

Finally, mixed is excellent training as it often requires adaptation. You can face all possible combinations of playing style, tempo and spin in mixed. According to Brownlow, the ability to adjust to different ball tempos and heights is absolutely crucial – if you face someone who hits very hard, it is important to shorten your swings and use their speed; if you face someone who sends soft “dubs” you must maintain pressure in your strokes and not become passive [56] Mixed will challenge you to develop a smarter game, which you will then benefit from even in pure men's or women's doubles.

Example: Serve-and-volley with I-formation against weak backhand return

To connect formations, signals and scoring, let's take a concrete scenario. Imagine that you and your partner are playing a doubles match. You have noticed that the opponent who returns from the advantage side (left side) has a weak backhand - every time she is forced to return with a backhand, it goes like this. Either she misses a lot, or it ends up being a loose chip that drops over the net. Of course, you want to exploit this.

The plan:

You decide to use the I-formation on your serve against this player when it's important points. Say you're serving from the ad side (left) and your partner is at the net. You have time to talk to each other quickly: “Okay, I-formation . I'm serving to her backhand on the body, so she's forced to return a cross with her backhand. You poach to the left and take the volley.” Your partner (the net player) then shows a signal behind her back: she makes an open hand (meaning “I'm going/poaching”) and perhaps points a finger to the left – which in your code means that the serve should go towards the center/T on the ad side (which is towards the opponent's backhand side). You nod, you're on the court.

Implementation:

You line up near the center mark for serve (I-formation means you are more centered). Your partner crouches low just to the left of the center line to avoid being hit by the serve but still conceal his intention. You hit a slick first serve towards the center of the advantage side , that is, towards the receiver's right body - her backhand. [39] She has a hard time getting an aggressive backhand return on it; the best she can do is to play the ball back crosscourt to your diagonal side, to avoid the net player. But your partner at the net knows that the return will probably cross. Immediately after your serve, she therefore makes an explosive poach movement to the left , straight into the middle. Just as you planned, the ball comes sailing quite loosely at the edge of the net – a perfect volley for your partner! She cuts and volleys the score straight down into the opponents' empty backhand corner. Game, set, match (well, one can hope!).

Analysis:

Why did this work? Well, you identified a weakness (the backhand return) and adapted your tactics to exploit that particular situation. By using the I-formation, you hid your intentions so that the returner didn't know where to hit – she saw two players in the middle and was extra stressed. By serving against the backhand, you got exactly the shot you wanted – a predictable cross return [40] . And thanks to your communication (the signal), the online player knew exactly when and where to move – she was prepared like a cobra and struck as soon as the opportunity arose [44] . The server in turn took responsibility for covering the other side: if for some reason the opponent had instead tried a desperate straight return down-the-line, then you as the server would have stood there and taken it (since you had agreed on the roles in advance). The result was a textbook example of a serve-and-volley sequence in doubles , where the serve sets up the volley win. Note that even though it was your partner who hit the winner at the net, it was a well-thought-out teamwork that made it possible. Such coordinated points are doubly satisfying in doubles – you feel like “Yes! Our tactics were perfect.”

This is just one of many possible tactical setups. Other examples could be running an Australian formation against a player who never returns down the line, or signaling a feint (fake poach) and then next time really poaching. With experience you will discover which patterns work best against different types of opposition.

Summary

Doubles tennis offers a rich tactical game where two players can complement each other and execute well-thought-out combinations. By mastering classic formations such as the standard, I-formation and Australian set, you can control the game and keep your opponents guessing. Through clear communication and a pre-serve signaling system, you can plan each point – which serve to hit and how the net player should react – and thus act as a synchronized team on the court [24] [10] You have seen how point construction in doubles often revolves around opening up spaces (especially the middle), exploiting the opponents' weaker shots (e.g. backhand volleys) and setting up positions for the net player to decide (poacha) [32] [37] . Finally, it is important to adapt tactics in mixed and other situations – let the stronger player take more responsibility in the right situations, but use both players' strengths smartly to cover the entire court [57] [58] .

To really improve your doubles game, take these concepts to practice. Practice your signals and formations until they are ingrained in your brain. Play points where you think doubles – communicating before each serve, varying your set-up and trying different combinations. The more you practice this, the more naturally it will happen during the match. Doubles tactics may seem complex, but for the serious tennis enthusiast, it is a source of both joy and success on the court when you get it right. Good luck with your doubles!

References: This guide has been inspired by statements and advice from experienced coaches and player resources, including Will Boucek (ATP/WTA doubles specialist) [59] [60] , Patrick Mouratoglou (coach) [16] , Judy Dixon (coach) [33] , Adam Brownlow (coach) [57] as well as educational materials on double strategies and hand signals [24] [10] from reputable tennis sources (USTA, Tennis Creative, The Tennis Tribe, etc.). All concrete examples and quotes are source-based to give the reader evidence-based insights to take with them onto the tennis court.