Good communication makes doubles teams win. You can have two skilled players, but if they don’t talk to each other or coordinate their movements, they’ll lose to a team with weaker shots but better teamwork. Watch any successful doubles team and you’ll see constant communication – before points, during points, and between points.
Many junior players struggle with doubles because they treat it like singles with a partner standing nearby. They don’t call shots clearly, they don’t use signals, and they don’t coordinate their movements. This leads to confusion, missed opportunities, and easy points for opponents.
This article covers practical drills that help junior doubles teams communicate better. These drills work on verbal calls during points, hand signals between partners, movement coordination, and strategic discussions that keep teams connected throughout matches.
Verbal Communication During Points
Why Clear Calls Matter
In doubles, balls can go to either player. Without clear communication, both players go for the same ball or both players leave it, thinking their partner will take it. This costs points and creates frustration.
The solution is simple but requires practice: call every ball loudly and early. “Mine” means you’re taking it. “Yours” means your partner should take it. “Switch” tells your partner to change positions after the point.
Calling Drill
Start with mini-rallies from the service line. Both players must call every ball that comes to their side, even if it’s obviously theirs. Make the calls loud enough that people on other courts can hear.
Practice this for 10-15 minutes at the start of every doubles session. Players often feel silly yelling “mine” on easy balls, but this drill builds the habit of calling everything. When the pressure is on during a match, these automatic calls prevent confusion.
Try variations where only one player can call balls for both sides. This teaches you to watch your partner’s position and make decisions quickly. The calling player learns to communicate clearly, and the non-calling player learns to trust their partner’s judgment.
Keep It Simple
Use short, clear words. “Mine” works better than “I got it.” “Yours” is clearer than “take it.” “Switch” is better than “let’s change sides.” In the middle of a fast point, simple words prevent miscommunication.
Practice these calls until they become automatic. You shouldn’t have to think about what word to use – it should come out naturally as soon as you see where the ball is going.
Hand Signals at the Net
Why Signals Work
When you’re serving, your partner at the net can see the returner better than you can. Hand signals let the net player tell the server where to serve or whether they plan to move. This coordination gives your team an advantage because you’re working together while your opponents react to what you do.
Common signals are simple. A closed left fist behind the back means “I’m staying in my position.” An open left hand means “I’m going to poach across the net.”
Signal Practice Drill
Practice serving points where the net player gives a signal before every serve. Start with just two signals – stay or poach. The server must look for the signal and adjust their serve placement accordingly.
Run through 20 serves with signals, then switch roles. The server practices looking for signals, and the net player practices giving clear signals that their partner can see and understand.
Building Trust
Signals only work if both players trust each other. The net player must commit to their signal – if you signal poach, you have to poach. The server must serve to spots that help their partner execute the signal.
Non-Verbal Communication
Body Language and Positioning
Not all communication happens with words or hand signals. Your court position tells your partner what you’re planning. If you move closer to the net, you’re ready to intercept. If you back up, you’re expecting a lob.
Eye contact between points helps you stay connected with your partner. A quick look can confirm that you’re both thinking the same thing about strategy or positioning.
Silent Communication Drill
Practice points where talking is not allowed after the point starts. You can discuss strategy before the serve, but once the point begins, you must rely on positioning and movement to communicate.
This drill forces you to watch your partner and anticipate their movements. You learn to read their body language and position yourself to support their play. Start with short points and gradually increase the difficulty.
Try this drill for 15-20 minutes during practice. It feels awkward at first, but it builds the instincts that help during loud matches or when you can’t hear your partner clearly.
Court Positioning
Your position on the court communicates your intentions to your partner. If you’re playing close to the baseline, your partner knows to cover more net. If you’re moving forward, they know you might need help with lobs.
Practice adjusting your positions together. Start points with both players at the baseline, then practice moving forward as a team. Learn to mirror each other’s movements so you maintain good court coverage.
Strategic Communication Between Points
Quick Check-Ins
Use the time between points to adjust your strategy. You get 20 seconds between points – use 5-10 seconds to communicate with your partner. This keeps you connected and allows you to adapt to what’s working. Keep these discussions short and specific.
Strategy Practice Drill
During practice games, require both players to have a quick discussion after every point. This builds the habit of constant strategic communication.
Set a timer for 10 seconds maximum. This teaches you to communicate efficiently, just like you need to do in matches. Focus on the most important information – what to do differently on the next point.
Staying Positive
Communication isn’t just about strategy – it’s also about keeping each other confident. If your partner misses a shot, a quick “next point” or “you got this” can help them refocus. Positive communication builds trust and keeps the team working together.
Practice this during drills. When someone makes an error, the partner should immediately say something encouraging. This builds the habit of supporting each other during tough moments in matches.
Building Team Chemistry
Communication in doubles takes practice and trust. Start with basic verbal calls and simple signals, then build to more complex coordination as you get comfortable with your partner.
The best doubles teams communicate constantly but efficiently. They don’t waste time with long discussions, but they’re always sharing information that helps them play better together.
Work on these communication drills regularly, not just occasionally. Good doubles communication becomes automatic, but only with consistent practice. The time you invest in learning to communicate will pay off in better results and more enjoyable doubles play.
Looking to sharpen your doubles teamwork even further? Athletes Untapped connects junior tennis players with private coaches who can personalize drills like hand signals, poaching strategies, and communication habits. Explore our platform to find a coach near you and elevate your doubles game with expert guidance.
