The Doubles Game

Doubles—A True or False Quiz

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More about doubles

• When warming up for a match, you have ten minutes. The last two or three should be reserved for serving. Team members on opposing teams can serve at the same time; then, let the other team do the same. When you have done all that, spin the racket to see which team serves first.
• During a point you may move anywhere on the court, front and back, left and right. You should do this in conjunction with your partner so that the court is "covered."
• Decide which side to play on when receiving serve, the deuce (right) or the ad (left.) Some call this the forehand and backhand, but in reality you may hit more forehands from the ad or backhand side.
• If you aren't receiving the serve, call the serve. A good serve should not be called at all, but a bad serve should be called immediately. If you're not sure, it's in unless your partner has a better look.
• If the served ball hits the net and lands in the service area, that is called a let and the serve is repeated. If the let occurs on the first serve, the first serve is repeated. If the let occurs on the second serve, the second serve is repeated. There is no limit to the number of lets a person may accumulate.
• If the served ball hits the net and lands outside the service area, or doesn't hit the net but lands outside the service area, that is called a fault. If it happens twice, it is a double fault and you lose the point.
• If a served ball hits your partner, that is called a fault. If it happens twice, it is a double fault and you lose the point.
• If you see an opponent's ball going long, alert your partner by saying "watch it," or "let it," or "bounce it"—anything that warns your partner away from hitting it.
• Always keep two balls with you when serving.
• Anything else, just ask.
• If you're constantly being passed or lobbed at the net, go somewhere else. Take a few steps back or closer to the line. Remember though, your success or failure at the net has a lot to do with your partner's groundstrokes and placement.
• A big looping serve is poison in doubles: it gives the returner the opportunity to blast the next shot. Keep your serves low and if possible deep, and if possible, nicely paced.