Latest Doubles Tennis Rules: Serving, Court Positioning & Scoring

The rules for doubles tennis differ in several ways from singles, particularly regarding serving regulations, court positioning, and scoring between the two teams. Understanding these rules not only helps you play correctly and avoid unnecessary faults but also improves your teamwork on the court. In this article, Olaben will update the latest doubles tennis rules, focusing on serving regulations and scoring methods, making them easy to understand and apply in practice.

Overview of Doubles Tennis

What is Doubles Tennis?

Doubles tennis is a form of tennis where each team consists of two players, competing directly against another team on the same court. Compared to singles tennis, doubles requires close coordination between teammates, good communication skills, and flexible movement strategies to control the court space.

Differences Between Singles and Doubles

Court Dimensions & Area in Doubles Tennis

Basically, the structure of a doubles tennis court is similar to a singles court in terms of baseline, service boxes, net, and line markings. The key difference lies in the court’s width. In doubles tennis, the court is expanded on both sides using the doubles alleys, which increases movement space and creates more tactical hitting angles.

According to regulations, a doubles tennis court has a width of 10.97 meters, which is 1.37 meters wider per side than a singles court, while the length remains 23.77 meters. This expansion allows four players to move freely while ensuring fairness and safety during play.

Equipment Regulations in Doubles Tennis

The equipment used in doubles tennis follows the basic tennis rules and is largely the same as in singles tennis. These regulations ensure fair, safe, and standardized conditions for all matches.

Court Equipment for Doubles Tennis

A standard doubles court must be equipped with essential items to facilitate play and match management. Firstly, a net or divider is used to split the court into two opposing sides, clearly defining the boundaries for both teams.

Additionally, courts need fixed or movable chairs for the umpire, organizers, and court officials. The net system, including posts, cords, net strap, and support stakes, must be installed correctly to maintain standard height and tension throughout the match.

In terms of match management, a doubles tennis game typically involves a chair umpire, line judges, and ball persons to ensure smooth and lawful play. Overall, the equipment requirements for a doubles tennis court are virtually identical to those of a singles court.

Tennis Ball Regulations in Doubles Tennis

The balls used in doubles tennis must meet all technical standards as per regulations. Each ball should have a diameter between 6.35 and 6.67 cm, a weight ranging from 56 to 59.4 grams, and meet the standard bounce when dropped from the specified height onto the court.

The ball surface must be covered with yellow or white felt, with no visible seams, and all balls used in the same match must have consistent characteristics. Tennis balls are categorized by speed and deformation, from fast to medium or slow, to suit different court conditions and player levels.

In high-altitude locations, organizers may use low-compression or pressureless balls to ensure stable trajectory and bounce during play.

Racket Regulations in Doubles Tennis

The tennis racket used in doubles must strictly adhere to size limitations. The overall length of the racket cannot exceed 73.66 cm, the maximum width is 31.75 cm, and the racket’s stringed area must fall within the allowed dimensions according to the rules.

The racket strings must be uniformly strung across the entire hitting surface. Players are not allowed to tie extra knots, attach foreign objects, or use multiple string patterns on the same racket. This ensures fair play and prevents any illegitimate advantage during the match.

In summary, equipment regulations in doubles tennis are nearly identical to singles tennis. Adhering to proper standards for the court, balls, and rackets helps players compete fairly and avoid unnecessary disputes.

Serving and Receiving Rules in Doubles Tennis

In doubles tennis, regulations regarding court selection and serving are designed to ensure fairness between the two teams and maintain a consistent pace of play. Compared to singles tennis, there are a few key points to note to avoid confusion during a match.

Court Selection and Side Change Rules

Before a match begins, the two teams will conduct a coin toss or draw lots to determine priority. The winning team may choose either the side of the court they wish to start on or the right to serve first, while the other team takes the remaining option.

During play, the teams switch sides after every even-numbered game. When changing sides, the server also moves to the opposite side of the court to continue serving according to the order agreed upon at the start of the match.

Serving Order in Doubles Tennis

The serving order in doubles tennis must be agreed upon by both teams before the match and maintained throughout the game. Each team alternates by designating one player to serve for each game, while the other player assumes the role of receiver or supports tactical positioning.

In subsequent sets, the right to serve rotates between the two teams following the previously established order, ensuring fairness and preventing any long-term advantage for either side.

Serving and Receiving Positions

When executing a serve in doubles tennis, the server must stand behind the baseline on the designated side according to the agreed serving order. The receiving player from the opposing team stands opposite the server within their own court and cannot step into the server’s court until the ball is served.

The distance between the server and the receiver must ensure safety, and both players must remain within their valid areas throughout the serve. The server may adjust their position behind the baseline before hitting the ball but must not touch or cross the baseline during the serve.

Second Serve Rules

If the first serve is invalid, the server is allowed a second serve from the same position. If the server was out of position during the first serve, the second serve must still be taken from that same position and cannot be changed. After correcting the serving position, the server has only one remaining opportunity to deliver a valid serve.

Timing of the Serve and Let Serves

A serve may only be performed when both teams are ready, particularly the receiving player. The server cannot serve if the opponents are not prepared.

A let serve is called in situations such as:

• The ball touches the net but still lands in the correct service box.
• The receiving player is not ready.
• An unintentional interruption occurs during play.

In these cases, the serve is replayed without being counted as a fault.

Scoring in Doubles Tennis

In principle, scoring in doubles tennis is similar to singles tennis. Matches use the familiar point system: Love (0), 15, 30, 40, and Deuce, along with rules for Advantage points and winning a set, just as in singles play.

However, in doubles matches, there are some important nuances in how points are recorded and interpreted, especially during Deuce situations.

When both teams reach 40–40 (Deuce), the game continues until one team wins the deciding point to close out the game. Each consecutive winning point is counted sequentially, reflecting the progression of the game.

Specifically, in doubles tennis:

• The team winning the first point is recorded as 15 (after Love).
• Winning the second point advances the score to 30.
• The third point brings the score to 40.
• If the team wins the fourth point without a Deuce situation, the game ends and that team wins the game.

Overall, although the point system in doubles tennis is not drastically different from singles, players must clearly understand point progression and the deciding points to avoid confusion, especially during tense games or extended Deuce situations.

Tie-Break Rules in Doubles Tennis

In doubles tennis, a Tie-Break is used to determine the winner of a set when both teams reach a 6–6 score within the set. This system shortens match duration while fairly deciding the winning team.

However, in best-of-3 or best-of-5 set matches, the final set (third or fifth) often still uses the traditional “win by 2 games” rule unless a specific variation is announced before the match.

Scoring in Doubles Tie-Break

• Winning Points: A team must reach 7 points and be at least 2 points ahead of the opponent to win. In a Super Tie-Break (commonly used in deciding sets for amateur or professional tournaments), the first team to 10 points with a 2-point lead wins.
• Side Change: Teams switch sides after every 6 points, or multiples of 6 points (e.g., 6–0, 7–5, 12–6).
• Serving Position: Even-numbered points are served from the right side (deuce court), odd-numbered points from the left side (ad court).
• Serving Rotation: Teams alternate serving every 2 points, except for the first point of the Tie-Break. Specifically:
  • Team A serves the first point,
  • Team B serves the next 2 points,
  • Team A serves the following 2 points and so on until the Tie-Break ends.

The doubles Tie-Break system optimizes match time, maintains the rhythm of play, and requires precise coordination between teammates, as serves and returns must be strategically executed for each point.

Common Violations in Doubles Tennis

In doubles tennis, in addition to the general faults found in singles, players must pay attention to some violations specific to team coordination and serving order. The most common ones include:

Positioning Faults

A positioning fault occurs when a player stands in the wrong area, crosses the allowed boundaries while hitting or serving the ball. Examples include:

• The server steps over the baseline while serving.
• The receiving player steps into the opponent’s court before the ball is hit.

This type of fault results in an immediate loss of point and affects the team’s control of the match.

Serving Order Faults

In doubles tennis, the serving order is established at the start of the match and must be maintained throughout the set. A serving order fault occurs when:

• The server does not follow the agreed rotation with their partner.
• The serving team does not alternate the correct number of serves during a Tie-Break.

Violating the serving order results in the team losing the right to serve or losing a point in the game.

Interference by a Partner

This fault is unique to doubles tennis, occurring when a partner accidentally or intentionally touches the ball while the other player is executing a shot. Examples include:

• The ball hits a partner’s body, hand, or racket before crossing the net.
• The partner obstructs the opponent or interferes with the shot before it’s their turn.

This type of violation also results in an immediate point loss and often happens due to poor coordination or confusion on the court.

Tips for Playing Doubles Tennis Correctly and Effectively

Doubles tennis differs from singles in terms of positioning, serving order, and team coordination. Without understanding these, players are prone to faults. Here are three key tips to improve performance and reduce rule violations:

Choose Proper Court Positions

Proper court positioning is crucial to maximize each player’s strengths. Teammates should agree on roles and positions to best utilize their playing style and skills.

• Net Player: Best suited for players strong in volleys, quick reflexes, and close-range attacks.
• Baseline Player: Ideal for players with strong groundstrokes, good control from the back, and who can support the net player.

It is essential that both players coordinate smoothly, cover each other, and minimize open spaces to prevent opponents from exploiting gaps.

Maintain Mental Stability

A stable mindset helps the team maintain performance and coordination throughout the match. Tips for mental stability include:

• Leverage individual strengths: Be confident in your own skills while identifying and exploiting opponent weaknesses.
• Stay calm in key points: Focus especially during Deuce, set points, and match points to prevent psychological pressure from affecting play.
• Prepare thoroughly: Practice techniques, build physical fitness, develop strategies before the match, warm up properly, and maintain a healthy diet.
• Stay positive: Trust your partner, be ready to adapt, and maintain confidence even against stronger opponents.

Developing an Effective Strategy

A well-planned strategy helps minimize common faults in doubles tennis and improve match performance:

• Follow the “one at the net, one at the baseline” principle: Avoid standing or hitting the ball in the same area, reducing the risk of rule violations.
• Maintain safe spacing: Keep a distance of 3–5 meters from your partner and move in sync to avoid collisions and hitting the ball twice.
• Communicate constantly: Use verbal cues or pre-agreed signals to coordinate tactics and switch positions effectively.
• Play tactical shots: Employ slices, cross-court shots, or drop shots to push opponents out of optimal positions and create opportunities to finish points.

Additionally, adapt your strategy according to the situation and your opponents, while maintaining confidence and focus to minimize errors and maximize your chances of winning in doubles tennis.

Conclusion

While doubles tennis rules are fundamentally based on singles tennis, there are several key differences regarding serving, positioning, scoring, and teamwork. Understanding these rules not only ensures fair play and helps avoid common faults, but also enhances coordination, tactical execution, and competitive advantage during matches.

Doubles tennis requires strategic thinking, smooth teamwork, and mental resilience, from choosing court positions, establishing serving order, to handling Tie-Break and Super Tie-Break situations. Players should also be aware of common violations such as positioning faults, serving order faults, and partner interference, and apply practical tips to reduce errors and improve performance.

Beyond mastering the rules, appropriate clothing and gear play an important role in comfort, confidence, and mobility on the court. Olaben provides a complete collection of tennis apparel, including:

• Women’s tennis clothing: women’s sports tops, women’s shorts, dresses, skirts
• Men’s tennis clothing: men’s sports shirts, men’s shorts, caps, and accessories

With suitable attire, players can move freely, execute accurate shots, and fully enjoy the doubles tennis experience.