What To Know
- Points are scored when a player or team successfully hits the ball over the net and into the opponent’s court, making it impossible for the opponent to return it.
- The tiebreaker starts at 0-0, and the first team to reach seven points with a two-point advantage wins the tiebreaker and the set.
- If the score reaches 6-6 in the tiebreaker, the team that wins the next point wins the tiebreaker and the set.
Tennis is a thrilling sport that can be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels. While singles tennis is a popular format, doubles tennis offers a unique and exciting twist to the game. With four players on the court, doubles tennis requires strategic teamwork, communication, and a deep understanding of the scoring system. If you’re new to doubles tennis or want to improve your game, this comprehensive guide will help you grasp how doubles tennis scoring works.
Scoring Basics:
1. Game Scoring:
- A game in doubles tennis is won by the first team to reach four points.
- Points are scored when a player or team successfully hits the ball over the net and into the opponent’s court, making it impossible for the opponent to return it.
- The score is announced as “love” for zero points, “15” for one point, “30” for two points, and “40” for three points.
- If the score reaches 40-40, it is called “deuce.” To win the game, a team must win two consecutive points after deuce.
2. Advantage and Win:
- After deuce, the first team to win a point gains an “advantage.”
- If the team with the advantage wins the next point, they win the game.
- If the team without the advantage wins the next point, the score returns to deuce, and the process continues until one team wins two consecutive points.
3. Set Scoring:
- A set in doubles tennis is won by the first team to win six games.
- However, if the score reaches 6-6, a tiebreaker is played to determine the winner of the set.
4. Tiebreaker Scoring:
- A tiebreaker is a sudden-death format played to decide the winner of a set when the score reaches 6-6.
- The tiebreaker starts at 0-0, and the first team to reach seven points with a two-point advantage wins the tiebreaker and the set.
- If the score reaches 6-6 in the tiebreaker, the team that wins the next point wins the tiebreaker and the set.
Serving and Receiving:
1. Serving:
- In doubles tennis, players serve from the right side of the court.
- The serve must be hit underhand, and the ball must land in the diagonally opposite service box.
- If the serve is successful, the server’s team gains a point.
- If the serve is unsuccessful, the server’s team loses a point.
2. Receiving:
- The receiving team stands on the opposite side of the net from the server.
- The receiver must wait for the serve to bounce once before returning it.
- The receiver can return the serve either forehand or backhand.
Court Positioning:
1. Server and Receiver Positions:
- The server stands behind the baseline on the right side of the court.
- The receiver stands behind the baseline on the left side of the court.
2. Partner Positions:
- The server’s partner stands at the net on the left side of the court.
- The receiver’s partner stands at the net on the right side of the court.
Strategy and Communication:
1. Teamwork:
- Doubles tennis requires effective teamwork and communication between partners.
- Partners should communicate their positions, shots, and strategies to avoid confusion and improve their chances of winning.
2. Positioning:
- Proper positioning on the court is crucial for successful doubles play.
- Players should adjust their positions based on the serve, the opponent’s position, and the game situation.
3. Shot Selection:
- Players should choose shots that are appropriate for the situation and their partner’s position.
- Effective shot selection can help win points and put pressure on the opponents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
1. Lack of Communication:
- Poor communication between partners can lead to confusion and missed opportunities.
- Effective communication is essential for successful doubles play.
2. Poor Positioning:
- Incorrect positioning on the court can make it difficult to cover the court and return shots effectively.
- Players should adjust their positions based on the game situation and the opponent’s shots.
3. Unforced Errors:
- Unforced errors are mistakes that players make without being forced by the opponent.
- Avoiding unforced errors is crucial for winning points and maintaining a consistent game.
Tips for Improving Your Doubles Game:
1. Practice Regularly:
- Regular practice is essential for improving your doubles skills.
- Practice with different partners to learn from their styles and strategies.
2. Work on Your Serve:
- A strong serve is a valuable asset in doubles tennis.
- Practice your serve to improve your accuracy, power, and consistency.
3. Develop Your Volleying Skills:
- Volleying is a crucial skill in doubles tennis.
- Practice volleying to improve your reaction time, hand-eye coordination, and shot accuracy.
4. Enhance Your Communication:
- Effective communication is key to successful doubles play.
- Practice communicating with your partner about positions, shots, and strategies.
Key Points:
Understanding how doubles tennis scoring works is essential for enjoying and succeeding in this exciting sport. By grasping the basics of scoring, serving, receiving, court positioning, strategy, and common mistakes to avoid, you can improve your doubles game and become a more effective player. Remember, teamwork, communication, and practice are key to becoming a successful doubles tennis player.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: What is the difference between singles and doubles tennis scoring?
A: In singles tennis, players score points individually, while in doubles tennis, points are scored by the team. In doubles, players serve from the right side of the court, and the first team to reach four points wins the game.
Q: How do you determine the winner of a set in doubles tennis?
A: A set in doubles tennis is won by the first team to win six games. However, if the score reaches 6-6, a tiebreaker is played to determine the winner of the set.
Q: What is the advantage rule in doubles tennis?
A: The advantage rule in doubles tennis is similar to the advantage rule in singles tennis. After deuce, the first team to win a point gains an advantage. If the team with the advantage wins the next point, they win the game. If the team without the advantage wins the next point, the score returns to deuce.
