Doubles Tennis and Padel: Communication That Wins Matches
A pair that talks, signals, and understands each other on court has a tactical edge. It keeps the team coordinated, reduces errors, and builds trust. Most points are won not by individual brilliance, but by a duo moving and thinking as one.
The Language of the Court: Why Communication Matters
Two players share the court. Two sets of eyes, arms, and feet. Without clear signals and verbal cues, it's easy to clash or hesitate. Good communication smooths that over. It clarifies who takes what, where to move, and what strategy to play.
It builds rhythm, especially under pressure. From a simple "mine" or "yours" call to quick huddles between points, great teams talk constantly. When things get tense, communication keeps the nerves steady.
Hand Signals: The Silent Strategy
In doubles, players often use hand signals behind their backs. The net player signals the planned play while the server prepares. These silent cues avoid tipping off opponents while ensuring partners stay in sync.
One finger: Serve down the T.
Two fingers: Serve wide.
Fist: Net player stays.
Open hand: Net player poaches.
Thumb/pinky variations: Custom team cues.
Signals vary between teams, but consistency is key. Decide them pre-match, practice them, and stick to the script. It saves precious seconds during play and prevents on-court confusion.
Verbal Calls: Loud and Clear
Some calls need to be quick and vocal:
"Yours!" or "Mine!" clears any confusion.
"Switch!" means swap sides.
"Leave!" helps avoid chasing an out ball.
Shot calls like "Lob!", "Short!", or "Line!" keep the team alert.
Volume matters. Say it early and say it loud enough to hear over footsteps and wind. Whispered calls get lost. Doubles need decisiveness.
The Power of Positivity
Your words shape your partner's mindset. Missed a shot? Say "Next one." Nailed a volley? High-five and cheer. Energy is contagious. In doubles, where momentum swings fast, staying upbeat keeps the team grounded.
Avoid blame. Stay solutions-focused. Teams that encourage each other often bounce back stronger after tough rallies or sets.
Body Language Speaks Volumes
You don't always need words. A glance, a nod, a finger point can say it all. Confident posture lifts energy. Shrugging or avoiding eye contact? It deflates your teammate.
Watch pro teams. They make eye contact after nearly every point. Whether it's a fist bump or a quick regroup, their connection shows.
Changeovers: Mini Team Meetings
Use every 90-second changeover to reset or re-plan. Are the opponents targeting one player? Are Lobs working? This is your moment to troubleshoot and shift gears. Keep it brief. Even just reaffirming the plan keeps both players on the same page.
Practice Makes Permanent
Communication doesn't just happen in matches. Practice it.
Use signals during drills.
Call balls out loud in warm-ups.
Review what worked or didn't post-match.
Even better, film matches and watch how often you talk (or don't). It reveals gaps and helps build habits.
Dubai Factor: Sun, Noise, and Strategy
In Dubai's heat and bustling court environments, communication faces extra challenges. Shouting across the court under the blazing sun or next to busy courts is tricky. That's where signals, eye contact, and pre-set routines come in.
Athletic Kings, Dubai's only shaded court provider, reduces that stress. With cooler, quieter courts, players focus better, hear better, and play smarter. It’s the perfect setting to build seamless communication.
Common Missteps and How to Fix Them
Over-signaling: Keep it simple. Don't complicate.
Forgetting signals mid-match: Reconfirm at every changeover.
Not calling shots: Leads to hesitation. Train your reflex.
Negative talk: Drains energy. Flip the script with encouragement.
Say It, Show It, Win It
Doubles is a dance. Your steps must align, your tempo must match. That only happens with constant, clear communication. From hand signals to huddles, positive words to power stances. It’s all part of a winning game plan.
Want to level up? Start by talking more. With better communication, you’ll play smarter, cover more court, and win more points. At Athletic Kings, we don’t just train shots. We train synergy. Because in doubles, connection wins the championship.
