Doubles Partner Etiquette

In response to some questions I have received regarding line calls in doubles, I thought I would list some common doubles partner etiquette that some of you may be unaware of.

Your Team's Line Calls

The golden rule of line calls is "If you aren't sure, it's in."  This means if you only THINK it's out, it is in.  In doubles, it may be that one of you has a better view than the other.  In this situation, it may be that one partner's call gets "overruled" by the other.  In these situations, the partners need to come together and decide who had the better view, and who is 100% sure of their call.  If both players only THINK the ball is out or in, they must call it in.  If one KNOWS it's out then go with that call.  If one thinks it's out, and the other KNOWS it's in, then you must call it in, lest you wish to release the wrath of the benevolent tennis gods.

It is a good idea to discuss line call etiquette with your partner before the match begins, so there are no surprises.  I have seen plenty of occasions when a dispute over a line call  resulted in partners no longer communicating for the rest of the match, and their team chemistry was destroyed.  Losing is sure to follow when that happens. 

Calling out "YOURS!"

The use of the word "yours" in doubles has a specific time and place.  The earlier it is said the better.  The worst time to say "YOURS!" is once your partner is already in position and getting ready to play the ball.  At this time, screaming out "yours" is simply a distraction, much in the same way it would be if your opponents screamed something out while your partner was playing the ball.  The difference is if your opponents do it, you can take the point provided you don't attempt to hit the ball (according to the rules), but if your partner does it, you have no recourse.

Use "YOURS!" only when the ball is in your field of play, and as soon as you decide you aren't going to play it.  If the ball is clearly in your partner's field of play there is no need to call out yours.  Waiting for the ball to go over your head and bounce is too late to call out "yours."  It is also inappropriate to call out "YOURS!" every time the ball is clearly your partner's ball.  This is tennis, remember silence is golden.  Only call out when that type of communication is absolutely necessary.

Lying To Your Partner

If your partner is serving or playing the baseline, and the ball they hit is called out by your opponents, but they feel the ball was in, they will likely ask you for your opinion of whether or not the ball was in. In this special circumstance, it will behoove you to simply tell your partner the call was correct.  After the set or the match, you can go back to your partner and tell them they got hosed on the call.  When a partner is asking you if the opponent's call is correct, it is usually because they are already upset at the call, and confirmation will only serve to further irritate them.  This will lead your partner to lose focus on the match, instead they will be focused on the previous call, and their play will suffer.

Post Match Handshakes

In doubles, the first handshake after the match is ALWAYS with your partner.  Be sure to tell them "Good Match," or something to that effect.  Follow that handshake with the handshakes with your opponents.

Changeovers

It is best if you and your partner go to the bench together, and then get up and walk to the court together.  Any separation should be viewed by your opponents as fractured chemistry between you and your partner.  This will give your opponents more confidence.

Server's Partner Signaling Where the Server Serves and The Poach (Or Not)

The proper etiquette here is communicate with your partner before the match.  Some servers prefer to feel in control of their serve,and would prefer a face to face communication where they tell the partner where they want to serve.  Others like the partner signaling them where to serve.  Assuming your partner prefers one way or the other is incorrect.  Discuss it first.

If you know your partner prefers to be in control of where he's serving, then don't tell him or her where they should be serving.  This will lead to animosity.  Instead ask them if they think it would be a good idea to serve (insert type of serve and location here).  This way they still feel like they are in control.

The same goes for the poach.  Follow the same protocol as for the serve.

The Blame Game

Giving your partner dirty looks every time they make an error, pleading with them to play better - these types of actions should be stricken from the playbook during and after the match.  Partners should be encouraging to their teammate to a fault.

On Court Coaching

In general you are no better than your partner on the court.  Telling your partner where they "should have gone," or that they "should have taken that ball," or that they "should have hit a different shot," is inappropriate - especially on the court in full view of everyone.  The proper time to discuss general tactics is before the match and on the changeovers.  No one likes to be "called out" by their partner in front of their opponents for a poor play.  This will only lead to animosity.  No one wants to play with a "coach," unless the partner IS a certified coach AND it is understood that they will be giving feedback during the match.