Difference Between Singles and Doubles in Tennis

Tennis can be enjoyed in two primary formats: singles, where one player faces another, and doubles, where teams of two compete. While the core rules remain the same, the dynamics, strategies and court dimensions differ significantly. Whether you’re choosing which event to enter or simply want to understand why doubles looks so different on TV, this article explains the key differences between singles and doubles tennis.

Court Dimensions and Boundaries

The most obvious difference between singles and doubles lies in the court size:

In singles, the court is 27 ft (8.23 m) wide. The narrow sidelines mark the boundaries for legal shots. If a ball lands in the wider doubles alley, it is out.
In doubles, the court expands to 36 ft (10.97 m) wide. The extra strips on either side are called the doubles alleys. Shots that land in these alleys are in for doubles but out for singles.

The length of the court (78 ft) and the service boxes are identical in both formats. The net height also remains the same.

Teamwork and Communication

Singles players rely solely on themselves, while doubles demands teamwork. In doubles, partners must communicate effectively, call shots and decide who takes balls down the middle. Successful doubles teams often use strategies such as:

Serving and volleying – One partner serves and immediately moves forward to the net. The other partner may also close in, creating pressure at the net and cutting off angles.
Poaching – The net player crosses into the middle to intercept a return, surprising the opponents. Effective poaching requires timing and trust between partners.
Positioning – Partners decide whether to stand in a one-up, one-back formation (one at the net, one on the baseline) or both at the net. Each formation counters different opponents’ strengths.

Communication extends beyond words; hand signals are common to indicate who will cover which side or when to poach. Singles players, by contrast, can focus entirely on their own footwork, stroke selection and mental game without coordinating with a partner.

Serving and Receiving

In singles, the server alternates sides of the court for each point and has to cover the entire baseline. In doubles, partners take turns serving sets of games, and the receiving team decides which partner covers the deuce (right) side and which covers the ad (left) side. Once assigned, partners stay on their designated sides throughout the set. They may switch ends of the court when changing sides, but they retain deuce/ad positions until the set is over.

Return positioning is also distinct. In singles, players typically stand behind the baseline. Doubles returners must consider the net player; staying too far back can leave the alley vulnerable, while moving forward risks being passed down the line.

Scoring and Match Formats

The scoring system (15, 30, 40, deuce) is identical in singles and doubles. However, doubles tournaments often adopt alternative match formats to streamline play:

No-ad scoring – Instead of playing to advantage at deuce, the team that wins the next point wins the game. This shortens games and increases pressure at deuce.
Match tiebreaks – When doubles matches reach one set all, many tournaments use a super tiebreak (first to 10 points) instead of a full third set.

These variations keep doubles matches shorter and more television-friendly.

Strategies and Shot Selection

Singles and doubles demand different strategies:

Court coverage – Singles players must cover the entire court, so they rely on consistency, speed and strategic placement. Long rallies and patience are common.
Net play – Doubles emphasizes volleys and aggressive net positioning. Points are shorter because the court is smaller and four players can close the net quickly.
Target areas – In singles, hitting deep crosscourt shots opens up space down the line. In doubles, players often target the opponent’s feet or aim at the weaker opponent. Lobs can neutralize aggressive net rushes.
Serve returns – Singles returns are typically driven deep, whereas doubles returns might be hit softer to avoid the net player or at the feet of the server’s partner.

Why Play Doubles?

Doubles offers several benefits:

Team camaraderie – Sharing victories and defeats builds friendships and teamwork skills.
Net skills – Doubles helps players develop volleys and reflexes that translate to singles net play.
Physical demands – Doubles covers less ground, making it appealing for older players or those recovering from injury.
Tactical variety – Doubles introduces strategies like poaching, I-formation and Australian formation that keep the game fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is doubles easier than singles?

It depends. Doubles requires less running but demands quick reflexes, strong volleys and teamwork. Singles players face more physical strain but have complete control over tactics. Each format presents unique challenges.

Can I play singles on a doubles court?

Yes. When no singles lines are marked, players often use the doubles court but agree to treat the alleys as out. Portable singles sticks or posts can create a slightly lower net height at the center, but they’re not essential for casual play.

Why is the doubles alley used only in doubles?

The alley widens the court to give four players enough space and to encourage net play. If the same width were used in singles, points would be harder to win and rallies could drag on. The narrower singles court forces players to create angles and craft strategies.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between singles and doubles will enhance your enjoyment of both formats. Singles showcases individual athleticism and mental toughness, while doubles highlights teamwork, reflexes and strategic net play. Whether you’re stepping onto the court alone or with a partner, embrace the distinct challenges and joys each version of tennis offers.