Hand Signals for Doubles Video, Tips and Free Handout
In this article, you can see an excellent video by Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares on using hand signals in doubles. Beneath the video is a description of the hand signals and a link to a free printable handout for players and coaches.
Hand Signals Video:
Communication:
Hand signals are often used in doubles as a way of communicating with your doubles partner before the serve. There are 5 main hand signals that players use. Three in relation to the direction of the serve (“T”, “Wide” & “Body” and two used for the movement of the server’s partner (“Stay” or “Poach”).
DIRECTIONAL HAND SIGNALS USING YOUR LEFT HAND:
*left handers may wish to signal using their right hand
Deuce Side – “T”
Thumb or index finger to the side
Deuce Side – “Wide”
Little finger pointing down
Deuce Side – “Body”
Middle finger pointing down
DIRECTIONAL HAND SIGNALS USING YOUR LEFT HAND:
*left handers may wish to signal using their right hand
Advantage Side – “T”
Little finger pointing down
Advantage Side – “Wide”
Thumb or index finger to the side
Advantage Side – “Body”
Middle finger pointing down
*Important
If the server’s partner suggests a “T” serve and the server is happy to serve there, the server would say “Yes”. If the server would like to serve to a different area of the service box, they would say “No” and the server’s partner suggests an alternative such as a “Wide” or “Body” serve.
MOVEMENT HAND SIGNALS USING YOUR LEFT HAND:
Stay
Closed fist indicates that the server’s partner will stay on the same half of the court, after the serve is hit.
Poach
Open Hand indicates that the server’s partner will try to poach (or move) to the other half of the court, after the serve is hit.
Conclusion:
The server’s partner would show with their hand, the direction of the serve first, followed by if they are going to stay or poach. There are no set hand signals, this is just an example. Just make sure you both know what the hand signals mean! 😀🎾
Download Free Handout:
https://begreatattennis.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Hand-Signals-for-Doubles-Free-Download.pdf
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