It’s funny to see the same group of 4 men or 4 ladies on the courts at the same time every day or every week. They play the same game against the same opponents with probably the same results every time. Isn’t it time to try something different?

A great way to add a little variety into your weekly regular doubles outing is to try out a new version of the same game. It will take you out of your comfort zone by doing something different and you may find that you like the new challenge.

Each of the following games can be played in rotating fashion. Play the first 4 games of “One Serve” and then the next 4 games of “Both Back” and so on.

One Serve
Just like it sounds, you get only one serve to start the point. You and your partner can choose to risk it with a first serve, take the conservative approach with a second serve, or hit something somewhere in between. This will give you a new appreciation of how important the serve is. If you can’t get the serve in play then you have no chance of winning the point. On the other hand, if you opponent knows that you’ll be taking it easy, they will be ready and waiting to take advantage of anything weak.

Both Back
There’s no serving and volleying here. The serving team must both stay back and rely on groundstrokes, lobs and drop shots to win points. Playing against hard-hitting and aggressive opponents, this formation may have some value in the future, so now is a good time to practice it. This also gives the receiving team a different look at the both-back formation to see what works and what doesn’t work against it. Remember, no sneaking in unless the receiving team hits you short.

No Bounces
Opposite of “Both Back” this formation forces you to serve and get to net quick to hit the next ball before it bounces again on your side of the court. Opportunity is on the returner to try and hit a return back to the server that they can’t get to as a volley. Pressure is on the server to come forward and be prepared to hit a volley no matter what comes your way. If you have to let the ball bounce then you lose the point.

Double Singles
This one is as simple as playing doubles in the singles court. You have to focus on hitting your shots only within the singles lines and you cannot use the doubles alleys or you lose the point. Everything has to stay in the singles court which forces you to think about using different depth, spin and angles. All these shots and strategies will come in handy the next time you play doubles.


You may like your normal weekly group just fine just the way it is, but try giving these new games a try next time. You just might be surprised how much fun it is.

Have fun on the courts.