If you’ve ever tuned in to a professional tennis match or stepped onto a court yourself, you’ve likely noticed something different when it comes to doubles tennis. The court suddenly feels wider, players move in sync, and the game has a different rhythm compared to singles. But what exactly changes in the court layout?
The secret lies in the sections of a tennis court specifically used for doubles. Understanding these dimensions isn’t just about rules, it directly affects your strategy, positioning, and winning chances.
Whether you’re a casual player curious about why the doubles court looks wider or a competitive athlete aiming to sharpen your tactical edge, this article will break it all down in plain, practical terms.
By the end, you’ll know:
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Which sections of the tennis court are exclusive to doubles.
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How court dimensions influence movement, serving, and volleying.
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Proven strategies to maximize the doubles court to your advantage.
Let’s dive right into it.
Featured Answer Box
What section of a tennis court is used when playing doubles?
In doubles tennis, the doubles sidelines and alleys are used in addition to the singles court. This makes the doubles court 36 feet wide (compared to 27 feet in singles), while the length remains the same at 78 feet. The doubles alleys—the extra 4.5 feet on each side—are the key sections exclusive to doubles play.
Court Dimensions: Singles vs Doubles
To understand doubles court sections, let’s first compare it with singles:
| Feature | Singles Court | Doubles Court |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 27 feet | 36 feet |
| Length | 78 feet | 78 feet |
| Key Difference | No alleys | Includes alleys |
| Alley Width (each side) | – | 4.5 feet |
In simple terms: doubles players use the same baseline and service boxes as singles, but the extra side alleys are added.
Understanding the Doubles Alley
The doubles alley is the 4.5-foot-wide strip running along each sideline of the court.
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In singles: these alleys are out of play.
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In doubles: they are in play and expand the horizontal area available.
Why the doubles alley matters:
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Opens up angles → more space to hit winners cross-court.
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Forces teamwork → partners must cover wider ground.
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Changes serving tactics → wider serves are now more effective.
How Court Sections Impact Doubles Play
1. The Baseline in Doubles
The baseline remains the same, but players usually avoid long baseline rallies in doubles. Instead, play is quicker, with more emphasis on net play.
2. Service Boxes
The service boxes are identical in singles and doubles (21 feet wide). However, the strategy differs:
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Wide serves become more dangerous thanks to the alleys.
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Returners need to anticipate sharper angles.
3. The Net Area
In doubles, the net becomes the battleground.
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Net players can poach (intercept shots).
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Wider court space means more aggressive net play is rewarded.
4. The Alleys
This is the game-changer: doubles alleys redefine angles, shot placement, and coverage.
Strategic Implications of the Doubles Court
Serving in Doubles
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Wide Serve: Serving out to the alley pulls the opponent off the court.
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Body Serve: Effective because returners are squeezed between alleys and the center.
Returning in Doubles
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Aim returns low and cross-court to avoid the net player.
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Use the alley space to surprise opponents.
Positioning
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Standard Formation: One player at the baseline, one at the net.
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Both at Net: Powerful but risky; exposes lobs.
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Both Back: Defensive, used against big servers.
Pros and Cons of Doubles Court Dimensions
| Aspect | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Wider Court | Creates more attacking options | Harder to cover defensively |
| Alleys in Play | Adds tactical depth, surprise shots possible | Requires sharp communication with partner |
| Same Length | No learning curve for baseline depth | Rally length shortened; less individual control |
| Net Play Focus | Encourages team strategy | Weak net play gets punished quickly |
People Also Ask.
🔹 Is a doubles court bigger than a singles court?
Yes. A doubles court is 9 feet wider than a singles court (36 feet vs. 27 feet), thanks to the 4.5-foot alleys on each side.
🔹 Do you serve into the doubles alley?
No. Serves must still land in the service box, not the alleys. However, after the serve, alleys are in play.
🔹 What is the most important section in doubles?
The net area is the most crucial section in doubles, as most points are won through volleys, poaches, and net dominance.
🔹 Can a ball land on the doubles sideline?
Yes. In doubles, the outermost sideline (including alleys) counts as “in.”
🔹 Why is doubles considered more tactical than singles?
Because players must use the wider court strategically, coordinate with partners, and anticipate fast exchanges at the net.
Key Takeaways.
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Doubles tennis uses the alleys (4.5 feet wide on each side).
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Court width expands from 27 ft (singles) to 36 ft (doubles).
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Length stays the same (78 ft).
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Serves go into the same boxes but gain new angles.
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Net play and teamwork are more critical in doubles than singles.
FAQs About Doubles Court Sections
Q1: What sections of the court are unique to doubles?
The doubles alleys, two 4.5-foot strips along the sidelines.
Q2: Is the service box bigger in doubles?
No. The service boxes are identical in singles and doubles.
Q3: Can players stand in the doubles alley when receiving serve?
Yes, as long as they don’t interfere before the serve lands.
Q4: Does doubles tennis use a different net height?
No. The net height is the same: 3 feet at the center, 3.5 feet at the posts.
Q5: Why do pros prefer attacking the alleys in doubles?
Because it opens sharp angles, making it harder for the opponents to cover.
Q6: Are doubles alleys in play during mixed doubles?
Yes, the same court dimensions apply for men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles.
Q7: Can a ball land on the line of the doubles alley?
Yes. Any ball touching the line of the doubles alley is “in” during doubles play.
Q8: Do doubles players always cover the alleys?
Not always. Players often rely on positioning and anticipation instead of guarding alleys outright.
Q9: Is doubles tennis faster than singles?
Yes. The shorter rally length, net dominance, and wider angles make doubles faster-paced.
Q10: Can singles be played on a doubles court?
Yes, but only the inner singles sidelines are considered “in.” The alleys are ignored.
Conclusion.
The section of a tennis court used when playing doubles—the doubles alleys—may look like just a few extra feet of space, but in reality, they completely transform the game. These sections open up new angles, demand sharper teamwork, and shift the emphasis from grinding baseline rallies to fast-paced, strategic net play.
