Four players play a doubles match on the mini tennis court. Play takes place over the entire doubles court, including the side doubles alleys. In the basic version, the incoming ball must first bounce. It is then played once within the team to the partner before the ball may be played back over the net. The principle is similar to volleyball: first “pass” within the team, then play over the net.
The balls are played deliberately controlled and with a soft touch. It is not about pace or hard shots, but about placing the ball purposefully and finding solutions together. The game becomes especially interesting by involving the outer areas of the doubles court. Because the first ball must bounce, larger movement paths to the outside are created and positioning within the team becomes more important.
In the next step, the rule is opened up: the ball may still be played to the partner, but it no longer has to be. Depending on the game situation, players can either play directly over the net or first within their own team. This creates additional decision options and a much freer game.
Training Goal
- Improve ball control and measured play in a tight space
- Recognize and use open spaces and angles in the doubles court
- Promote movement and positioning within a doubles team
- Train perception of the game situation and quick decisions
- Develop communication, cooperation, and shared action within the team
Coaching Keys
- Play with a soft touch: The mini tennis court is about control and precision, not maximum shot speed.
- Use the entire doubles court: Don’t just play through the middle; consciously target the side spaces and corners.
- Move wide: Because the first ball has to bounce, larger lateral movement paths are deliberately created.
- Play together: When passing the ball, the partner should be fed in a way that keeps a controlled continuation of the rally possible.
- Make decisions: In the open version, recognize early whether passing is useful or whether the ball is better played directly over the net.
- Act as a team: Communication, high-fives, and visible emotions support the doubles character and the shared playing experience.
Scoring
Play is doubles with normal point scoring per rally. A round can be played to 11 points. For longer phases of play or when teams are evenly matched, the target score can be increased to 15 points.
The simple scoring keeps the competitive feel without interrupting the flow of play with a complex points system.
Progressive Structure
Level 1 – Getting to know ball control
The ball must first bounce. After that, it is passed once within the team and then played over the net. The focus is on controlled feeding and secure rallies.
Level 2 – Using the width of the doubles court
The entire doubles court is deliberately included. The task is not just to play centrally, but increasingly to target the outer areas and corners. This creates larger lateral movement paths.
Level 3 – Pass or play directly
The fixed passing rule is lifted. A team may play the ball to the partner, but can also return it directly over the net. Now perception and decision-making come more strongly into play: Which solution makes sense in the current situation?
Level 4 – Use solutions tactically
The two options are no longer used only spontaneously, but deliberately. Direct balls can surprise the opposing team, while passing can create extra time or a more favorable playing angle. In this way, the initially cooperative task gradually develops into variable doubles play with tactical decisions.