Doubles partner rotation

Purpose & setup

Play short doubles rounds and experience every partnership.

Start A+B against C+D, with one baseline server and one net player on each side. Use the full doubles court for rallies and diagonal service boxes for serves.

How to play

1. Play exactly six points per round. Serve two points each in a continuous A → C → B → D cycle, carrying the next server into the following round. Alternate deuce/ad within each two-point turn. Two attempts are allowed; a double fault loses the point.
2. The server’s partner starts near the net. The receiving pair choose fixed deuce/ad receiving sides for this round; the current receiver starts behind the baseline and their partner near the net. Play out each rally with volleys or one bounce. A net ball, out ball or second bounce loses the point.
3. After six points change from A+B versus C+D to A+C versus B+D, then after another six to A+D versus B+C. Repeat those three pairings. Reassign ends and receiving sides with the ball dead; continue the serving cycle.
4. For example, round one uses servers A, C, B; round two D, A, C; round three B, D, A, for two points each. Finish the current point at time; no deciding point is required.

Scoring or success

One point per rally, six points per round; 3–3 is a draw. This is a custom short doubles format, not an official set or tiebreak.

Rotation & roles

Change partners after six points following the three listed pairings. Server’s partner uses the net role and receiver’s partner does likewise; everyone is active.

Mixed levels

Use a larger target for the less experienced player and a smaller one for the stronger player.

Safety & spacing

Keep spare balls and equipment outside playing routes. Call shared balls, leave room for swings and retrieve only after the ball is dead. Use a comfortable pace and stop rather than chasing into another player or court.