In doubles tennis, hand signals are a quiet way for partners (usually the net player and the server) to agree on serve direction and net movement before a point.

Core idea

  • The net player puts a hand behind their back so only the server can see it.
  • Usually two signals are shown:
    • First: where the serve should go.
    • Second: what the net player will do after the serve (stay, cross, or fake).

Common serve-direction signals

These can vary by team, but a very standard system is finger-based:

  • Wide serve
    • Deuce side: pinky finger (little finger) pointing out, representing wide.
* Ad side: thumb pointing out for wide.
  • Body / middle serve
    • Middle finger pointing straight down for a body or middle serve.
  • T serve (down the middle “T”)
    • Deuce side: thumb pointing toward the center line.
* Ad side: pinky down to indicate T.

Different partnerships sometimes flip which finger means wide or T, so partners always confirm their “code” before playing.

Common net-player movement signals

After the serve-direction sign, the net player shows what they plan to do once the serve is struck.

Typical meanings:

  • Closed fist
    • “Stay” – net player will hold their current side and not cross.
  • Open hand (flat palm)
    • “Poach” or “cross” – net player will move across the middle to intercept the return and switch sides with the server.
  • Wiggling fingers or moving hand
    • “Fake” – net player will pretend to move (maybe take a step toward the middle) but then return to their original side to confuse the returner.

Some teams also add:

  • Pointing left/right with a finger to show where they will move at the net.
  • Slight variations to signal special plays, lobs, or I-formation moves.

How a typical point looks with signals

  • Before the serve, the net player squats and shows two signs behind their back.
  • The server looks, nods, and then serves to the called spot (wide, body, or T).
  • At the same time, the net player either:
    • Stays put (fist),
    • Crosses to poach (open hand),
    • Or fakes (wiggling fingers), all according to the agreed signal.
  • After the poach or switch, both players cover the new halves of the court.

This system lets doubles teams change tactics point by point without the opponents knowing, improving positioning, surprise, and teamwork.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.