1
Beginner
Level 1 · Rating 1–13
I'm starting out in tennis and play doubles because my partner helps: I cover my side as best I can and return whatever comes easy.
I already do
- RallyI return the slow ball that comes my way.
- PositionI stay on my side of the court, at the baseline, and leave the net to my partner.
- ServeUnderarm serve, or a very slow overhead one, just to start the point.
Not yet mastered
- RallyTwo or three shots in a row without an error.
- PositionKnowing whether the ball down the middle is mine or my partner's.
- ServeServing overhead with confidence.
2
Upper Beginner
Level 2 · Rating 14–20
I trade balls from the baseline with my partner beside me and I'm starting to understand that, in doubles, the point ends at the net.
I already do
- RallyFour or five crosscourt balls at an easy pace.
- PositionI come to the net when my partner serves and volley the ball that comes to my racket.
- ServeOverhead serve that goes in most of the time.
Not yet mastered
- RallyA fast ball or one at my feet: I return it up and get smashed.
- PositionHolding the net with a hard ball coming: I back off or flinch.
- ServeSecond serve: I keep it too short and the opponent attacks.
3
Lower Intermediate
Level 3 · Rating 21–34
The doubles have started to work: I serve and come in, play crosscourt from the back and know where to stand when my partner attacks.
I already do
- PositionServe and net; side by side with my partner when we both come in.
- RallyDeep crosscourt from the baseline while I wait for the chance to come in.
- ServeFirst serve with direction; second one safe, even without power.
Not yet mastered
- PositionA lob over me: I don't switch sides with my partner in time.
- RallyVolleying a hard ball: the racket holds, but the ball goes wherever it wants.
- ServeReturning a hard serve low: the ball pops up and the net player puts it away.
4
Intermediate
Level 4 · Rating 35–48
I play doubles every week and build the point with my partner: crosscourt to open up, down the line when the net player drifts, a lob when both are up.
I already do
- PositionI come in after serving as a rule; I switch sides with my partner on the lob.
- RallyLow crosscourt return and a volley with direction.
- ServeServe placed so my partner can close at the net.
- DecisionI choose lob, down the line or at the feet based on where our opponents are.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionHolding my precision against a more solid pair: the idea comes, the execution not always.
- PositionPoaching at the net without leaving my side open.
In tournaments I play Classe B doubles in my city's tournaments and win matches there.
5
Upper Intermediate
Level 5 · Rating 49–62
I have a doubles repertoire: low slice return, short volley, safe smash and a serve my partner can close out at the net.
I already do
- PositionI poach down the middle with my partner covering the line; Australian formation when the opponent always returns crosscourt.
- RallyLow return at the feet of whoever comes in; offensive topspin lob.
- ServeFirst serve with slice to open the court; second with kick, which gives nothing to attack.
- DecisionI agree a plan with my partner before the point and change it when the other pair adjusts.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionKeeping the plan against a pair more precise than mine.
- PositionClosing the point at the net without forcing and missing the volley.
In tournaments I'm competitive in Classe A doubles: I win often and reach the final rounds now and then.
6
Advanced
Level 6 · Rating 63–76
The net is ours: I rarely miss, I volley with direction and the pair moves together as one unit.
I already do
- PositionBoth at the net as the default; we cover lob and line without calling it out loud.
- DecisionI read the opponent's return and poach at the right moment.
- ServeServe with direction and pace that puts my partner on top of the point right away.
- RallyI speed up or hold the point depending on what the other pair gives me.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionReorganizing the pair mid-set when the opponents switch formation.
In tournaments I play A top and regional Especial doubles tournaments regularly and can win them.
7
Upper Advanced
Level 7 · Rating 77–88
I play with any partner at high intensity and, on the points that decide, the pair tends to lean on me.
I already do
- DecisionI find the weak link in the opposing pair in the first games and steer the match at them.
- RallyAggressive return of serve, finishing volley and a smash on any lob.
- ServeServe and return that hand my partner a ball to close at the net.
- PositionI cover the whole court at speed and adapt to whichever partner I have.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionImposing my tennis on state-ranked pairs without losing my cool.
In tournaments I play Especial doubles finals and have started entering state-ranking tournaments.
8
Specialist
Level 8 · Rating 89–97
I'm part of one of the best amateur pairs in my state: every shot does its job, and the opposing pair needs a plan to beat us.
I already do
- RallyEvery shot with margin and precision for three sets.
- DecisionI read the return before it leaves the racket and change formation with my partner on the next point.
- ServeServe and return that don't drop a level when the set reaches a tie-break.
- PositionLegs and focus to cover for the pair until the last point.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionThe training routine of someone who makes a living from doubles on the circuit.
In tournaments I play Master doubles and compete in the strongest state and national amateur rankings.
9
Professional
Level 9 · Rating 98–99
I play tennis for a living or I'm getting there: I train full-time, with a team and a doubles calendar.
I already do
- RallyTechnique, doubles reading, fitness and mind at the highest level.
- DecisionI pick the right play against pairs that make a living on the tour.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionAmong the pairs at this level, the difference is ranking, not a shot.
In tournaments Pro: ITF, ATP or WTA doubles circuit.
