In the heat of a doubles tennis match, quick decision-making and seamless coordination are key to success. But what separates great doubles teams from those that struggle? A study by Lausic, Tenenbaum, Eccles, Jeong, and Johnson (2009) took a deep dive into how communication impacts performance in NCAA Division I women’s doubles teams. Their findings confirm what many experienced players and coaches may suspect: winning teams communicate more, communicate better, and communicate in a more structured way than losing teams.
What Did the Study Look At?
The researchers recorded and analysed the communication between players during actual doubles matches, breaking down both verbal and nonverbal exchanges. They categorised different types of communication—such as action statements (e.g., “Let’s play aggressive”), factual statements (e.g., “The wind is strong on this side”), and emotional expressions (e.g., “Come on, we got this!”). By comparing the communication patterns of winning teams versus losing teams, they aimed to uncover what role communication plays in performance.
Key Findings: What Winning Teams Do Differently
Winning Teams Talk More – The study found that winning teams exchanged twice as many messages as losing teams during matches. This means top-performing teams are constantly sharing information, strategising, and reinforcing each other.
Winning Teams Have Clearer and More Structured Communication – The way messages were delivered also mattered. Winning teams tended to have a predictable flow of communication, making it easier for teammates to understand and react quickly. Their messages followed logical sequences, like one player suggesting a strategy (“Let’s target her backhand”) and the partner acknowledging it (“Got it”). Losing teams, on the other hand, had more scattered and inconsistent communication patterns.
Winning Teams Use More Action-Oriented and Tactical Statements – Instead of just reacting to the match, top doubles teams proactively discuss their plans and strategies between points. Action statements, such as calling out a play or adjusting positioning, were much more frequent among winning teams.
Emotional Support is a Key Factor – More than half of all communication in doubles matches consisted of emotional statements. Encouraging words like “Great shot!” or “Let’s go!” were heavily used, and winning teams engaged in this type of communication even more frequently. Positive reinforcement helped keep confidence high and built a stronger mental connection between partners.
Losing Teams Engage in More Off-Topic Conversations – Interestingly, losing teams had more off-task discussions, such as talking about equipment discomfort or irrelevant details (“My shoes feel weird”). These moments of distraction could contribute to a lack of focus and coordination during critical points in the match.
What This Means for Tennis Players and Coaches
This study highlights a crucial takeaway: good communication isn’t just a bonus—it’s a competitive advantage in doubles tennis. If you want to elevate your doubles game, here are some practical ways to apply these findings:
Be Vocal and Engaged – Don’t assume your partner knows what you’re thinking. The best doubles teams communicate consistently between points, discussing tactics, reading the opponent, and keeping each other focused.
Use Clear and Purposeful Language – Avoid vague or confusing instructions. Instead of saying “Let’s mix it up,” be specific: “Let’s serve wide and attack the net.”
Acknowledge and Confirm Strategies – Winning teams frequently used confirmation statements (e.g., “Got it,” “Yes, let’s do it”). This ensures both players are on the same page before the next point.
Encourage and Support Your Partner – Positive reinforcement helps maintain energy and confidence, even when the match gets tough. A simple “Nice work” or a high-five after a well-executed point can make a big difference.
Stay Focused and Minimise Distractions – Avoid unnecessary conversations about discomfort or external factors during a match. Keep communication focused on strategy and mental preparation.
Doubles tennis is about more than just individual skill—it’s about how well two players work together as a team. This study reinforces that effective communication is one of the biggest factors that separate good teams from great ones. By actively improving verbal and nonverbal interactions, players can enhance their coordination, boost confidence, and ultimately perform at a higher level. Whether you’re a competitive doubles player, a coach, or even just a tennis enthusiast, these findings provide valuable insights into the role of communication in achieving success on the court.
Reference for further reading
Lausic, D., Tennebaum, G., Eccles, D., Jeong, A., & Johnson, T. (2009). Intrateam communication and performance in doubles tennis. Research quarterly for exercise and sport, 80(2), 281-290.
Comentarios