In
professional doubles, you’ll see net players put their
hands behind their backs and flash hand gestures to their
partners. No, they’re not cursing them out, but it is
a form of sign language. They’re setting a play. First,
they’ll give the sign for what they intend to do on
that point-poach, fake, or stay. Then they’ll signal
where the ball is to be served-down the T, into the body,
or out wide. The server will give an “OK” or “Got
it” and start the point. You can make up your own signs
or try the ones here. The signals are typically made with
the left hand.
A closed fist indicates that the person is staying at home
on that point.
An open hand signals to the server that the net player is
poaching.
Opening and closing the hand several times is the sign for
a fake poach.
Pointing your index finger straight down is the sign of
a serve into the body.
A pinky pointed down indicates a serve out wide in the deuce
court and down the middle of the court.
Stick your thumb to the side for a serve down the middle
in the deuce court and out wide in the ad court.
