Yours-Mine Rule

Definition

The 'yours-mine rule' is a pre-established framework for assigning each ball to one partner, preventing overlaps and gaps. Example rules: 'right player takes everything on their side of the center line,' or 'net player takes all balls in the net zone, baseline player takes baseline zone.' The rule is simple, intuitive, and requires minimal real-time communication. Teams that establish clear yours-mine rules move seamlessly together and rarely miscommunicate. The rule is flexible—it can adjust based on rally flow or strategy. New partnerships should discuss yours-mine rules explicitly before playing.

Origin: Foundational doubles principle; essential for court organization.