Winning doubles teams take the net together, hit through the middle, get a high percentage of first serves in, return low and crosscourt, communicate between every point and use formations such as the I-formation or Australian formation to disrupt returners. The net player’s poaching and the server’s first volley often decide points, because doubles points tend to be shorter than singles points and the team that controls the net usually controls the rally. This guide explains the main formations, the key tactics for serving, returning and net play, how to communicate and use signals, how to poach, how to handle lobs, a step-by-step game plan and the mistakes that cost doubles teams matches.
Rulebook note: Doubles follows the ITF Rules of Tennis, including the serving order, the receiving order and use of the doubles alleys after the serve. Many leagues and events use formats such as no-ad scoring or a match tiebreak instead of a third set. Check the current rules for your competition.
Doubles formations
| Formation | When to use it |
|---|---|
| Up and back | Standard start; safe for club play |
| Both up | Most aggressive; controls the net |
| Both back | Defensive, against strong net players or when returning big serves |
| I-formation | Net player crouches near the center line to confuse the returner |
| Australian | Net player on the same side as the server to stop crosscourt returns |
Up and back versus both up
Many club teams start points in an up-and-back formation, with the server’s partner at the net and the returner’s partner near the service line. This is comfortable for most players, but it leaves a gap between partners that opponents can exploit. Stronger teams aim to get both players to the net, where they can volley aggressively and cut off angles. When both opponents are at the net, a team may choose to stay back together and use lobs and dipping shots. Understanding when to move forward together is one of the biggest steps in improving at doubles.
Serving in doubles
A high first-serve percentage is especially valuable in doubles, because weak second serves let returners attack the server’s partner at the net. Many doubles players use a reliable spin first serve rather than going for maximum pace. Serve to the T or the body often, since these targets reduce the angles available to the returner and set up the net player for a poach. Plan each serve with your partner so they know where you are serving and can position themselves.
Returning in doubles
The return is often the most important shot for the receiving team. Aim to return low and crosscourt, away from the net player, so the server has to volley up or hit a difficult ball. Occasionally hit down the line or lob over the net player to keep them honest. Against serve-and-volley players, focus on returning low at their feet. The returner’s partner should watch the opposing net player and be ready to react if the return is attacked.
Playing the net
The net player has a major role in doubles. Stand close enough to the net to volley aggressively, typically around the middle of the service box, and adjust based on the opponents. Stay active by moving with the ball, faking poaches and looking for chances to intercept. When volleying, aim through the middle, at the feet of the opponents or at the net player’s feet, since these targets are hardest to handle. Hitting down the middle also creates confusion about which opponent should take the ball.
Poaching
A poach is when the net player moves across to intercept a return meant for their partner. It is one of the most effective weapons in doubles. Poach when the return is floating, predictable or hit at a comfortable height, and move diagonally forward toward the net rather than sideways. Commit fully once you start moving, and aim the volley at the feet of the opponent at the net or through the middle. Your partner should cover the open side after you poach. Planned poaches using signals and occasional fakes keep returners guessing.
Communication and signals
Good doubles teams talk between every point. Agree on serve targets, whether the net player will poach and what to do if a lob goes over the net player’s head. Some teams use hand signals behind the back, with one signal for poach and another for stay. Communicate during points with short calls such as mine, yours, switch or bounce. Encourage each other and stay positive, especially after errors.
Handling lobs
When opponents lob over the net player, the team needs a clear plan. Often the net player calls switch, and the partner runs across to cover the lob, while the net player moves to the other side. If the lob is short, the net player may hit an overhead. Positioning slightly further from the net can reduce the number of lobs that go over your head, and a solid overhead makes opponents think twice about lobbing.
Step-by-step: a doubles game plan
- Agree on formation and serving order before the set.
- Get first serves in, aiming at the T or body.
- Return low and crosscourt.
- Move forward together when you get a short ball.
- Volley through the middle or at the feet.
- Poach on floating or predictable returns.
- Communicate between every point.
- Adjust formations if opponents find a pattern that works.
Choosing sides and roles
Partners need to decide who plays the deuce side and who plays the ad side when returning. A common approach is to put the player with the stronger forehand on the deuce side and the player with the stronger backhand or better overhead on the ad side, though many teams simply choose based on comfort. The ad side often receives more big points, so some teams place their more confident returner there. Decide the serving order too, often letting the stronger server serve first in each set. Keep these choices consistent unless a change clearly helps.
The middle of the court
The middle is one of the most useful targets in doubles. The net is lowest in the center, and balls hit through the middle reduce the angles opponents can use. They also create hesitation between opponents about who should play the ball. Many doubles teams follow a simple rule when in doubt: hit down the middle.
Adjusting to opponents
Watch how opponents play in the first few games. If their net player poaches often, hit some returns down the line. If they struggle with lobs, lob more often. If one opponent is weaker, direct more balls toward them, while being careful not to make it obvious. Use changeovers to discuss adjustments with your partner.
Common mistakes
- Staying up and back when both players could be at the net.
- Returning to the net player too often.
- A passive net player who never poaches.
- Poor communication between partners.
- Leaving a gap in the middle.
- Weak second serves that invite attacks.
- No plan for lobs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best doubles formation?
Both players at the net is generally the most aggressive and effective, but the best formation depends on your skills and your opponents.
When should I poach in doubles?
When the return is floating, predictable or at a comfortable height, especially after a good serve by your partner.
Where should I hit in doubles?
Through the middle, low at the opponents’ feet and crosscourt on returns are reliable targets.
