The Australian doubles formation, also called tandem, puts the server’s partner at the net on the same side of the court as the server, instead of the usual opposite side. The server then moves across after serving to cover the other half of the court. Teams use it mainly to shut down a receiver’s strong crosscourt return, because the net player is standing right in the path of that shot. It forces the returner to hit down the line, a harder and riskier shot, and it breaks their rhythm.
This guide explains how the formation works, when to use it, how the server and net player move, how it compares with the standard and I-formations, and how to beat it when you are receiving.
Standard vs Australian vs I-formation
| Formation | Where the net player stands | Where the server goes | Main purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | At the net on the opposite side from the server | Stays on the serving side | Balanced coverage, the default |
| Australian (tandem) | At the net on the same side as the server | Crosses to the other side after serving | Take away the crosscourt return |
| I-formation | Crouched on the centre line at the net | Serves from near the centre mark | Disguise: the net player moves left or right after the serve |
How the Australian formation works, step by step
- Set up. The server stands close to the centre mark. The net player stands at the net on the same side, usually a little closer to the centre line than normal, protecting the crosscourt channel.
- Serve. The server aims most often down the T, because a wide serve opens up an angle for the returner to go down the line past the net player.
- Cross over. Immediately after serving, the server moves diagonally to cover the other half of the court.
- Net player holds. The net player stays on the original side, ready to intercept any crosscourt return.
- Play the point. After the first exchange, the team settles into normal doubles positions.
When to use the Australian formation
- Against a strong crosscourt returner: if a receiver keeps hitting a dipping crosscourt return at the server’s feet, the tandem takes it away.
- When your server has a weaker volley on one side: the formation can keep the server’s weaker wing out of the first exchange.
- To change the rhythm: using it for a few points, especially on big points, disrupts returners who have settled into a groove.
- In the ad court with a right-handed returner: many pairs use it here to stop a powerful crosscourt forehand or backhand, depending on the matchup.
Serving tips for the formation
Serve placement is the key to making the Australian formation work. A serve down the T gives the returner the smallest angle and makes the down-the-line return difficult. A body serve jams the returner and often produces a weak reply straight to the net player. A wide serve is risky in tandem, because it pulls the returner out and opens the down-the-line lane that nobody is covering at the start of the point.
How to beat the Australian formation as the receiver
| Option | How it works | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Down the line | Return straight down the side the server is crossing to | Narrow target, and the server may arrive in time |
| Lob over the net player | Lift the return over the net player into the empty back court | A short lob gets smashed |
| Chip at the server’s feet | Hit low and soft as the server is still moving | Needs a precise touch |
| Hit at the net player | A firm return straight at the net player’s body | A skilled volleyer will put it away |
Returners facing tandem should decide on their target before the serve and commit to it. Hesitating between crosscourt and down the line usually produces a weak ball.
Common mistakes
- Server crossing too slowly: the down-the-line lane stays open for too long.
- Net player too close to the alley: the crosscourt channel opens up again.
- Serving wide: it creates the easiest return against the formation.
- Using it every point: returners adjust. It works best as a change-up.
- No communication: partners must agree on the serve target and movement before every point.
Drills to practise it
- Serve and cross: the server serves to the T and sprints across; the net player holds position. Repeat 10 times on each side.
- Return targets: receivers practise down-the-line returns and lobs against a tandem setup.
- Live points: play points where the serving team must use tandem, then switch roles.
Rules reference: ITF Rules of Tennis. National federations and leagues may add their own regulations.
Communication and signals
The Australian formation only works if both partners know exactly what will happen after the serve. Many doubles teams use hand signals behind the back from the net player: an open hand might mean the net player will cross, a closed fist that they will stay, and a finger pointing to one side can show the serve target. The server confirms the signal with a word or nod before serving. Agree on signals in practice so there is no confusion in a match.
When not to use it
- When the receiver is not hurting you with cross-court returns, since the standard formation is simpler.
- When the server cannot cover the open side quickly after serving.
- When your team has not practised the switching movements.
Footwork for the server
After serving in the Australian formation, the server must move across quickly to cover the side their partner has left. Practise a strong first step and a short crossover toward the open court, keeping the racket up and ready. Many players find it helps to serve with a slightly higher, safer ball when using this formation, which gives more time to reach the correct position before the return arrives. The net player, meanwhile, should stay low and ready to intercept any return hit down the middle.
Using it in club and league doubles
At club level, the Australian formation can be surprisingly effective simply because opponents rarely see it. Even a few points played this way can disrupt a returner’s rhythm, especially one who relies on a strong cross-court return.
Rules to remember
The Australian formation is fully legal. The only positioning rule is that the server must stand behind the baseline on the correct side; the partner may stand anywhere on their own side of the net.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Australian formation legal in tennis?
Yes. The rules only say where the server must stand. The server’s partner may stand anywhere on their side of the net.
Why is it called the Australian formation?
The name is usually linked to Australian doubles teams who popularised it, though the exact origin is uncertain.
What is the difference between tandem and the I-formation?
In tandem, the net player stands on the server’s side. In the I-formation, the net player crouches in the middle and moves after the serve.
