Coordinate with your partner, cover the court efficiently, and use team tactics.
Introduction
Doubles tennis isn’t just singles with extra people on the court — it’s a fast-paced, tactical chess match where teamwork, positioning, and communication matter as much as stroke technique. Whether you’re playing for fun or in competition, mastering doubles strategy will help you and your partner cover more ground 🏃♂️🏃♀️, exploit opponents’ weaknesses, and win more points with less energy.
1. Communication: The Foundation of Doubles 🤝
Without clear communication, even two skilled singles players can get tangled up in doubles.
Key habits:
- Pre-point discussion: Quickly agree on serve placement, return target, or net movement before each point.
- Signals: Use hand signals behind your back to tell your partner if you’ll poach or stay.
- Calling shots: Loudly call “Mine!” or “Yours!” to avoid confusion.
- Encouragement: High-fives or quick nods keep energy high and morale strong.
Pro Tip: Always call out balls for your partner — it builds trust and reduces errors.
2. Court Positioning Basics 📍
Standard Formation
- Server’s partner starts near the net, ready to cut off returns.
- Returner’s partner stays on the service line to cover lobs and prepare for transition.
When to Move Forward
After a good deep return or strong serve, both players should close in on the net to pressure the opponents.
When to Stay Back
If facing big servers or heavy hitters, stay back together to buy time and avoid being caught mid-court.
3. The “I-Formation” and “Australian Formation” 🅸🇦
- I-Formation: Server’s partner crouches in the center at the net, ready to move left or right after serve. Forces the returner to guess.
- Australian Formation: Both server and net player start on the same side to cover a strong crosscourt returner or to change angles.
Pro Tip: These formations disrupt rhythm and force mistakes — especially effective in high-pressure points.
4. Covering the Court Efficiently 🗺️
Think of doubles coverage as two players moving as one unit:
- When one moves forward, the other adjusts slightly to cover behind.
- Shift diagonally, not straight sideways, to keep the middle covered.
- Always close gaps — the alley is less dangerous than a ball down the middle!
Drill: “Mirror Movement” — One player leads footwork patterns while the other mirrors at the same pace. Builds instinctive court coverage.
5. Offensive Tactics 💥
- Poaching: The net player intercepts a crosscourt shot to end the point quickly. Works best after a well-placed serve.
- Target the weaker player: Notice which opponent has a weaker volley or slower reaction.
- Hit at the net player’s feet: Makes it harder for them to volley aggressively.
6. Defensive Strategies 🛡️
- Lobs: Use a topspin lob over the net player to push opponents back.
- Middle shots: Hit between opponents to create hesitation.
- Reset shots: If under pressure, use a high, deep ball to regain positioning.
7. Physical & Mental Training for Doubles 🏋️♂️🧠
- Footwork Drills: Side shuffles and split-step timing exercises.
- Agility Training: Ladder drills to improve quick changes in direction.
- Mental Toughness: Stay calm after mistakes — doubles momentum can shift in seconds.
Conclusion & Action Steps 🚀
Doubles success comes from teamwork + positioning + tactical awareness. Even without the hardest shots, a well-coordinated pair can dominate stronger hitters.
This Week’s Doubles Focus Plan:
- Practice hand signals with your partner for 10 minutes each session.
- Drill the I-Formation in serve-and-volley scenarios.
- Play “target middle” games to sharpen court coverage instincts.
