Doubles is often considered the most social discipline in tennis, but it is also a game of great tactical demand. Unlike singles, doubles is won at the net, thanks to seamless communication and perfect coordination of movements. Adopting the right positioning and knowing when to attack are the two secrets to turning your pair into a winning machine.

The Fundamentals of Doubles Positioning

The main objective of doubles is to maintain an aggressive and coordinated presence at the net to intercept balls.

Basic Positioning

• The Server: Stands near the baseline. After the serve, they must follow their ball forward to join their partner at the net.

• The Server's Partner (at the net): Positions themselves near the service line, halfway between the doubles alley and the center of the net. Their role is to pressure the receiver and intercept weak balls.

• The Receiver: Positions themselves to return the serve.

• The Receiver's Partner (at the net): Ideally, they are also at the net to face the server and their partner. This is the most aggressive positioning.

The Rule of Coordinated Movement The most frequent mistake is for both players to be in the middle of the court at the same time. A winning team must aim to be side-by-side at the net as often as possible. The player who is not hitting the ball must move to close off angles or prepare an interception.

Decisive Serving and Receiving Strategies

Doubles points are often decided in the first four shots. Strategy is vital on the serve.

The Serve: The Art of Interception

• Poaching (the volley interception by the net player) is the deadly weapon.

• The Net Partner's Role: They must be dynamic, ready to pounce. Interception is key to preventing the receiver from playing an easy return.

• The Serve: The server should use a spin serve (slice or kick) aimed at the receiver's body or the doubles alley. This forces a weak return and gives the net partner the time and angle to intercept.

Advanced Formations

• The Australian Formation: The server and the partner both stand on the same side of the court before the serve. Used to disrupt the receiver's rhythm and conceal poaching intentions.

• The "I-Formation": Both players stand in the center, one behind the other, forming an "I". This formation is often used to completely mask the angle of the serve or the side the net player will cover.

Communication and Mistakes to Avoid

The strength of a doubles team does not depend on talent, but on its ability to talk and coordinate.

Essential Communication

• The Serve: The net partner must always indicate if they are going to intercept ("Poach!") or stay ("Stay!") before the serve.

• Balls in the Middle: The rule is simple, but it must be remembered: the player with the forehand takes the ball in the middle.

• Warnings: Simple keywords like "Short!" (for a short ball), "Yours!" (for a ball in the middle), or "Over!" (for a lob) allow for effective court coverage.

Beginner Mistakes to Ban

• Leaving the Middle Open: Never leave the space between you and your partner exposed. If you move away to cover the alley, your partner must immediately slide to cover the center.

• Not Following the Serve: The server who does not immediately move to the net leaves their partner alone and offers an easy target to the receiver.

• Hesitating to Poach: Hesitation is the enemy of doubles. A missed interception is less serious than an interception foregone out of fear.

Conclusion: Doubles is a Team Game

Doubles in tennis is a marathon of volleys and a tactical sprint. The key to success is not hitting power, but the effectiveness of teamwork. By mastering net positioning, using the serve to create interception opportunities, and constantly communicating, you will transform your duo into a formidable force on any court.