How can I practice doubles with only two players?

Play half-court games, practice serve and first volley, return and volley exchanges, and crosscourt rallies with one player at the net. Several of the videos here show drills built for two or three players.

What is the most important doubles skill to drill?

Volleying and moving forward. Teams that win the net win most doubles points, so drills that combine the return, the approach and the first volley pay off quickly.

Tennis Doubles Drills

6 drill videos

Net play, teamwork and patterns that win doubles points.

Steps & tips ▾

How to do it

Volley warm-up. All four players start at the net and keep a soft volley rally going to get hands and feet moving.
Crosscourt rallies. Two players rally crosscourt from the baseline while the net players look for balls to poach.
Serve and first volley. The server serves and moves in for a first volley while the returner aims low at their feet.
Poaching on a signal. The net player calls a poach before the serve and crosses on the return, with the partner switching sides.
Play games. Finish with scored games that start from a feed or a serve, so the patterns hold up under pressure.

Key tips

Move with your partner, as if connected by a rope.
Aim at the feet of the player coming forward and through the middle when in doubt.
Talk between every point, even in practice.
Most doubles points are won at the net, so practice getting there.

FAQ

How can I practice doubles with only two players?: Play half-court games, practice serve and first volley, return and volley exchanges, and crosscourt rallies with one player at the net. Several of the videos here show drills built for two or three players.
What is the most important doubles skill to drill?: Volleying and moving forward. Teams that win the net win most doubles points, so drills that combine the return, the approach and the first volley pay off quickly.