👥Tennis Doubles Strategy

Doubles is a different game from singles. Positioning and teamwork matter more than raw shot quality, which is why a well-organised pair often beats two stronger individual players.

Begin with the basics: what each of the four positions on court is responsible for, where the server's partner should stand, and why low crosscourt returns are so valuable. The beginner videos near the top of this page cover these essentials and the most common positioning mistakes.

Next, become a threat at the net. The poaching lessons explain when to go, how to disguise it, and where to put the volley (usually at the feet of the opposing net player or through the middle). Advanced teams can then experiment with formations such as Australian and I-formation, signals, and the tactics college and pro teams use. Talk with your partner between points; good communication is the cheapest improvement in doubles.