What is the difference between the Australian and I formation?

In the Australian formation the net player stands on the same side as the server and stays there. In the I formation the net player crouches near the center line and moves to either side after the serve, often on a signal.

Is the Australian formation legal?

Yes. The server just has to serve from the correct side of the center mark; the partner can stand anywhere on their side of the net.

Australian Formation in Doubles

4 video lessons

Both players start on the same side to take away the crosscourt return.

Quick answer & tips ▾

In the Australian formation, the server's partner stands at the net on the same side of the court as the server, instead of the opposite side. That blocks the returner's usual crosscourt return and forces them to go down the line.

After serving, the server moves across to cover the open side. Teams use it when an opponent is crushing crosscourt returns, to protect a weaker shot, or simply to change the picture and break the returner's rhythm.

Key tips

Use it when the returner keeps hurting you crosscourt.
Serve closer to the center mark so the move across is shorter.
The server must move quickly to the open side after the serve.
Agree on the plan before the point; it only works if both commit.

FAQ

What is the difference between the Australian and I formation?: In the Australian formation the net player stands on the same side as the server and stays there. In the I formation the net player crouches near the center line and moves to either side after the serve, often on a signal.
Is the Australian formation legal?: Yes. The server just has to serve from the correct side of the center mark; the partner can stand anywhere on their side of the net.