Below are some tennis tips for doubles.

Ready position

The ready position in the tennis two handed backhand is when you stand with your two feet pointing towards the net. Your two feet point towards the net and are spread from each other. The distance between the feet depends on how comfortable you are. Some players spread them wide enough but some players don’t.

Standard tennis doubles positions

Tennis doubles tips basically starts when the player is serving on the deuce side. The server has to stand near the center. Ideally, the serve should target the weakness of the receiver, which in most cases is the backhand side. If the server is serving on the ad side, it is ideal for the server to stand in a wider position (away from the center). And the reason for this is to force the receiver to return the ball with a stretched backhand or forcing the receiver to execute the slice backhand and landing the ball in the middle of the serving partner’s forehand.

At this stage, the server’s partner is positioned in the center part of the service box just in front of the receiver. With the receiver’s weak return (stretched backhand or slice), the server’s partner can attack through a quick volley or he can also move back quickly to hit an overhead shot. At this position, the server’s partner has the capacity to return a ball down the alley on her side and at the same time he can also hit an aggressive opponent’s return across the middle of the court.

The receiver’s partner on the other hand has to position himself around the service line and be ready to move to the volleying position if his partner is able to return an aggressive ball or else he has to move slightly backwards if his partner’s return is a floater.

Stay alert as server’s partner

The second tennis tip for doubles is to stay alert. Alertness and quickness are the main positive points in playing a tennis doubles match. In singles, it is black and white as when you need to hit the ball. However in doubles, sometimes you have to hit the ball successively but sometimes you have to wait for the right time to make your move.

Another tennis doubles tip is to you need to stay on your toes even if your partner is hitting the ball to avoid yourself becoming flat-footed. One way to maintain your alertness as the server’s partner, is to stand on the service line when your partner is about to serve. Then, as soon as the ball passes where you are, quickly move towards the net and execute a split-step as the receiver of the opposing team start to swing his racket.

This doubles tennis tip keeps you alert all the time but at the same time it can also create confusion to the receiver’s partner. In addition, with this doubles tactic you are also ready to hit a volley in case the receiver’s return is weak.

What to do with a aggressive return

Among tennis tips for doubles is to react properly to an aggressive return. In case the receiver’s return is powerful enough that the serving team needs to attack, the receiver and the partner should position themselves in a volley position while moving forward in the center of the service box making sure that both sides of the net are covered. If the receiver’s return hits down the line, then both the receiver and the partner should cover the down the line side of the net.

At this stage, the server’s partner is vulnerable in his volleying position (near the net as mentioned above) so he has to move a bit backward and wait for the receiver’s team return. The server has to move left to get the ball so the partner has to go in the same direction to cover the gap between them. Too large of a gap between each partner can make the team vulnerable, as the opponent will surely attack down the middle or in between you and your partner.

What to do on a weak return in a doubles tennis game

This tennis doubles tip applies when the receiver’s return is weak. If this is the case, his partner should move backwards as much as she can up to the point when the server’s team is about to make a shot. The server’s partner on one hand, should take every opportunity he finds with a weak returns of the opponent team because he is the one in position to hit a poach volley. In case the server’s partner fails to execute the volley after a weak or short return, the server himself should do the work.

Server and the partner stay back on serve

Another interesting tennis tips for doubles relates to the two back formation. This tactic involves both the server and his partner positioned at the baseline. This is done if the receiver can aggressively return serves. In this case, the server’s partner is in better position because if he stays in the volleying position, the opponent can pass down a line which can possibly force him to make an error.

The two back formation applies if a team’s weakness is their serve. This can be counteracted by both players positioned at the baseline which will allow them to use their ground strokes to win a point.

In order to counteract this serving team tactic, the receiving team should move forward once they hit an aggressive return. This situation puts them in a very good position to attack which can be considered an advantage to their team.

In the serving team’s side, this tactic should be the last resort because surely they will be at a disadvantage if both of their opponents are up at net. One way to get out of this situation is to hit a lob to force your opponent to move back near the baseline and then immediately move towards the net to put your team at a better position to hit a volley.

Receiver and partner stay back to receive

In cases when the receiver’s return serve is not aggressive enough to prevent the serving team from executing volley towards the receiver’s partner, the receiver’s partner should move back to the baseline and start the point there. If he stays near the net, the serving team will likely make a passing shot to his direction.

This doubles tennis tip applies when both of the opponents positioned on the baseline, the server should more forward quickly to join his partner at the net. Ideally the server should follow his serve in coming forward to the net.

If the receiving team get a chance to return an aggressive ball, both of them can move forward towards the net although in most cases going near the net can be very hard.

Opportunistic poach by server’s partner

One important tennis tips for doubles is the poach volley shot. Normally, the tendency of the receiver is to return the serve cross court. In this case, the server’s partner should be very observant in case the receiver decides to hit a weak cross court shot. If the receiving team returns a weak ball, the server’s partner can poach and hit the volley towards the open court. This means that the server’s partner has to cut diagonally towards his partner’s half court to hit the stroke called the “opportunistic poach”.

Before deciding on whether or not to poach, the server’s partner should be very sure to hit a winning shot. His shot should force their opponent to return a weak shot or else they will be at a vulnerable position as this movement will create an open court in his side. Although poaching can be a very good winning shot, it can also be very difficult.

In tennis doubles matches, one of the hardest things is to return the serve. And it will be harder for the receiving team if the server’s partner likes to poach.

Receiver lob: server return

A great tip for doubles in tennis is the receiver lob and server return. One tactic of the receiver is to lob the server’s partner; in this case it is better for the server to return the lob. In return, the server’s partner has to cover the space vacated by the server as fast as he could before the opponent team is ready to hit another return. Once the receiving team is sure that they have hit a good deep lob, they can immediately move forward and be ready to volley. This movement will be difficult for the server (who has to get the lob) to make a passing shot or hit a lob.

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When you are in the baseline position, play with the player who is positioned farthest from the net but if you are in the net, target the player nearest to the net. Make use of your strengths and at the same time use every strategy to expose your opponents’ weaknesses.

Always hit the ball in the gap between your opponents. This can result to their confusions as who is to hit the ball. Be alert and be ready to any possibility and position yourselves accordingly based on your opponents’ position.

First serve matters most

A powerful and accurately placed first serve is always a very important tennis doubles strategy. The best way to win a game is to do well at the start. A powerful and accurately placed first serve in doubles is very crucial because it is the best way to set your net game. You will be able to prepare better to play the net game with a first serve than with a second serve. Missing your first serve can also frustrate your partner which might affect his or her play.

Right target

The right target is a tennis doubles strategy that can help a team win points. In a tennis doubles match, the best target is your opponent’s feet. Targeting your opponent’s feet will set him off guard and if ever he is able to return the ball, you have more chances to be in a better position and better preparation than your opponents.

Crosscourt return of serve

Don’t try to be flashy and attempt too many passing shots when you return the serve. Hitting a crosscourt return is a better doubles strategy. To be more effective in your cross-court passes, hit the ball low and of course cross-court and land the ball around the service line (dipping to the opposing team’s feet). Another thing to remember to avoid deep returns especially if the player who is not serving (server’s partner) is a mobile person. If you do so, there is a big chance that he will poach (means he will hit the ball that is supposed to be hit by his partner).

Good defense

If your partner is serving, your role is defense. Your partner’s good serve will be useless if you cannot return the ball (after your opponents’ return serve) to your advantage.

When your opponent as on serve, aside from an ace your best enemy is the partner of the server. Your defense is very important here. You should be very attentive with his return because he could hit an easy winner if the serve is executed perfectly. Be aware of the types of return your partner does after the serve (but do not watch him!). This should give you an idea on the type of shot the server’s partner is going to apply. Like for example if your partner‘s return is high and wide, you should defend your tramlines (alleys) because it the best possibility that your opponent will target.

Your opponent is the focus not your partner

Focus your eyes on your opponent, and not your partner. One of the biggest mistakes a player can do in tennis double matches is to watch your partner as he returns the ball after the serve. If you do this, you will miss your opponent’s attack because your focus was on your partner but not on your opponent’s side. Focus your attention to the net player and observe his movement for a possible volley. You will be more prepared in case your opponent hits a volley.

Strategic Placement

The main objective is to target the most vulnerable player of the team or target the weakest spot of the court (weakest spot means the part of the court which can create problems to your opponent’s return like gaps between them). When you are away from the net (baseline), your target is the server’s half court. This is to avoid server’s partner who is near the net. This player can be dangerous if you hit near him.

Movement coordination

Another important tennis doubles strategy to consider your team’s movement coordination. The movement of both players in a team should be well coordinated all the times. It is important not to leave a big gap between you and you partner. If your partner is forced to move far right, you should also move right to cover the gap. This will lead a space in your left side but it is safer this way to avoid a straightforward winner in the big gap space between you and your partner.

Defense and attack

In tennis doubles, you also have to be ready to take every opportunity to win points. Rather than watching your partner as he hits the ball, take your time to watch your opponents’ movements and be ready to hit another shot if you find even the smallest opportunity.

I formation

The I formation is a tennis double strategy to apply if the server in your team serve is weak or when the opponent’s serve return becomes deadly. In this situation, you have to think of an alternative strategy to counteract that deadly serve return.

I formation double tennis strategy can be attained with the server’s partner (partner of the player who is serving) squatting down low near the net at the center line of the court. The server does his serve just behind his partner. This I formation tennis doubles strategy will create confusion to the opposing team as to where the net player of the serving is going to position himself.

Counter attack to opponents’ lob game.

The lob is the best doubles tennis strategy to counteract a net play, so expect you opponents to play lob if you are playing in the net. Continuous lob shot can frustrate you and your partner so you better do something about it.

The Australian formation

The Australian formation is a tennis doubles strategy which is used to win a quick point but it can also be very risky, so it is not advisable to use frequently. However, if your team decides to make use of this tactic, the server should position himself near the center line. This is to cover more angles to give the returning team a harder time.

Communication

Good communication is a part of tennis doubles strategy that is indispensible. Forget about playing doubles if you and your partner cannot communicate each other during the game. Good communication is a vital part in playing tennis doubles matches because it enables each player to contribute to the team’s success. Through good communication, both players in a team can produce well coordinated movements, thoughts and actions.

Net play counter attack

Generally, the serving team engages in net play after a very good serve. Beforehand, when you return a serve (you are facing the server’s partner in the net), the best strategy is to target the server because he is the most vulnerable at this stage after hitting the serve. If your opponents were able to return your shots and they are now positioned in the net, you can still make them vulnerable. This time, you can hit a lob forcing them away from the net, or you can hit the ball right in between the two players.

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