Most doubles points are decided before the flashy winner. If you and your partner know where to stand and how to move together, you take free points and force errors. Here’s a practical doubles tennis strategy you can use this week—no overhaul required.
Where to stand on serve and return
Server’s partner (at net): Start a step inside the service line, slightly toward the middle of your half. You’re covering the alley and the middle. Hands up, ready for a volley—not a full swing.
Server: After the serve, take a split step as the return comes off the strings. Your first job is a solid first ball, not a sprint to the fence.
Returner’s partner: Mirror the net player. Stay off the alley line a bit so you can cut middle balls. If the server’s partner is cheating toward the middle, shade with them.
Returner: For how to return serve in doubles, think short swing, low, and crosscourt. Aim at the server’s feet or the middle strap—not a hero down-the-line pass on the first ball.
[PRO NOTE: Add your favorite “first-ball” cue you say in lessons—e.g., “middle strap” or “server’s shoelaces.”]
Move as a pair (shade the middle)
Winning pairs move like they’re connected by a short rope. When one slides left, the other slides left. When one comes in, the other fills the gap.
- After every shot, take two recovery steps toward the middle of your responsibility.
- If your partner is pulled wide, you cover more middle—don’t stay stuck on the alley.
- Talk early: “Yours,” “Mine,” “Switch,” “Stay.” Silence loses more points than bad volleys.
When to poach (and when not to)
A poach is a planned middle steal—not a random lunge.
Poach more when: – The returner is late or hitting up – You’ve agreed on a signal (hand behind the back, code word) – You’re already balanced and moving forward
Stay home when: – You’re off-balance or late to the split step – The returner loves the alley and you’ve been burned twice – Your partner just served a second serve and needs help on a floater
Bad poaches leave the alley open and the middle. Good poaches are short, early steps—not diving circus acts.
One pattern to practice this week
Serve / return → middle first volley: 1. Server hits a reliable first serve (placement over pace). 2. Returner keeps it low crosscourt. 3. Net player’s only job: punch the first volley to the middle or at the returner’s feet. 4. Play out the point with “shade together” movement.
Run this for 10 minutes before your next match. You’ll feel the court shrink in a good way.
Common mistakes
- Standing on the alley line and leaving the middle highway open
- Watching your partner’s ball instead of split-stepping
- Swinging at volleys instead of blocking/punching
- Returning serve with a full forehand windup
- Poaching without a plan (or without telling your partner)
Try this drill (10 minutes)
“Middle magnet”: 1. Four players. Point starts with a feed to the returner. 2. First two shots must go toward the middle third of the court. 3. After two middle balls, play normal. 4. Score: +1 for every middle first volley that lands in.
Keep it cooperative for five minutes, then compete.
Next step at Four Seasons
Want this in live points with a pro feeding? Book Point Play or an adult clinic on CourtReserve, browse Adults and Events, or call (203) 762-2423. Meet the team at Our Team. Try the pattern for 10 minutes next time you’re on court—or we’ll run it with you in a clinic.
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