Basic Tennis Doubles Strategies

What are the main tennis doubles strategies that will keep the game simple and at the same time guarantee high probability of winning?

In doubles, the ultimate goal is always to get to the net. The team that gets both players to the net first, will most definitely win the point, considering all players equal.

1. Moving forward
When you're at the net in doubles, remember to always move forward after the volley. If you hit your volley and stay in the same place, you will just hit the same volley next time.

If you move forward after each volley, you put more pressure on your opponents, and the volley gets easier each time, because you make contact with the ball at a higher level above the net.

2. Serving strategy in doubles
When serving in doubles, I cannot emphasize how important getting your first serve in is. You see, it's a very psychological thing.

Even if your first serve is exactly the same speed as your second serve, you will most likely still win the point if you get your first serve in.

This is because when we are facing a first serve, we automatically put ourselves in the defensive frame of mind, and we are more apprehensive because we expect a big first serve.

On the contrary, we are naturally in an attacking frame of mind when facing a second serve, making us more likely to be successful on the second serve return. Therefore, if you get your first serve in in doubles, no matter the quality of the serve, you have a much better chance of winning the point.

3. Your partner serving
If your partner is serving, you might not realize that you are usually the one responsible for winning or losing the game.

Many people think that when they are not serving, they can relax and put all the pressure on their partner. Wrong!

As the net player, it is your job to completely take over and poach at every opportunity. So make sure you stand about an extended racquet length from the net, and almost right in middle between the singles sideline and the centerline.

Don't worry about being passed down the alley on the return: if your opponents hit that winner, give it to them and stand your ground on the next point, because they are not going to do it every time, and overall they will probably make 10 to 20 percent of those shots.

The most important thing to remember when poaching, is that you should move diagonally towards the net, not just sideways. When you move diagonally, you make your movement move efficient, as you are cutting the angle between yourself and the net.

4. Returning strategy in doubles
When returning, just remember to keep the ball low crosscourt at the serving opponent's feet. If the opposing net player is crowding the net, throw them a lob every now and then, or go for a shot down the alley, just to keep them honest.

As always, you want to try to split-step at the exact time that your opponent makes contact with their serve, and then you can move efficiently to the return.

5. Teamwork
Lastly, make sure you are always working with and moving with your partner. If your partner is up at net, you need to try to get up there with them as soon as you can.

If you are both at the net and your opponents hit the ball wide, fill in the gap in the middle until your partner can recover back to their position.

If you are both at the net and your partner gets lobbed, go back with them, at least behind the service line, so that you are ready for the possible overhead of your opponents.

So remember, in doubles, aggressive play at the net is the name of the game.

I wish to thank Eckhardt van den Linde for this excellent article on tennis doubles strategies!

Eckhardt van den Linde is a former college tennis player, now a coach, and very passionate about the game. He follows the tennis game closely, and on his site you will find information on everything from tennis apparel to pro tennis, to how to play the game.