Tennis Doubles Strategy: Positioning, Communication, and Shot Selection

By Rachel Williams · May 27, 2026

# Tennis Doubles Strategy: Positioning, Communication, Shot Selection Doubles rewards strategy, positioning, and teamwork over raw power. ## Positioning Formations **Standard (serving):** Server at baseline, partner at net on opposite side. **Australian:** Both players on same half — forces down-the-line returns. **I-Formation:** Net player crouches at center, moves left or right after serve. ## Communication **Verbal calls:** YOURS, MINE, OUT, SWITCH, LOB **Hand signals:** One finger = wide serve, Two = body, Open hand = T serve, Fist = stay, Waving = poach ## Shot Selection Hierarchy 1. Keep the ball low (forces opponents to hit up) 2. Hit to the weaker player 3. Attack the middle (creates confusion) 4. Lob defensively (when pulled out of position) 5. Poach at the net (intercept weak returns) ## Serving Strategy - First serve deuce: Slice wide (opens court) - First serve ad: Body serve (jams returner) - Second serve: Kick to backhand (high bounce) ## Common Mistakes 1. Both going for same ball — establish territory 2. Standing too far back — get to the net 3. Hitting too hard — placement beats power 4. Not communicating — talk before every point ## FAQ **Always serve and volley?** At higher levels, yes. **When to poach?** Weak floating return, partner signal, or predictable cross-court pattern. **Most important skill?** Volleying — most doubles points won or lost at the net.

Tennis Doubles Strategy: Positioning, Communication, and Shot Selection

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