Beginner Doubles Tactics
Doubles is a game of teamwork, position, and the net — not raw power. Two well-organised beginners who hold their positions and communicate will beat two stronger players who get in each other's way. These six ideas cover where to stand, how to serve and return as a team, and when to pounce at the net.
Six Tactics for Winning Doubles
Start in the right positions
The classic beginner formation is one-up, one-back: the server's partner stands at the net on the opposite side, the returner's partner starts near the service line. Know where you're supposed to be before the point starts — most doubles chaos comes from two players crowding the same space.
Control the net
The team that gets both players to the net usually wins the point. The net player can cut off balls and hit down into open court. As a beginner, make it your goal to move forward together whenever your team hits a strong, deep shot.
Serve to set up your partner
You don't need a big serve in doubles — you need a placed one. Serving down the middle (to the 'T') gives your opponent a tighter angle to reply, which makes it easier for your net partner to poach and finish.
Poach when the moment is right
Poaching means the net player crosses to intercept a return. The best time is when your team's shot is deep and your opponent is stretched. Commit fully, move diagonally forward across the net, and aim your volley at the open feet of the opposing net player.
Return cross-court and low
Against a net team, a low cross-court return that dips at their feet is gold — it forces a defensive volley up, which your team can attack. Avoid feeding the opposing net player a floating ball they can put away.
Talk on every point
Call 'mine' / 'yours', 'switch' when you cross, and 'out' on balls heading long. A quick word before serving — who's poaching, where you're serving — prevents the two of you from leaving the same gap open. Communication beats raw talent in doubles.
Common Mistakes
Both players stuck on the baseline
Staying back together hands the net — and the point — to your opponents. Look for a chance to move forward as a team behind a strong shot.
Watching your partner instead of your opponents
Turn and watch the opposing player who is about to hit, not your own partner. You need to read the ball early to react at the net.
Leaving the middle open
Balls down the middle cause confusion and get left for 'the other person'. Decide in advance who takes the middle — usually the player with the forehand there.
Part of our Tennis for Beginners guide.