Doubles rewards teams that move and communicate well, not just players who hit hard. A few focused practice drills can sharpen your serve-and-volley patterns, returns, net play, and teamwork—even if you only have two or four players on court.
The drills below work for club players and newer partners alike. Each one has a clear goal, simple scoring, and a rule or tactical detail to keep in mind. Start at a comfortable pace, then add pressure once your team can perform the pattern reliably.
1. Serve, First Volley, and Cover
This drill trains the server and their partner to move forward together while the returners work on a firm, controlled return.
- Set up: Use all four players. One server starts behind the baseline, with their partner near the service line. The receiving team takes normal return positions.
- How to play: The server serves diagonally into the correct service box. The receiver returns crosscourt, and the server tries to hit a first volley. Play out the point.
- Goal: The serving team should close space together. The partner at net watches the ball and the opponents, rather than rushing forward blindly.
- Scoring: Give the serving team two points for winning after a strong first volley, and one point for any other point they win. Play to 10, then switch sides.
For safety and control, begin with second serves. Remember that the doubles alley is out on the serve, but it is in once the return is played. That difference matters when judging a serve and deciding where to stand for the next shot.
2. Crosscourt Return and Net Intercept
A return that stays low and crosscourt can make life difficult for the serving team. This drill gives the returner a target while teaching the net player to intercept at the right time.
- Set up: One player serves, one returns, and the other two take their usual doubles positions.
- How to play: The returner aims crosscourt, preferably through the middle of the service box or at the server’s feet. The opposing net player can poach only after the return is struck.
- Goal: The returner focuses on depth and direction. The net player reads the opponent’s racket and moves decisively, rather than guessing early.
- Scoring: The return team earns a point for a return that lands in the target area or for winning the rally. The serving team earns a point for a clean poach or a rally win.
Keep the target realistic. Aiming close to the sideline every time may produce errors without putting much pressure on the server. Start with a generous crosscourt zone, then narrow it as control improves.
3. Two-Up Versus Two-Back
Playing against two opponents at the net can feel uncomfortable, especially when the ball arrives quickly. This drill helps the baseline team use height, direction, and patience to find a way through.
- Set up: Two players begin near the baseline, while the other pair starts at the net. Feed or rally a ball to the baseline team.
- How to play: The baseline pair tries to win the point against the two net players. They can use a low shot through the middle, a controlled lob, or a pass toward the outside player.
- Goal: The baseline team should avoid hitting every ball flat at the net players. The net team works on staying balanced and protecting the middle without leaving the alleys open.
- Scoring: Play first to seven points, then swap roles.
When you use a lob, give your partner a clear call such as “mine” or “switch.” If one player retreats to cover the lob, the other should be ready to move across and protect the open space. Doubles defense works best when both partners know who is responsible for the next ball.
4. Middle-Ball Communication Drill
Many doubles errors happen when both players hesitate over a ball between them. This drill makes communication part of the point instead of something partners remember only after a mistake.
- Set up: All four players take doubles positions. One pair feeds or rallies balls toward the space between the opposing partners.
- How to play: The receiving pair must call “mine” or “yours” before hitting each ball in the middle. Continue the rally and play the point out.
- Goal: Make the call early and clearly. The player with the stronger forehand or better position may take more middle balls, but the pair should agree on that plan first.
- Scoring: Award a point for winning the rally and a bonus point for a clear call followed by a clean contact. A point lost because of a collision or late call does not count toward the bonus.
Try the drill from both sides of the court. The forehand and backhand player may have different strengths, so partners should discuss who takes the middle before a match rather than relying on guesswork.
5. Poach or Hold: Read the Return
A net player does not need to poach on every return. The challenge is to move when the ball and opponent’s position make it sensible, while still being ready to hold the line.
- Set up: One player serves, one returns, and each has a partner in the usual net position. The server’s partner begins near the center of the service line.
- How to play: The net player chooses to poach or stay. The returner tries to read the movement and play into the open court. Play the point out.
- Goal: The net player watches the returner’s preparation and moves after the return is struck. The returner stays balanced and changes direction only when there is a clear opening.
- Scoring: Award a point to the net player’s team for a successful interception or a forced weak return. The return team scores for a clean pass or a winner into open space.
After several points, let the server’s partner announce “poach” or “stay” before the serve. This turns the exercise into a planned play, much like a team’s hand signals or verbal cues during a match.
6. Doubles Tiebreak Pressure Points
Good patterns are most useful when the score is tight. A short tiebreak drill adds pressure and helps partners rehearse serving order, receiving positions, and communication.
Play a regular doubles tiebreak to seven points, win by two, or use the match format your league follows. Before starting, agree on the serving order and which player receives from each side. Players should follow the established order during the tiebreak; do not switch receiving sides from point to point because a matchup looks tempting.
Before every point, the serving pair names a simple plan, such as “body serve, cover middle” or “wide serve, look for the volley.” The receiving pair can name a return target. Keep the routine brief so it feels like match play, not a long team meeting.
How to Get More from Doubles Practice
- Set one goal per session. Work on returns or net movement first, rather than trying to fix every part of your doubles game at once.
- Use a clear score. Scoring creates pressure and makes it easier to see whether a tactic is working.
- Switch roles. Practice serving, returning, playing at net, and defending from the baseline.
- Keep calls simple. Agree on useful words such as “mine,” “yours,” “switch,” and “stay.”
- Play the point out. A drill should connect the first shot to the rest of the rally, not stop after one volley.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should doubles partners practice together?
Once a week is a useful start if you also play matches. Even 20 to 30 minutes of focused work on returns, serving patterns, or communication can help. Regular practice gives partners time to build shared habits.
What is the best doubles drill for beginners?
The middle-ball communication drill is a good choice because it addresses a common source of errors. Start with cooperative feeds and clear calls, then play competitive points once both players feel comfortable.
Can these drills be done with only two players?
Yes. Two players can practice crosscourt returns, serves and returns, or target volleys by feeding balls from the opposite side. For full-point drills, ask two players to join or use controlled feeds to create the pattern.
Are the doubles alleys in during a serve?
No. A doubles serve must land in the correct diagonal service box, which does not include the alley. After the serve, the full doubles court—including both alleys—is in play.
Final Thoughts
Strong doubles teams make good decisions together. Use these drills to build reliable returns, coordinated movement, confident net play, and clear calls. Keep the goals simple, practice the patterns from both sides, and finish with points that put those skills under pressure.
