A strong doubles approach is rarely just a shot hit toward the net. It is a decision made with your partner: choose a useful ball, move forward at the right time, and close the space without leaving an easy pass or lob. When both players move with a plan, you can turn a neutral rally into a position of control.
The best tennis doubles approach strategy depends on the ball you receive, your partner’s position, and your opponents’ likely reply. Here’s how to choose when to come in, where to aim, and how to move as a team—while staying within the rules.
What a Doubles Approach Strategy Is
An approach strategy is the plan for moving from the baseline toward the net to take time and put pressure on your opponents. The approach shot is the ball that helps you make that move. It might be a deep groundstroke, a low slice, a return, or even a short ball you attack.
In doubles, the approach is a team decision. If one player charges forward while their partner stays back without a clear reason, the pair can leave a large gap. When one player advances, the other should be ready to move up too, cover a lob, or protect the space the approaching player has left.
Choose the Right Ball to Come Forward On
Move in when you can hit from balance and send a ball that makes the opponents defend. A short or weak reply is an invitation; a ball that pulls an opponent wide can also create a useful opening. By contrast, charging in behind a rushed, floating shot often gives the other team time to pass or lob you.
- Attack a short ball: Step in and hit deep, preferably toward the opponent who is less prepared.
- Use a low approach: A controlled slice or dipping shot can make the next ball harder to volley aggressively.
- Advance behind a good serve or return: If the ball has pushed the opponents back or forced a weak contact, close in together.
- Stay back when you are off balance: Recover first rather than sprinting forward behind a ball you cannot control.
For example, if your opponents hit a short crosscourt ball and you reach it early, play deep through the middle or toward the player’s body, then move in. If you are stretched far outside the doubles alley, a safe crosscourt reply and recovery may be wiser than trying to force a net attack.
Use the Middle to Reduce Passing Angles
When approaching, the middle of the court is often a high-percentage target. A ball through the middle can create uncertainty about which opponent should take it, and it leaves less court open for a sharp crosscourt pass. It is also a useful choice when you are not in position to hit close to a sideline.
Going down the line can be effective if the opponent is covering the middle or has left that side open, but it carries more risk: the net is higher near the posts, and a misdirected shot may give the net player an easy volley. Aim for space only when you have a clear reason, not simply because the line looks available.
Move Forward as a Pair
Once your team has earned the chance to attack, close the distance together. The player who hits the approach should move in, while the partner adjusts toward the middle and prepares to cover a reply. If your partner’s shot is strong and deep, both players can move closer to the net. If the shot sits up, pause or retreat rather than rushing into a vulnerable position.
At the net, keep your knees bent, racket up, and weight slightly forward. Avoid standing too close to the net if your opponents can lob. A useful rule of thumb is to move forward in response to the quality of your own shot: the better the approach, the more confidently you can close.
Coordinate who takes the middle
Before the point, agree on a simple rule for middle balls. Many pairs give the forehand the first call, but the best choice depends on handedness, court position, and who can reach the ball earlier. Say “mine” or “yours” early. A late call—or silence—often causes both players to hesitate.
Approach Patterns for Common Doubles Situations
Serve and approach
A serve-and-volley player should move forward behind a serve that creates a weak or predictable return. The serving partner should be ready to intercept a return that crosses the middle, but should not cross blindly. If the returner is balanced and can drive the ball, the server may need to split-step and react rather than sprinting all the way to the net.
Return and approach
Coming in behind a return can work especially well against a second serve. A deep return through the middle or at the server’s feet may limit the reply and let you move forward. Against a strong first serve, prioritize a solid return and recover; forcing a net approach from a rushed contact is often a poor trade.
Approaching after a lob
If your opponents lob and you or your partner retreat to play it, do not automatically charge forward again. First see whether the reply is strong enough to put the other team under pressure. A controlled overhead or deep groundstroke may let you reclaim the net; a defensive return may call for another reset.
Rules to Remember When Moving In
Doubles positioning is flexible, but basic rules still matter during an approach:
- Do not volley the ball before it crosses the net. You may move close to the net, but you cannot strike a volley on your opponents’ side before the ball has crossed.
- Do not touch the net while the ball is in play. If you, your racket, or your clothing touches the net during the point, your team loses the point.
- Do not hinder your opponents deliberately. Avoid distracting actions or calls that interfere with their shot. Communicate with your partner without trying to obstruct the other team.
- Remember the receiver’s side. The designated receiver must take the serve from the correct court, though players may otherwise choose their positions on their own side as permitted by the rules.
These rules do not stop you from closing aggressively. They simply mean you must time the volley correctly, keep clear of the net, and avoid interfering with play.
Common Doubles Approach Mistakes
- Charging behind a weak shot: A short, high approach gives opponents time to aim at your feet or lob over you.
- Moving alone: A partner who stays too far back can leave the middle exposed. Agree on when both players should advance.
- Overcommitting to the sideline: Chasing a wide ball too far can open the court. Recover toward a position that protects the middle.
- Forgetting the split-step: As your opponent prepares to hit, make a small split-step so you can react in either direction.
- Watching your own shot: After hitting, move into position and read the opponent’s contact instead of admiring the ball.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you approach the net in doubles?
Move in when you can hit a controlled, pressuring shot—often after a short ball, a strong serve, or a deep return that forces a weak reply. If you are off balance or your approach floats, recover before committing.
Where should you hit an approach shot in doubles?
The middle is a reliable target because it can cause confusion and limits sharp passing angles. Use the sideline when you can see a clear opening or want to move an opponent away from the center.
Should both doubles players come to the net?
Often, yes, when the approach is strong enough to put the opponents under pressure. If the shot is weak, one player may need to hold back or retreat to defend a lob. Move based on the quality of the ball, not on a fixed rule.
Can you volley from close to the net?
Yes. You can volley from near the net as long as the ball has crossed to your side before you strike it. Touching the net while the ball is in play, however, loses the point.
Final Thoughts
Good doubles approach play starts before you take a step forward. Choose a ball that puts the opponents under pressure, aim for a target that limits their options, and move with your partner. Stay balanced, split-step as they hit, and respect the net and volley rules. A patient approach built on teamwork will earn more clean finishes than rushing forward on every chance.
