A strong doubles return does more than put the serve back in play. It can take time away from the net player, open a gap for your partner, or force the serving team to hit the next ball from an awkward position. The best choice depends on the serve, the returner’s strengths, and how the opponents are covering the court.
Good doubles return strategy starts with two things: knowing who must return the serve and having a clear plan for the shot. From there, use direction, height, and placement to make the serving team’s first volley difficult—not simply to hit the ball hard.
Doubles Return Rules to Know
In doubles, the player assigned to receive from that side of the court must hit the serve after it bounces. Their partner cannot take the return, even if they are closer to the ball. The designated receiver may stand anywhere on their side of the court, but must return from the correct side for that point.
At the start of a set, each receiving team chooses which partner will receive first from each side. The partners then keep that receiving order for the set. The returner must let the serve bounce before hitting it; after the return, either member of the receiving team can play the ball.
These rules matter tactically. The non-returning partner can help by watching the net player, communicating about the serve, and getting ready to cover the next shot—but cannot reach across to take the serve.
Start With a Clear Return Plan
Before the server begins the point, agree on a simple target. For example: “deep middle,” “low crosscourt,” or “lob over the net player.” A specific plan helps the returner commit instead of changing direction at the last moment, and it tells their partner where to expect the next ball.
The return team should also notice the serving team’s formation. Is the net player close to the middle, leaving the alley open? Are both opponents starting back? Does the server rush forward behind a powerful serve? The answers point toward a useful return, but don’t try to solve every possibility with one swing. Choose a high-percentage option and adjust if the opponents keep exploiting it.
Where to Aim the Return
Deep through the middle
A deep return through the middle is a reliable default. It gives the net player less room to cut off the ball, reduces the angle available to the server, and can create hesitation over which opponent should take the next shot. That uncertainty is especially useful when your return is solid but not powerful.
Aim with enough margin to keep the ball away from the net tape and inside the court. A return that lands deep but gives the net player an easy volley is not doing its job; try to keep it low or make the opponent hit above net height.
Low crosscourt
A low crosscourt return can pull the server wide and make the first volley uncomfortable. It is often effective against a wide serve, since the returner can use the serve’s angle rather than forcing a sharp change of direction. Keep the ball low enough that the net player cannot attack it comfortably.
Use this option with care when the net player is covering the middle aggressively. A crosscourt return that sits up may be intercepted before it reaches the server.
Down the line
The line is useful when the net player crowds the center or leaves the alley open. It can also make a server who is moving forward change direction. But the court is longer down the line than it may look from the baseline, and the net player may be waiting for exactly that shot.
Rather than trying to paint the sideline, aim for a safe lane inside it. The goal is to make the opponents respect the line, not to win every point with a risky return.
Over the net player
A lob return is a smart answer to a net player who stands close and poaches often. A well-placed lob makes that player turn and gives the return team time to move into better positions. It can be particularly effective against a short or slower serve that gives the returner time to set up.
Keep the lob high enough to clear the opponent, but don’t leave it short. If your opponents are already deep or the serve is fast, forcing a lob may be too difficult; block the ball back deep instead.
How to Return Different Serves
- Fast serve: Shorten the backswing, stay balanced, and use a compact block. A controlled return deep through the middle is often more valuable than a full swing that produces an error.
- Wide serve: Move early, make contact in front when possible, and consider returning crosscourt into the open court. If the angle is extreme, prioritize getting the ball back rather than stretching for a risky winner.
- Body serve: Make room with your feet and elbows. A small step back or sideways can create space to swing; when there is little time, a compact block toward the middle works well.
- Second serve: Step forward if you can attack without losing balance. Drive deep at the server’s feet or into the middle, but don’t overhit just because the serve is slower.
Work With Your Partner
The return and the partner’s movement should be planned together. If you are returning crosscourt, your partner can shade toward the middle to discourage an easy volley. If you return down the line, your partner may need to protect the middle more carefully. The right position depends on the return and the opponents’ likely reply.
Agree on signals if you want the net player to poach. For instance, a hand signal behind the back can show that your partner plans to cross. The returner should then aim away from the poaching lane or choose a lob. Without a clear signal, both players can move toward the same ball—or leave a simple opening.
Good communication also means calling “yours” or “mine” early on a ball that could fall between you. The receiver still has to hit the serve, but after that first shot, the pair should make the next decision quickly.
Common Doubles Return Mistakes
- Trying for a winner too soon: A hard return straight at the net player is an easy volley if it arrives at a comfortable height. Start by making the first volley tough.
- Hitting every return crosscourt: Predictable direction helps the net player move early. Mix in the middle, the line, and an occasional lob.
- Standing too close to the baseline against a big serve: Move back enough to give yourself reaction time, then step in on a slower second serve if appropriate.
- Changing the receiving order mid-set: Follow the team’s chosen order for that set. If the match reaches a new set, the team can choose its receiving order again.
- Ignoring the partner’s position: A return can be technically good but tactically poor if it leaves the middle uncovered or sends the ball into a poacher’s reach.
A Simple Return Routine
- Check the score and confirm which player is due to receive.
- Notice the server’s position, likely serve direction, and the net player’s starting spot.
- Choose one target before the serve: deep middle, low crosscourt, line, or lob.
- Split-step as the server makes contact, then use a compact swing when the serve is fast.
- After the return, recover with your partner and prepare for the next ball.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the receiver’s partner return the serve in doubles?
No. The player assigned to receive from that side must hit the serve after it bounces. The partner may cover the court and prepare for the next shot, but cannot take the return.
Where should I aim a doubles return?
Deep through the middle is a dependable starting point because it limits angles and can create confusion between opponents. Use low crosscourt shots, the line, or a lob when the formation or serve gives you a good opening.
Should I attack every second serve?
No. Step in when you can make a balanced, controlled return. A deep ball at the server’s feet or through the middle is often a better attack than a risky attempt to hit a winner.
Can a doubles team change its receiving order during a set?
No. The team chooses its receiving order at the start of the set and keeps it for that set. The order can be chosen again at the start of the next set.
Final Thoughts
The most effective doubles return is usually the one that makes the next shot hard for the serving team. Start with a dependable deep return, read the net player, and vary your target when the opponents begin to anticipate you. With a clear plan and good communication, even a simple return can give your team control of the point.
