Doubles rewards clear decisions more than flashy shots. A pair that serves with a plan, covers the middle, and talks between points can trouble opponents who hit harder but leave gaps.
If you’re new to doubles tennis, start with a few simple habits: know where to stand, aim your shots away from the net player when needed, and move as a team. These beginner strategies make the court feel smaller and help you avoid giving opponents easy openings.
Know the court and the basic rules
In doubles, the alleys on the sides of the court are in play during rallies, making the court wider than in singles. Serves are still hit diagonally into the smaller service boxes, just as they are in singles. After the serve lands, the full doubles court—including both alleys—is in play.
Before a match, agree on the serving order and who starts on each side. The server and receiver must stand in their correct positions for the point. Partners can choose to switch sides between points or use a set arrangement, but make sure both players understand the plan. Confusion over who is receiving is an easy way to start a point badly.
Start with smart court positioning
A useful beginner formation is one player at the baseline and one near the service line or net. The baseline player covers deep balls, while the forward player looks for a chance to intercept a short return. Once both partners can move forward safely, try to get both players closer to the net: this puts pressure on the opponents and gives you better angles for volleys.
As a simple guide, move together. If your team is pulled toward the deuce side, both players should shift that way rather than leaving a large gap in the middle. When the ball goes back the other way, recover toward the center. You do not need to mirror every movement perfectly; the key is to avoid leaving one player stranded while the other covers too much court.
Cover the middle first
The space between partners is a common target because each player may hesitate, thinking the other will take the ball. Decide in advance who takes a ball down the middle. A practical rule is that the forehand usually takes the middle, since it is often the stronger shot. But if the other partner has a much clearer reach or is already moving toward the ball, they should call it and take it.
Use short, clear calls such as “mine,” “yours,” or “switch.” Call early enough to help your partner, not after the ball has passed you. If neither player calls it, both may stop—and the ball lands between them.
Choose targets that make doubles easier
Beginners often aim for the sidelines because a winner feels like the goal. In doubles, a safer target is often the space between opponents or at the player’s feet. A low ball at the net player’s feet is difficult to volley cleanly. A ball through the middle can also create uncertainty about who should play it.
When the opposing net player is active, avoid feeding them a comfortable ball. Try a higher, deeper shot over their reach, a low shot at their feet, or a shot behind them if they have crept forward. Keep some margin from the lines; a steady ball in the court is more useful than a risky winner attempt that misses.
Build a simple serving plan
A good doubles serve does not have to be fast. Prioritize getting the serve in, then choose a direction that gives your partner a clear next move. A serve toward the receiver’s body can jam them, while a wide serve may pull them away from the middle. Mix directions when you can, but do not change the plan so often that your partner cannot anticipate what comes next.
Before serving, agree on what the net player will do. They might stay in their starting position, shade toward the middle, or make a planned poach—an early move across to intercept the return. Use a simple signal or a quick spoken plan. If the server is aiming wide and the net player plans to poach, both players should know that before the point begins.
On a second serve, a reliable serve with good placement is usually wiser than a risky attempt at extra pace. A double fault gives away the point without making the returner play a shot.
Make the return and first volley count
The returner’s first job is to get the ball back. If the opposing net player is standing close to the middle, aim crosscourt with enough height and depth to clear them. If they are guarding the middle, a return down the line can work, but use it selectively: the sideline target is narrower, and a miss gives away the point.
The returner’s partner should watch the net player and cover the middle rather than drifting too far toward the sideline. After the return, both teammates should adjust together based on the ball’s direction. If your return keeps the opponents back, your team may have time to move forward. If it sits up near the net player, be ready for a fast volley.
Communicate before and after every point
Good doubles communication is brief and useful. Before a point, agree on serve direction, net-player movement, or who will take the middle. After a point, keep feedback calm and specific: “Next time, I’ll take that middle ball” is more helpful than blaming a partner for missing.
Talk about lobs as well. If the ball goes over one partner, the other should call “switch” or “I’ve got it” so both players do not turn and chase the same shot. The partner who is not running back can cover the open court and prepare for the next ball.
Common beginner mistakes to avoid
- Both players staying at the baseline: This leaves the net open and gives opponents time to attack. Look for chances to move forward together.
- Both players chasing the same ball: Call early, and decide who takes the middle before the match.
- Trying to hit winners too soon: Build the point with a safe, deep ball or a shot at the opponents’ feet.
- Standing too close to the net: Move forward when your team has control, but be ready to retreat for a lob.
- Changing positions without telling your partner: Agree on a plan before the point so nobody is surprised.
A simple practice routine
Try this beginner drill with four players. Start points with an easy feed, then require the team at the baseline to hit three steady balls before moving forward. The net players should focus on covering the middle, while the baseline players aim deep through the center. After a few rounds, add a planned poach or a lob so everyone practices adjusting their position.
You can also practice serving and returning without playing full points. Have the server call a target, such as body or wide, and tell the net player whether to stay or poach. Then switch roles. The goal is not to win every drill; it is to make the first two shots of a point feel familiar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should a doubles player stand?
A common starting setup is one player near the baseline and one near the service line or net. As your team gains control, move forward together. Adjust your positions to cover the middle and respond to lobs.
Who should take a ball hit down the middle?
Agree on a rule with your partner. Many pairs let the forehand take the middle, but the player with the better position should call the ball. Clear, early communication matters more than a rigid rule.
Should beginners try to poach?
Yes, but use a plan. The net player should move when the server and partner expect it, rather than guessing on every point. Start by poaching against a predictable return, and focus on making a controlled volley.
What is the safest target in doubles?
Often, the middle is a safe and useful target because it can cause confusion and gives you more room than a sideline shot. A low ball at an opponent’s feet is another strong option, especially when they are near the net.
Final Thoughts
Beginner doubles strategy comes down to teamwork: cover the middle, move together, choose sensible targets, and agree on a plan before the serve. You do not need perfect volleys or powerful serves to become a better partner. A few clear calls and steady decisions can turn a pair of new players into a much tougher team.
