Doubles Return Tactics
Also known as: return serve in doubles, returning serve in doubles, return of serve in doubles, doubles return, doubles returns, doubles return of serve, returning in doubles, return in doubles, lob the net player, lob over the net player, returner in doubles, doubles returner, the returner in doubles, returner's job in doubles, returner's partner
In doubles, return crosscourt to the server, low and away from the net player, unless you are sure a shot down the line will win the point. If the server comes to the net, aim low at their feet. If the net player keeps poaching, mix in a lob over their head or a shot down their alley. Block or chip big first serves, and swing more freely on second serves.
The return is one of the two most important shots in doubles. Your main job is to get the ball past the net player, who is waiting to volley anything that floats near them.
The default return is crosscourt, back to the server. It keeps the rally between the two baseline players, keeps the net player out of the point and lets your own partner move into a stronger position. Go down the line only when you are sure it will not come back.
If the server follows the serve in, aim low and crosscourt so they must volley up from their feet. A dipping topspin return or a low slice both work.
If the net player keeps poaching, change things up. A lob over their head, ideally to the backhand side, pushes them back and makes the server run. An occasional return down their alley stops them leaning across early. Your partner can also stand back at the baseline for the first serve when returns keep getting picked off.
Against a big first serve, shorten your swing and block or chip it back, using the server's pace. On a second serve you have more time, so take a fuller swing and aim at the server's weaker side.
Tips by skill level
Aim every return crosscourt, a safe height over the net, toward the server. Make the net player watch it go by.
Watch the net player before the serve. If they lean or poach early, punish it with a lob or a ball down the alley, then go back to crosscourt.
Example
Every time Nina returns crosscourt, the opposing net player crosses and volleys. On the next point she lifts a topspin lob over him to his backhand side. After that he stays home, and her crosscourt returns start getting through.
Why it matters
If your returns keep landing on the net player's racquet, you rarely break serve. A clear plan, with crosscourt as the default and the lob as the change-up, takes away the serving team's easiest points.
Common mistakes
- Returning high and soft near the net player
- Going down the line too often and handing over easy volleys
- Lobbing short so the net player can smash
- Taking a big swing at a fast first serve
Frequently asked questions
How do I return serve in doubles?
Return crosscourt to the server and keep it away from the net player. Block big first serves, swing more on second serves, and lob or go down the alley now and then if the net player keeps poaching.
Should I lob the net player in doubles?
Yes, as a change-up. A lob over the net player, especially to the backhand side, pushes them back and stops them poaching. But a short lob gives them an easy overhead.
Where should I aim my return when the server comes to the net?
Low and crosscourt at their feet, so they have to volley up. A dipping topspin drive or a low slice both work.
What does the returner do in doubles?
Return crosscourt, back to the server and away from the net player, and go down the line only when you are sure the ball won't come back. On the serve, the returner calls the sideline and the centre service line.
Where should the returner's partner stand in doubles?
At the back of the service box, in the centre, so the middle is still covered if the return doesn't go crosscourt. The returner's partner calls the service line.
Sources
- LTA — Four easy fixes to help you win more doubles matches (return crosscourt, away from the net player)
- LTA — How to improve your return of serve (LTA coach Matt Smith: block first serves, swing at second serves)
- Tennis.com — Winning doubles formation: two back (low, dipping balls and the low-high lob)
- LTA — Essential doubles tactics and hand signals (make the opponents play low-percentage shots)
- USTA Friend at Court 2026 — The Code §25 (service calls in doubles: the receiver's partner calls the service line, the receiver the sideline and centre service line)
Related terms
- Return of ServeTo return serve well, split step as the server hits, turn your shoulders early and use a short, compact backswing. Against a fast serve, block or chip the ball deep and use the server's pace. Against a kick serve, step in and take it before it climbs, or move back and let it drop.
- Net Player in DoublesWhen your partner serves, start about halfway between the net and the service line, near the middle of your service box. Shift with the ball, cover your alley when it comes down your side and poach weak crosscourt balls you can reach. When your partner returns, start near the service line and move forward once the return gets past the opposing net player.
- Chip ReturnA chip return uses a short, compact slice motion to redirect a fast serve back low and controlled, prioritizing consistency over pace.
- Block ReturnA block return uses almost no backswing. A firm, stable racquet face absorbs the serve's pace and redirects the ball back deep.
- LobA lob is a high, arcing shot meant to clear a net player's reach. On defense it buys time; on offense, a topspin lob near the baseline can win the point.
- Two-Back Formation (Doubles)Both players stay back in doubles when the other team controls the net: against a dominant net player. A strong serve-and-volley team, or when your own volleys are weak. It is a defensive formation that buys time to reach hard volleys and cover lobs. From two back, hit low balls between the net players, lob over them, and move forward together as soon as you get a short ball.
Related guides & benchmarks
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