Doubles Serving Tactics
Also known as: serve in doubles, serving in doubles, doubles serve, doubles serving, doubles serve strategy, doubles serving strategy, serve placement in doubles, serving to the T in doubles, serve and volley in doubles, serving and volleying in doubles
In doubles, serve mostly down the T or into the body to cut down the returner's angles and send returns through the middle, where your partner can poach. Landing a high share of first serves usually matters more than raw pace. As a result, add spin and take a little speed off if you need to. Stand wider along the baseline than in singles, and agree on the target with your partner before each point.
The serve and the return are the two most important shots in doubles. As the server, your job is to start the point in a way that helps your partner at the net. A steady, well-placed first serve gives the returner fewer chances and gives your partner more balls to attack.
Serves down the T or into the body give the returner less angle. Their returns tend to come back through the middle, where your partner can step across and volley, and a body serve often draws a weak reply. The wide serve opens the court and can work against a player who dislikes being stretched. Use it too often, though, and you hand the returner angles and leave your partner exposed.
Stand wider along the baseline than you would in singles, closer to the sideline. That leaves your partner room and gives you a better serving angle. Some teams also use the I-formation or the Australian formation to change the returner's targets.
Agree on the plan before each point: where the serve is going and whether your partner will cross. Many teams use hand signals from the net player for this. After the serve, either follow it to the net or stay back. Even at pro level the server often stays back, about 60 percent of the time according to LTA coach Louis Cayer. As a result, either choice can work. If you stay back, move up on the first short ball.
Tips by skill level
Pick one target, usually the T, and aim most first serves there with a bit of spin. Tell your partner before the point.
Pair each serve target with a net plan. Mix T and body serves with the occasional wide one, and combine them with poaches and fakes so the returner cannot settle.
Example
Before a big point, Ade signals a serve down the T and an open hand, meaning he will cross. Ben serves to the T, the return comes back through the middle, and Ade steps across to volley it away.
Why it matters
In doubles, the serve sets up your partner as much as it wins points on its own. A reliable, well-placed serve makes your net player dangerous and keeps the returner guessing.
Common mistakes
- Going for big first serves and missing too many
- Serving wide too often and opening the court
- Standing in the singles spot next to the center mark
- Serving without telling your partner where the ball is going
Frequently asked questions
Where should I serve in doubles?
Mostly down the T or into the body, which cuts down the returner's angles and sends returns through the middle for your partner. Use the wide serve as a change-up.
Should I serve and volley in doubles?
It is a good option because it gets your team to the net quickly. Staying back is fine too; if you do, look to move forward on the first short ball.
Where should the server stand in doubles?
Wider along the baseline than in singles, closer to the sideline. It gives your partner room at the net and gives you a better angle.
Is first-serve percentage important in doubles?
Yes. A steady first serve keeps the returner on the defensive and gives your partner more chances to poach, so many players take a little pace off to land more first serves.
Sources
- LTA — Four easy fixes to help you win more doubles matches (serve and return as the key shots; where the server stands)
- LTA — Essential doubles tactics and hand signals (play the percentages; agreeing the serve and net plan)
- LTA — How to improve your doubles skills: questions answered by LTA coach Louis Cayer (server staying back about 60% of the time at pro level)
- Active.com — How to serve smart in doubles (Scott Baker: T and body serves vs wide serves)
Related terms
- 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.
- Poaching (Doubles)Poaching is when the net player in doubles crosses over to intercept a ball meant for their partner. It cuts off the angle and finishes the point at net.
- I-Formation (Doubles)The I-formation has the server's partner crouch on the center service line before the serve. It hides which side they'll cover and sets up a planned poach.
- Australian Formation (Doubles)In the Australian formation, the server and net partner start on the same side. It takes away the easy crosscourt return and forces a down-the-line reply.
- T-ServeA T-serve is aimed at the center service line. It uses the shortest path for speed and takes away the returner's easiest angles.
- First Serve PercentageFirst serve percentage is the share of first serves that land in the box. It is a core indicator of serve rhythm and risk management.
- Doubles CommunicationGood doubles partners talk before, during and after every point. Before the serve, agree on the serve target and whether the net player will cross, often with hand signals. During the point, call short words like mine, yours or switch while the ball is coming toward you. Between points, meet within a few seconds, stay positive and plan the next point.
Related guides & benchmarks
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