Many players have trouble determining how close to the net they should stand in doubles when their partners are serving. Should you position yourself right on top of the net, or do you hang back close to the service line?

The answer: When standing in a comfortable position as if you were preparing to hit a chest-high volley, you should position yourself where you can at least see the T (the intersection of the service line with the center line) over the net, as opposed to through the net. Use this as a beginning point and adjust depending on what your opponents do or don’t do well. For example, if they lob regularly, you can stand a little farther back.

Paula Scheb, USPTA Master Pro, Bonita Bay Club, Bonita Springs, Fla.