Keep your opponents guessing with this baseline attack.
For many club players, a traditional doubles formation doesn’t work, especially if you’re more comfortable on the baseline than at net. If you’re looking for something new, try this variation on the “I” serving formation.
Prepare to serve in the deuce court as you would in singles, standing closer to the center hash mark than the sideline. Have your partner line up behind you, but clear of the likely path of your backswing. (Yes, this is legal.) After you serve, move to the side of your superior stroke; if it’s your backhand and you’re right-handed, like the server in this illustration, move left to cover the ad court. Your partner should move up to the baseline and cover the other side.
This formation can produce great results. If you prefer your backhand and your partner prefers his forehand, it will allow each of you to use your favorite stroke more often. This “I” formation is also an excellent option for righty-lefty combos if you both prefer the same stroke. And it may make your opponents press: When they see a lot of open court in front of them, they might try to crush the ball, increasing the chance that they’ll commit an error. Don’t worry about drop shots. Since you and your partner both move forward as soon as the serve is struck, you’ll be able to track down short balls without any trouble.
Ken DeHart, a USPTA and PTR Master Professional, is the tennis director of the San Jose Swim & Racquet Club in California.
Originally published in the January/February 2010 issue of TENNIS.