Strategy for Return of Serve in Doubles

Working together as a team when you’re receiving is just as important as coordinating your moves when you’re serving.

In doubles, teamwork is essential. You and your partner should move together as much as possible, and when returning serve you should be aware of each other’s every move. Typically, the serving team will try to take an offensive position at net. Your goal should be to take this position away from your opponents and seize control of each point. Here are some ways to get the job done.

BEGINNER

OBJECTIVE 1: Hit the return crosscourt

OBJECTIVE 2: Try the lob
This is a great way to mix up your returns. Usually, you’ll lob over the net person’s head (down the line). But if the server rushes the net, you may want to lob crosscourt. Make sure you alert your partner of your intentions before the point starts so he or she can be ready to move back to defend against a possible overhead. If the ball goes over the net person’s head, it gives you and your partner a chance to take over the net position. Don’t squander this opportunity by remaining at the baseline. A good mix of crosscourt returns and lob returns will make life difficult for your opponents and will hopefully put you in the driver’s seat.

INTERMEDIATE

OBJECTIVE 1: Chip and charge

OBJECTIVE 2: Rip it at the net person
While returning crosscourt is the percentage play, you should occasionally blast a shot at the net player—the element of surprise might catch him off guard and produce a weak reply or an unforced error. In the warm-up, check to see how good your opponents’ volleys are. If you notice that one person has a weaker volley, you may want to take advantage and try hitting at him on occasion. You don’t want your opponents to get too comfortable in expecting the crosscourt return every time. Keep them on their toes.

ADVANCED

OBJECTIVE 1: Poach if your partner hits a good return

One of the first things that strikes you when watching Bob and Mike Bryan play doubles is their constant movement during points. Poaching is a big part of their success; it keeps their opponents guessing and can also be a successful play for you. All too often, players only think of poaching when their partners are serving. That works very well, but a more surprising play would be for you to poach when your partner hits a good return. Tell your partner beforehand that if he or she hits a low, crosscourt return, you might cross over (be sure to move forward on a diagonal) and pick off the next shot. Your opponent will be forced to hit a low volley, which might set you up for an easy ball.

OBJECTIVE 2: Play back as a team
This tactic can be used in a number of different situations. For example, you might both play back if you and your partner have great ground strokes but your volleys leave something to be desired. Another situation may be when your opponents have excellent serves or volleys, making you and your partner target practice when you’re at net. The best doubles teams on both the men’s and women’s tours do this now more than ever, particularly when receiving the fi rst serve. You might also want to employ this tactic as a change-up, especially if things aren’t going so well in a match.

Illustrations by Craig Zuckerman