Tennis Doubles Positioning Guide
In doubles, positioning wins more points than shot quality. Two average players with great positioning beat two better players who stand in the wrong places.
Four Positions
Server: Near centre, baseline. Move forward after serve. Server's Partner: Between service line and net, 1m from centre. Poach and intimidate. Returner: Behind baseline near singles sideline. Return crosscourt. Returner's Partner: Service line near centre. Cover lob.
Golden Rule: Move Together
Maintain 3-4m between you. When one moves, the other moves. Ideal: both at net. See doubles strategy.
Poaching
Net player intercepts crosscourt returns. Poach when partner serves well. Use hand signals. Commit fully — half-hearted poaches are worse than staying.
Situation Adjustments
Serving well: Net player closer to centre, aggressive. Hard returns: Both can drop back. Opponents lob: Stay at service line. Wind/sun advantage: Extra aggressive at net.
Night Doubles
Tighter formation, further from net. Verbal communication every ball. LED balls help. See night guide and mixed doubles tips.
Doubles practice gear
Cones, LED balls for night doubles, training gear.