Job Assignments in Doubles

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The Server’s Job:

  • Set up their net player up with a well placed serve.
  • Your net player is a factor on the 1st serve and a non-factor on the 2nd serve.
  • Put 75% of your 1st serves in play.
  • Call the score before every point (a little louder when you’re ahead).
  • Tell your partner where you are going to serve and why.
  • Look to take advantage of their return.
  • Mix up your serve. Keep them guessing.

The Server Partner’s Job:

  • Win the point if the 1st serve is well placed
  • Help your partner choose a target for his serve.
  • Tell them if you’re going to poach or fake poach.
  • Stay active so the returner has to worry about you.
  • If the return goes past you cross court, “release back” two to three steps.
  • Hit your volley or overhead at the closest net player.  He’ll have less time to react.

The Returner’s Job:

  • Put the return in play at all cost away from the net player.
  • Attack weak serves at the net player early on to keep them honest.
  • Make sure your second shot is an attacking shot.
  • Use your return to set up your partner. Hit shots that put your partner in a controlling position.

The Returner’s Partner’s Job:

  • Control the middle of the court and attack the net when the return goes past or over the net player
  • Make the call on the serve.
  • If the return is well hit, close in tight to the net and put pressure on their shot.
  • Move back a few steps when the ball goes by you to cover the middle.
  • If your partner is having trouble returning, play back on the baseline to defend easier.