The Doubles Dance

The job of the net players as they move back and forth without the ball is instrumental in controlling the point. “Just because you’re not hitting the ball doesn’t mean you don’t matter”.

When you are the server’s partner and at the net

Your job is to control their shot and force them to go crosscourt, and poach. If the return of serve passes you and goes back to the server, quickly turn to face the receiver’s partner opposite you and angle back on a diagonal toward the service line “T” (2 to 3 steps) to defend against a poach by the opponent’s net player, who should have moved in with the receiver’s return of serve.

When your partner returns the ball crosscourt

Keep the ball away from the net player, turn to face the deuce court player, and move toward the net. This move will force the opposing net player to turn to face you and to float back diagonally to cover against a poach by you. This up and back dance may occur for several strokes, especially in a one up-one back doubles point.

This movement by the net players becomes a dance, as the motion of one leads the other back until there is a chance to poach or until both players come to the net on one side, which will force the opposite net player to stay back and defend from an area inside their service line.