Doubles positioning

The big idea

In doubles, the team that controls the kitchen line usually wins the point. Players at the net can volley, dink and attack high balls, while players at the baseline must hit up and over the net. Almost all doubles positioning follows from one goal: get both partners to the kitchen line, together, as soon as it is safe.

Starting positions

The serving team's partner stays back because of the two-bounce rule: the return will bounce, and the third shot must bounce too, so being at the net early is useless. The receiving team's partner can start at the kitchen line because their team will not hit until the return.

The receiving team

1. The returner hits a deep, high return.
2. The returner walks up to the kitchen line.
3. Both partners now stand side by side at the line, toes a few inches behind it.

The receiving team starts the rally with a positional advantage. Do not waste it by staying back.

The serving team

1. Both players start at the baseline.
2. After the return bounces, one hits the third shot, usually a drop.
3. Both move forward together as the drop travels, stopping to split-step when the opponent hits.
4. Continue forward as long as the balls come back low and soft. Stop and reset if they come back hard.

Moving as a unit

Imagine your team is tied together by a 10-foot rope.

• Forward and back together. If one partner is at the net and the other is at the baseline, there is a huge diagonal gap between them.
• Side to side together. When the ball goes to one sideline, both partners shift that way. The player on the ball side guards the line; the other covers the middle.
• Cover the middle. Most winners go between partners. Shading toward the middle closes that gap.

Who takes the middle

Common agreements:

• The player whose forehand is in the middle takes middle balls.
• The player who hit the last cross-court shot takes the next middle ball, since they are already facing it.
• Decide before the match and call "mine" or "yours." See communication.

Position at the kitchen line

• Toes a few inches behind the line, never on it.
• About 8 to 10 feet apart, shifted with the ball.
• Paddles up in front, ready for fast exchanges.

Common positioning mistakes

• One up, one back: leaves a diagonal hole.
• Standing far apart: opens the middle.
• Rushing to the net after a high drop and getting hit at your feet.
• Staying back after the return.