Tennis Doubles Formations: Standard, Australian, I-Formation and Two Back

Most club doubles teams play the same formation every point: one player up, one player back. That works, but changing formation is one of the easiest ways to disrupt a returner who is grooving their returns. The I-formation, the Australian formation and the two-back formation each solve a specific problem.

This guide explains each formation, when to use it and how to communicate it with your partner.

The formations at a glance

Standard formation

The server stays at the baseline (or comes forward), and the partner stands at the net on the opposite side, roughly in the middle of the service box. The returner usually aims crosscourt, back to the server, away from the net player.

It's the most balanced formation. Use it as your default, and switch when the returner is comfortable crosscourt. See Tennis Doubles Strategy for positioning in the standard formation.

Australian formation

The server's partner stands at the net on the same side as the server. The server serves from close to the center mark, then moves to cover the open side.

• Why use it: it blocks the returner's favorite crosscourt return, and forces them to hit down the line, often to their weaker side.
• When: against a returner with a strong crosscourt return, especially a big crosscourt forehand from the ad side.
• Watch out for: a good down-the-line return, which goes to the side the server has to cover.

I-formation

The net player crouches low near the center line, in front of the server. The server serves from near the center mark. Before the serve, the team agrees which way the net player will move, and the server covers the other side.

• Why use it: the returner doesn't know which way the net player is going, which causes hesitation and errors.
• How to signal: the net player shows a hand signal behind their back, such as a fist for "stay" or an open hand for "switch."
• Watch out for: getting hit by the serve. The net player must stay low and still until the ball passes.

Two back

Both players stay at the baseline, usually on the return when facing a big server or very strong net players.

• Why use it: it reduces the number of easy volleys aimed at your net player, and gives you more time.
• When: against powerful serves, or when your net player is getting picked off.
• Watch out for: drop shots and angles. Move forward together when you get a short ball.

How to communicate formations

• Before the point: decide on the formation and the net player's movement (stay, switch or fake).
• Use simple signals: hand signals behind the back, or quick words between points.
• Keep the server in charge of the serve placement, and the net player in charge of movement.
• Review after a few games: what's working, and what isn't?

Practicing formations

• Practice each formation for a set in practice matches, so it feels natural in league play.
• Practice the I-formation movement without a returner first, so both of you know where to go.
• Use one formation consistently for a whole game, so you learn how opponents adjust.

Keep learning

• Formations work best with good volleys. See Volleys for Club Players.
• Find a regular doubles partner in our player directory.
• Join a league to put it into practice. See League or Ladder?