Jorge Capestany - TennisDrills TV

Doubles Job Descriptions

Doubles is what most recreational players prefer to play and for most people it is the most fun type of tennis. Even though many players are “experienced” in doubles play, they often fail to play each of the four positions properly. Below are some basic job descriptions for the four positions in doubles.

The Server’s Job Description

  • Call out the score before every point.
  • Identify and serve to the opponent’s weakness.
  • Tell your partner where you are going to serve.
  • Get to the service line for your first volley.
  • Put 70 % of your first serves in play.

The Server’s Partner’s Job Description

  • Be moving your feet before the serve is struck.
  • Move around a lot so the returner has to worry about you.
  • If the return goes past you crosscourt, “release back” two steps.
  • Play your volleys at the other net player. He will have the least time to react.
  • Help your partner choose a target for his serve.

The Returner’s Job Description

  • Put the return in play at all costs.
  • Position yourself in the center of the server’s possible angles.
  • Attack weak serves with your body and not by simply swinging harder.
  • Make sure your second shot is a volley.
  • Use your return to set up your partner. Do not try to hit a winner.

The Returner’s Partner’s Job Description

  • Help call serves that are close to the line.
  • Move in and poach, when the server has to hit a low volley.
  • Do not move in until the return has gone past the opposing net player.
  • If your partner is struggling with his returns, start back at the baseline.
  • If the return goes to the opposing net player, stay put and cover the middle.
  • Keep the returner pumped up and confident.

The above information is very useful to go over with your doubles partner. Many teams use these items as a pre-season review of what should be happening on the doubles court.

Jorge Capestany - TennisDrills TV

Jorge is the Founder of www.tennisdrills.tv - a video based website that shows more than 700 videos of tennis drills and tips. Jorge is one of only nine people world-wide that is a Master Professional with both the USPTA and PTR. Jorge is a 6-time Michigan Pro of the Year a 2-time Midwest Pro of the Year. Jorge has coached hundreds of ranked juniors including 3 national champions.