The Doubles Formations (Aussie and I)

The last two formations are based only on holding your service games. So you would not do them when returning serve. Well...you CAN I just don't know how well they would work for you.

Aussie Formation

Say you are playing one up, one back style. You serve the ball to this team and they keep ripping the shot back crosscourt so much you don’t even want to serve anymore. They are in the groove and you are ready to give them a different look altogether.

Time for Australian Doubles. The Aussie style is simple. If you serve in the deuce court, you cover the AD court after you serve. Your partner is at the net on the same side you are serving off of (deuce). Once you serve you can either stay back or come to the net.
If you should stay back, he should stay where he is and cut off crosscourt balls. But be aware: if the net guy hits anything short crosscourt that the opposing team can get to, there will be a big gaping hole between you. So make sure you put that ball away down the middle or beat up the net guy.

If you should come in, your partner should move diagonally into position for the two up formation. The only problem with this is that the other team has a higher percentage lob as an option. The crosscourt lob. So it will be an easier shot to execute if they have it in their arsenal.

“I” Formation
The I formation is similar to the Aussie formation. But the I formation is an all out attack. You serve where ever and your partner couches in the middle very close or on the “T.” So that you have to serve over him most likely. You agree on which way the net man is going to jump after the serve (using hand signals or talking) and the server goes the other way.



This is a net rushing formation meant to put more pressure on the returner than just plain two up formation. If it is working, then you will speed through your service games quickly. If not then abandon this plan unless you have faith that you will get better as the match goes on.