The Importance of Strategy in Doubles Tennis

22 September 2025

Let’s get one thing straight—doubles tennis isn't just singles with another person awkwardly standing next to you. Nope. Doubles is a completely different beast. It's fast, it’s furious, and it’s all about strategy. If you’re just out here whacking balls and hoping your partner saves you when you’re out of position... honey, you're doing it all wrong.

In this power-packed post, we're diving deep into why strategy is the absolute backbone of successful doubles tennis. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a competitive league regular, this sassy little deep-dive is going to level up your game.

What Makes Doubles Tennis So Different?

First, let’s talk setup. In doubles, the court's wider, the points are faster, and there’s a lot less time to react. That means you don’t just need quick feet; you need an even quicker brain. Every point is a chess match—and if you ain't thinking three moves ahead, you're toast.

Singles tennis? That’s a battle of endurance. Doubles? That’s a battle of wit. And you know what they say—brains beat brawn every damn time.

Why Strategy Is the MVP in Doubles

You can be the strongest hitter on the court, but if you and your partner aren’t in sync strategically, you’re handing points away like free samples at Costco.

In doubles, strategy is everything. It’s the secret sauce that turns a decent pair into an unstoppable duo. Let’s break down exactly why it matters so much.

1. Court Positioning: The Silent Assassin

If you’ve ever been caught flat-footed at the baseline while your partner is getting slaughtered at the net—congrats, you’ve witnessed bad court positioning in its purest form.

The best doubles teams position themselves like synchronized swimmers. When one moves, the other follows. You’re a unit. A wall. A freakin’ fortress.

Good strategy means knowing when to stay back, when to charge the net, and how to cover those sneaky cross-court angles. You’ve got to know your role on every single point.

And let’s not forget the golden rule of doubles: Middle solves the riddle. Hitting to the middle of the court causes confusion, draws short balls, and opens up those juicy angles. Strategic gold, baby.

2. Communication: The Real Game Changer

If you and your partner aren’t talking, you might as well be playing two separate singles matches simultaneously. That’s not doubles—that’s chaos with a side of defeat.

Strategic communication isn't just about calling “mine” or “yours” or screaming “switch” after you’ve already missed the shot. Oh no. It's about planning. It’s about using codes for poaching, knowing each other's tendencies, and hyping each other up when the momentum shifts.

A strong doubles team communicates like their lives depend on it. Hand signals, whispered plans between points, and eye contact that says, “You crash the net, and I’ve got your back.”

That's real team chemistry. That’s strategy in action.

3. The Serve: Set It Up, Don’t Just Hit It

In singles, a booming serve can be your meal ticket. In doubles? It’s just the appetizer.

The serve isn’t about aces. It’s about setting up your partner at the net. A wide serve opens the alley for a clean put-away. A body serve crams your opponent, forcing a weak return that your partner can feast on.

Strategic servers use spin, placement, and variation to keep the returners guessing—and give their net partner every chance to go full ninja mode.

4. The Net Game: Strike First, Strike Smart

If you’re hanging out at the baseline waiting to rally in doubles, you’re basically inviting your opponents to dominate.

Good doubles teams know the net is where the magic happens. But rushing the net blindly? That's a recipe for getting passed like a slow car in the left lane.

Strategy here means knowing when to poach, when to hold your ground, and how to read your opponents’ body language like a human lie detector. A smart net player anticipates, fakes, and moves with purpose.

Think of it like basketball defense—cutting off angles, closing in at the right moment, and always being ready for the unexpected.

5. Play to Strengths, Cover Weaknesses

Every player—yes, including the pros—has weaknesses. A solid doubles strategy leans into the strengths and hides the flaws.

Got a big forehand but a shaky backhand? Set up plays that funnel balls to the forehand. Your partner has a killer overhead? Lob away and let them slam it home.

Strategy in doubles is about being honest with yourself and your partner. You’re not out here to be perfect—you’re out here to win.

6. Poaching: The Spice Move of Champions

Poaching isn’t just for eggs—it’s for players who want to dominate the net like a boss.

A well-timed poach can change the entire vibe of a match. It disrupts your opponents’ rhythm, makes them second-guess their returns, and boosts your team’s confidence through the roof.

But here's the catch: Random poaching is risky. Strategic poaching? That’s game-winning.

Use signals. Pick your moments. Read your opponent’s body language. Poach with purpose, not panic.

7. Return Strategy: Don’t Just Block—Attack

In doubles, returns need to be smart, not just safe.

Lobbing every return? That’s like waving a white flag. Smacking it down the line every time? Predictable as a bad rom-com ending.

Strategic returners mix it up. Deep cross-courts, dinks at the net player’s feet, and sneak-attack lobs that catch everyone napping.

Good return strategy forces errors, creates pressure, and opens doors for your partner to dominate the next shot.

Real Talk: Mental Strategy Is Just As Important

Let’s not forget the mental side of strategy. Confidence, momentum, body language—it all feeds into your game.

Great doubles teams know when to slow things down, regroup, and pump each other up. They don’t tilt when things go south—they plot a comeback.

Yes, strategy can be X’s and O’s. But it’s also vibes and energy. And if your mental game is strong, that strategic edge becomes razor sharp.

The Secret Sauce? Chemistry + Strategy

You can have all the right strategies in the world, but if you and your partner hate each other's guts or play like total strangers, you’re sunk.

Great doubles teams trust each other. They know each other’s habits, moods, and magic moves. Strategy flows seamlessly when you’ve got chemistry.

That’s why practice matters. That’s why communication matters. That’s why sometimes, swapping partners isn’t about drama—it’s about finding that strategic soul match on court.

Pro Tips to Boost Your Doubles Strategy Right Now

Feeling fired up? Good. Here are a few lightning-fast tips to supercharge your strategy today:

- Always know who’s got the middle ball—don’t assume!
- Master the I-formation—it’s like a secret weapon when done right.
- Work on your lob game—a well-placed lob can flip the script in a rally.
- Scout your opponents—watch them warm up, take mental notes, and attack the weak spots.
- Keep score and momentum in mind—play safer when you're up, bolder when you're down.
- Practice together—you’re only as sharp as your weakest link.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Play—Plot

If all you wanted was a casual hit-around, fine—strategy can take a back seat. But if you’re stepping onto that doubles court to win, then strategy better be riding shotgun.

It’s not about being the fastest or strongest. It’s about being the smartest. Doubles tennis is a chess match at 100 mph, and the teams that plan, communicate, and adapt are the ones that walk off the court victorious.

So next time you lace up those tennis shoes, grab your partner, and bring the brain as well as the brawn. Because in doubles, strategy isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Now go own that court like the strategy queen or king you were born to be.