How to Return a Serve in Doubles Tennis

Doubles tennis is a whole other animal from singles tennis. You need the same racket skills and the same general tennis knowledge, but there are some other skills involved when you add those other players to the court. Here is how to return a serve in doubles tennis.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Racket
• Tennis balls
• Friends

Returning the Serve

1. The first thing you'll need to do is get into position. This part is really no different than in singles tennis. There is still an opponent serving to the same box, so you need to be in position to get to any ball that comes your way. You should line up wherever you feel most comfortable; generally speaking, locating yourself near the baseline and a step or so inside of the singles alley will put you in the correct position. But you'll want to consider the specific server and how he hits the ball.
2. The next part is the return. In doubles tennis, the returner's goal is to hit the ball back to the person who served it. This affords you the best chance to win the point. You do not want to hit the ball to the person who is standing at the net -- if she knows what she is doing, she is just an easy volley away from winning the point. You want to return the ball to the server, whether he is charging the net or not. If he stays back, it is ideal to hit the ball as deep as possible, to make for the most difficult ground stroke. If the server is charging the net, you want to hit the ball so it lands near her feet, making for the most difficult volley.
3. Now that you've returned the serve, you need to make your own move. Doubles tennis is played at the net, so if your opponent did not charge after serving, you should. Just follow your shot and take it right to the net and await a volley for the point winner.If your opponent did charge the net, it's really up to you. You might feel more comfortable staying back at the baseline, or you might want to still go to the net. Neither is necessarily correct or incorrect, but depends on the situation. Still, remember: The advantage is assumed while at the net.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch for poaching. Poaching is when the player at the net slides across the court, assuming you will return the serve across the court. He does this to try to anticipate your shot and jump on an easy volley opportunity. If your opponent does this, look to counter her move by hitting an easy winner down the alley. It's a gamble, but sometimes well worth it.