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Step 1
Always be ready.Doubles tennis is a much faster game than singles. Most well-played points will last only a few shots before they're over, so it is vitally important that you are always ready when you are at the net.This means keeping your racket up above your waist and probably at around eye level to be safe. Many times a ball will be volleyed to you in doubles, and having your racket already above the net will allow you to react quickly and return the volley--hopefully for a winner.
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Step 2
Watch the ball and your opponent.When you are positioned at the net, the ball gets to you even faster than when you're at the baseline, so keep your eyes open and focused on that ball. When you are up at the net, your opponent should be trained to hit the ball right at you, so you need to be ready or you might get hurt.If your partner is hitting the ball, there is no point in staring at him as he strokes it--you don't have the time. If your partner hits it to an opponent who is at the net and you're watching him do it, then you will not have enough time to react when that ball is hit right back to you. Your eyes should be on the spot where you think the ball is going to give you the most time to prepare for it to come back.
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Step 3
Cover your alleys.Most of the balls that are hit in doubles tennis come up the middle of the court, which can often confuse partners. But sometimes an opponent will switch it up on you and try to catch you napping on your alley. There is no worse feeling than watching your opponent hit a winner right down your alley knowing you were not paying attention. Make sure you are within reach of any ball that might get hit down your side. This means that with one quick step and an outstretched racket, you can safely cover the length of the entire alley if need be. But don't get caught moving too close to your side, or you'll leave the rest of the court open.
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Step 4
Follow the ball to the net.You are of little help to your teammate if you're standing on the service line and trying to cover your net. That positioning is a recipe for many disasters that will keep you from ever winning a match.So when you or your partner hits the ball to the other side, follow in toward the net so that you are ready to pounce on the return and slam it home for a winner. The correct positioning will find you a little more than one length from the net, meaning that if you reached your racket out in front of you, you would fall about a foot or so short of touching the net. Anything closer and you are just begging to be lobbed; any farther and you are making your way back toward the service box, which is effectively no-man's-land.
