# Doubles Formations · Tennis Level 5: Upper-Intermediate

Tennis · Level 5: Upper-Intermediate · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/tennis/level-5/doubles-formations/)

Doubles Formations in Tennis (Level 5: Upper-Intermediate) on Insporta: 40 sourced facts behind 4 tests. Covers: the standard formation; and more.

The standard, both-up and both-back formations, the Australian formation and the I-formation with their signals.

## Test 1: The standard formation

- The partner is crouched near the net, ready to cut the return off. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- Most servers start about halfway between the centre mark and the doubles sideline, which opens the angles; the rules allow any spot behind the baseline between the centre mark and the doubles sideline. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- One player attacks at the net while the other holds the back. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- Gaps can open behind the net player. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- The net player is the attacker. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- The server starts behind the baseline. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- The middle is the gap most often attacked. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- The net partner is closest and the server behind the baseline furthest. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- The net partner reacts to the return. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- A net player and a baseline player is the standard formation. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))

## Test 2: Both up and both back

- Both players attack at the net. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- Two players at the net shrink the court. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- A lob can pass both players. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- Both players defend from the back. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- It reduces the risk of being beaten by pace. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- A pair at the baseline rarely attacks. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- A strong shot can open the net. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- Waiting for a short ball is safest. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- A pair hits, moves, hops and volleys. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- Two players at the net form the both-up formation. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))

## Test 3: The Australian formation

- The partner stands on the server's side of the centre line. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- It makes the returner's choices harder. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- The server moves to cover the line after the serve. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- The net player can intercept or protect the line. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- A signal keeps the plan secret. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- A slow server leaves the line open. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- The server starts nearer the middle. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- A plan comes first and the movements follow. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- A pair chooses, signals, serves and reacts. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- Same-side partners form the Australian formation. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))

## Test 4: The I-formation and signals

- The partners are in line, which gives the formation its name. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- The partner is hidden near the middle. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- Movement is planned in advance. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- Signals keep the plan secret. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- The returner has to guess. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- The server must fill the space the partner leaves. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- A strong passer punishes the poach. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- The pair lines up, signals, serves and moves. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- The partner waits, watches, moves and volleys. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))
- Partners in a line are the I-formation. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (formations))

Sources: ITF coach-education materials, ITF Coaching & Sport Science Review, federation curricula, general coaching references; original questions authored, nothing reproduced. Numbered ITF rules belong to the Rules category.

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