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Tennis · Level 6: Advanced · Sub-level 6.3

Doubles Tactics as a System

4 tests · 40 facts · updated 12 October 2026 · markdown

Doubles as one system of two players: moving as a unit, when and how to poach, defending the lob, and the talk that holds the pair together.

Each test below is ten questions on Insporta. The list under a test is what the questions check: one fact per question, with the source it was written from. Read it before the test, or come back from a wrong answer.

Test 1Moving as a unitTake a test

  1. If both shift together, no gap opens between them for the opponents to hit through.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · recall

  2. Many pairs agree that the forehand takes the middle; whatever the rule, it is agreed before play so nobody hesitates.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · recall

  3. A ball between the partners asks both of them a question, and a moment's doubt costs the point.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · recall

  4. Against two volleyers, a split pair leaves a diagonal gap and a net player exposed at close range.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · recall

  5. From the middle of the box the net player can reach the alley and still move towards the centre.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · recall

  6. With the ball on their side, the line behind the net player is the open threat.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · recall

  7. Shading inward narrows the gap that is the easiest target against a pair.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · recall

  8. A pair gains ground from both back, through one up and one back, to both at the net.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · recall

  9. The lob gives time, so the pair moves forward together and takes the net.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · applied

  10. Both shift towards the ball: one covers the line on that side, the other the middle.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · applied

Test 2Poaching decisionsTake a test

  1. Moving as the returner commits gives no time to change the return, but still lets the poacher reach it.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · recall

  2. An early move gives itself away, and the alley the poacher left is the obvious target.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · recall

  3. The poach volley goes where the opponents are least able to reply: at the net player or through the gap.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · recall

  4. The net player shows a move to the middle, then stays to cover the line the returner is lured into.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · recall

  5. A cross-court ball at a good height can be intercepted and volleyed down.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · recall

  6. Fear of the poach pushes the returner into riskier targets, which brings errors.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · recall

  7. Moving forward as well as across meets the ball earlier and higher.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · recall

  8. The plan is set before the serve, and the move waits for the returner to commit.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · recall

  9. The higher and slower the return, the easier it is to intercept.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · applied

  10. Path A meets the ball earlier and above the net; path B reaches it later and lower.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · applied

Test 3Defending the lobTake a test

  1. The partner is further back and can run across to the ball while it is still in the air.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · recall

  2. A step back makes the lob harder to clear without giving up much at the net.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · recall

  3. From deep and on the run, a high lob gives the pair time to get back into position.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · recall

  4. The middle and the nearer player's feet leave the least time and the most confusion.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · recall

  5. Most players cannot hit a strong backhand overhead, so they must run around it or let it go.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · recall

  6. A short lob is an easy smash; backing off wastes the chance.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · recall

  7. Once lobbed, net players hesitate to close in, which opens up low shots at their feet.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · recall

  8. The partner takes the lob, and the net player crosses over so both sides stay covered.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · recall

  9. The middle gives the most margin; the sharp angle needs the most precision.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · applied

  10. When the partner takes the lob, the net player switches to cover the side left open.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · applied

Test 4Talking and signallingTake a test

  1. Knowing the serve's direction tells the net player which returns are likely.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · recall

  2. A simple confirmation stops a misunderstanding before the point starts.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · recall

  3. Between points there is time for one simple plan, not for a lesson.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · recall

  4. One clear target gives the partner something to do instead of something to fear.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · applied

  5. A plan works when both partners carry it out on every ball they can.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · recall

  6. The changeover is the longest break, the right time to adjust the plan together.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · recall

  7. The server moves to cover the side the poacher will leave, so a poach that does not happen leaves a hole.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · recall

  8. The pair meets, agrees the plan, confirms it with the signal and only then gets into position.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · recall

  9. A concrete plan helps most, encouragement helps, and blame does not help at all.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · applied

  10. In the common system an open hand means a poach and a closed fist means staying put.

    Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics) · applied

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.

  • General doubles coaching reference (team tactics)40