# Doubles Tactics as a System · Tennis Level 6: Advanced

Tennis · Level 6: Advanced · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/tennis/level-6/doubles-tactics-as-a-system/)

Doubles Tactics as a System in Tennis (Level 6: Advanced) on Insporta: 40 sourced facts behind 4 tests. Covers: moving as a unit; poaching decisions; and more.

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.

## Test 1: Moving as a unit

- If both shift together, no gap opens between them for the opponents to hit through. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- With the ball on their side, the line behind the net player is the open threat. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics))
- Shading inward narrows the gap that is the easiest target against a pair. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics))
- 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))
- The lob gives time, so the pair moves forward together and takes the net. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics))
- Both shift towards the ball: one covers the line on that side, the other the middle. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics))

## Test 2: Poaching decisions

- 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))
- An early move gives itself away, and the alley the poacher left is the obvious target. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics))
- 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))
- 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))
- A cross-court ball at a good height can be intercepted and volleyed down. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics))
- Fear of the poach pushes the returner into riskier targets, which brings errors. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics))
- Moving forward as well as across meets the ball earlier and higher. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics))
- The plan is set before the serve, and the move waits for the returner to commit. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics))
- The higher and slower the return, the easier it is to intercept. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics))
- Path A meets the ball earlier and above the net; path B reaches it later and lower. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics))

## Test 3: Defending the lob

- 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))
- A step back makes the lob harder to clear without giving up much at the net. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics))
- 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))
- The middle and the nearer player's feet leave the least time and the most confusion. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics))
- 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))
- A short lob is an easy smash; backing off wastes the chance. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics))
- Once lobbed, net players hesitate to close in, which opens up low shots at their feet. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics))
- The partner takes the lob, and the net player crosses over so both sides stay covered. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics))
- The middle gives the most margin; the sharp angle needs the most precision. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics))
- When the partner takes the lob, the net player switches to cover the side left open. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics))

## Test 4: Talking and signalling

- Knowing the serve's direction tells the net player which returns are likely. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics))
- A simple confirmation stops a misunderstanding before the point starts. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics))
- Between points there is time for one simple plan, not for a lesson. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics))
- One clear target gives the partner something to do instead of something to fear. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics))
- A plan works when both partners carry it out on every ball they can. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics))
- The changeover is the longest break, the right time to adjust the plan together. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics))
- 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))
- The pair meets, agrees the plan, confirms it with the signal and only then gets into position. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics))
- A concrete plan helps most, encouragement helps, and blame does not help at all. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics))
- In the common system an open hand means a poach and a closed fist means staying put. (Source: General doubles coaching reference (team tactics))

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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