Australian Formation

Explanation: The first formation a team should use is one that plays to their strengths. However if this formation is not working a team can switch formations to cover up their own weaknesses, exploit the opponents weaknesses or to try and defend against the opponents strengths.

The serving team: Both players stand on the same side of the court. For example if the server is in the deuce court standing next to the center mark just behind the baseline, then the server's partner would take up a position close to the net and the center line, in the service box directly in front of the server.

The returning team: Stand in the same positions as for the standard doubles formation.

What happens next?: This is known as an aggressive style of doubles play. The most effective way to use this formation is for the server's partner to cross over into the other service box after the server has hit a serve down the center line or at the opponents body. This will not only distract the player attempting to return the serve but also will give the server's partner a good chance of intercepting a shot down the line.

This style is also good because it allows the server to come into the net via the shortest route if they hit a good serve.

Other Formations :