Tactics · Doubles
The Australian formation: techniques and tips to dominate in doubles
The Australian (or Aussie) formation is a doubles set-up in which the server’s partner stands at the net on the same side as the server, instead of diagonally opposite. The returner can no longer play their usual cross-court return and has to go down the line. Used well, it breaks a returner who is growing in confidence and creates easy volleys.
Key takeaways
- Principle: server and net player start on the same side of the court; the server then moves across to the other half after serving.
- Aim: shut off the cross-court return, the most natural shot in doubles, and force a return down the line.
- Positioning: the server serves close to the centre mark; the partner stands at the net near the centre service line, crouching so as not to get in the way.
- Communication: a signal agreed in advance tells the server whether the net player stays or switches sides.
- When to use it: against a returner dominating cross-court, to protect a weakness of the server, or simply to sow doubt.
What is the Australian formation in doubles?
In standard doubles, the server stands behind the baseline and their partner at the net diagonally opposite, in front of the player who is not receiving. In the Australian formation, the partner stands at the net on the same side as the server, directly in front of them. The server serves from close to the centre mark, then moves to the half of the court left open.
The cross-court return, the easiest and safest shot in doubles, now goes straight to the net player. The returner is forced to play down the line, a harder return with less margin over the net.
Why serve in the Australian formation?
- Cut off the opponent’s best return: a returner hitting one cross-court winner after another suddenly has to change direction.
- Protect a weakness: if the server has a fragile backhand, the formation can steer more forehands their way after the serve.
- Create uncertainty: the returner does not know where the net player will go, which leads to unforced errors.
- Make the most of a good volleyer: a partner who poaches well will find more easy volleys.
The trade-off: the server must move quickly after serving, and the down-the-line alley becomes the area to watch.
How do you play the Australian formation?
- Agree the signal before the point: the net player shows behind their back whether they will stay or switch.
- Take your positions: the net player stands near the centre service line, low enough (crouching) not to be hit by the serve; the server stands close to the centre mark.
- Serve down the T as a priority: it reduces the returner’s angles and makes the poach easier.
- Move straight away: the server heads to the half that is not covered, and the net player moves according to the signal.
- Play the first volley down the middle or at the feet of the opposing net player.
AdultsFull daysAll levelsPerformance Camp AdultA week of intensive tennis, 4 players per coach: technique, match play, physical and mental training.DISCOVER Australian formation or I-formation: what is the difference?
The I-formation is a more extreme version: the net player crouches exactly on the centre service line and the server serves from the centre mark. The two players form an ‘I’ and the returner gets no clue about where they will move.
| Formation | Net player | Benefit | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Diagonally opposite the server | Simple, balanced coverage | The cross-court return stays open |
| Australian | Same side as the server | Shuts off the cross-court return | The server must move quickly |
| I-formation | On the centre line, crouching | The returner reads nothing | Requires perfect communication |
When should you use the Australian formation?
- When the opposing returner finds their cross-court return too easily.
- On big points, to change the rhythm and ask a new question.
- When your partner is more comfortable poaching than defending.
- Sparingly: used on every point, it becomes predictable.
The Australian formation often goes hand in hand with serve and volley: the server can follow the serve to the net to form a wall with their partner. For the motion itself, see our guide to serve technique and the serve starting position. On the other side of the net, our advice on return of serve tactics helps you deal with this kind of formation.
Doubles is best learnt with four players on court and a coach who stops play at the right moment: that is what our adult camps offer, by the week or over a weekend.
On a camp at the Mouratoglou Academy, the Australian formation is practised in live doubles, with signals and movement patterns. The Mouratoglou Method builds doubles tactics into training just like technique. To go further, read our guide to serve and volley.
Frequently asked questions
Where should you stand in doubles?
In the standard formation, the server stands behind the baseline, halfway between the centre mark and the tramlines, and the partner at the net diagonally opposite, about two metres from the net. The returner stands near the baseline and their partner around the service line. Partners keep a steady distance to cover the court without getting in each other’s way.
Who should serve first in doubles?
Usually the player with the better serve, to give the team a better chance of holding its first service game. The serving order chosen at the start of a set stays the same until the end of that set.
Is the Australian formation legal?
Yes. The rules only require the server to serve from behind the baseline, between the centre mark and the doubles sideline. The partner can stand wherever they like, provided they do not hinder the returner.
How do you return against the Australian formation?
Play down the line, aiming for the area the server has to cover while moving, or lob over the net player. Keep it simple: a low return through the middle limits easy volleys.
How do you practise doubles and the Australian formation?
Start with fixed patterns: Australian serve, down-the-line return, volley from the net player. Then add signals and give the returner a free choice. Finally play full games where the formation must be used on certain points. On the Performance Weekend Camp Adult, doubles sessions follow this kind of progression.
