Doubles lob switch point

Turn a defensive lob into a planned partner switch before opening a doubles point.

Competitive game · Movement · Doubles teamwork · Minimum 6 minutes

Equipment: rackets, balls
Space: One tennis court with clear run-off space
Suggested block: 12 minutes; allow at least 6

Drill instructions

● Letter = player → Ball ⇢ Movement T = targetC lobs over near-left net player A. Near-right baseline player B moves left to retrieve after a bounce while A switches to near-right net. B returns to C+D and the doubles point opens.Starting positions are schematic; follow the written setup.

Purpose & setup

Turn a defensive lob into a planned partner switch before opening a doubles point.

A starts at near-left net and B behind the near-right baseline. C+D start behind the far baseline. C feeds a gentle lob over A into the near-left backcourt.

How to play

C lobs over A. A calls “switch” and moves to near-right net; B calls “mine”, turns and moves left for the bounce.
B sends a controlled return into the far doubles court. Only after that return is the point fully open.
Play out the point, ending on a miss, out ball or second bounce. If the opening lob is unreachable, stop and replay safely.
After four points exchange near/far roles. Alternate the starting net half each point, then finish the current point at time.

Scoring or success

One point per completed open rally. Opening feeds and safely abandoned lobs do not score; this is a custom doubles point-start.

Rotation & roles

Four points per team in the switching role. Partners alternate net/baseline positions each point so both practise retrieving and covering.

Make it easier

Feed a shorter lob and allow the switching pair to reset before C or D plays the next shot.

Add a challenge

After the lob return, allow the far pair to choose a controlled pass or another lob.

Mixed levels

Place the less mobile retrieving player nearer the centre and use a more generous feed.

Safety & spacing

The net player does not chase backwards under the lob. Both call early and stop if the baseline player’s route is blocked.

Follow the illustrated instructions. No video has been published for this activity.

Sources & editorial status

Editorial review needed: original practice rules and diagram, not coach-approved. These are optional practice rules, not official competition rules. References support general tennis guidance; they do not endorse this format.

USTA: Tennis tips and instruction — General coaching reference; does not validate these custom games.
LTA: Improve your game — General learning resource; custom rotations and scoring require review.