Doubles serve-and-return patterns

Purpose & setup

Connect the serve, return and first team decision.

A serves from the near baseline with B near the net. C receives from the opposite diagonal baseline with D near the net. Agree who covers the middle.

How to play

1. A serves into the diagonal box with two attempts; a double fault ends the point.
2. C returns after one bounce; then play out the point using full doubles boundaries, volleys or one bounce.
3. End on a net ball, out ball or second bounce. Play four points, alternating deuce and ad serves; C and D take their respective receiving sides.
4. Rotate service roles A → C → B → D after each four-point round, with the server’s partner at net. Finish the current point at block time.

Scoring or success

One point to the winning pair per rally. Count four-point round totals; reset each round. Custom practice scoring.

Rotation & roles

After four points the next listed server takes the baseline role. Partners swap baseline/net as needed; all players are active.

Mixed levels

Use a larger target for the less experienced player and a smaller one for the stronger player.

Safety & spacing

Keep spare balls and equipment outside playing routes. Call shared balls, leave room for swings and retrieve only after the ball is dead. Use a comfortable pace and stop rather than chasing into another player or court.