Middle then wide doubles

Purpose & setup

Use a central ball to organise the rally before looking for open space.

A+B share the near baseline and C+D the far baseline. Use one ball and full doubles boundaries. T is the central backcourt strip at each end, about one racket length either side of the centre.

How to play

1. A drop-feeds centrally. The next four rally shots must land in T beyond the opposite service line, with partners calling responsibility.
2. After four successful central returns, any player may use the full doubles width and the point becomes competitive.
3. A miss during the central opening is replayed without a point. Once open, a miss, out ball or second bounce loses the point.
4. Rotate the feeder A → C → B → D every point attempt. After eight scored points swap left/right halves with partners; finish the current point at time.

Scoring or success

One point for winning an open rally. Separately count completed four-shot openings to see whether the pair can build a point before attacking.

Rotation & roles

All four stay active. Change feeder after each attempt, even if the opening fails, and swap partner halves after eight scored points.

Mixed levels

Use a wider central target for the less experienced pair without changing the opening shot count.

Safety & spacing

Partners call early for middle balls and one yields clearly. Avoid hard shots at close opponents and stop when a stray ball enters.