Tennis Doubles: Australian Formation and Net Player Signals

Doubles pairs try the standard formation and the Australian formation, where the server's partner lines up at the net on the same side. They agree on hand signals behind the back to decide whether the net player crosses or stays.

How to play

1. Formations on the board and on court: standard diagonal and Australian same-side; what each is for against a strong crosscourt return (5 min).
2. Serve and first shot in standard formation: the net player tries to pick off weak returns (7 min).
3. Australian formation: the server moves to the opposite side after serving; the returner has to switch to a down-the-line return (8 min).
4. Signals: the pair agrees on two signals behind the back (fist means stay, open hand means cross) and plays points using them (10 min).
5. Quick debate: which formation won them more points and against which type of returner (5 min).

Rules

• The net player stands a safe distance from the net and never reaches over it.
• Signals are given before the serve and the server confirms with a nod.
• When crossing, the net player calls "mine" to avoid collisions.

Variations

Adaptations

• Deaf or hard of hearing: visual signals come naturally; add an agreed gesture for "mine."
• Wheelchair users: play from the back with two bounces while the partner covers the net.
• Students who struggle to serve: may serve underhand so the tactical work still runs.

Learning goals

• Know the serving formations in tennis doubles.
• Coordinate with a partner using signals.
• Analyze which formation works best against each returner.

Equipment for a class of 25

• tennis rackets: 30
• low-compression tennis balls: 20
• cones: 24
• badminton net: 3
• chalk: 4

Teacher tip

Low-compression balls make serves easier to return, so the drill works even at a low skill level. Common mistake: in Australian formation the server forgets to cross over and leaves half the court empty.

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