26/07/2026
🏓 LESSON #18: DOUBLES POSITIONING – MOVE AS ONE
Great doubles teams don't just hit better shots—they move together, communicate clearly, and protect the court as one unit.
Many recreational players lose points because one partner moves forward while the other stays back, or both chase the same ball and leave the court wide open.
👉 Imagine you and your partner are connected by an invisible rope. Whenever one player moves, the other moves too.
1️⃣ Stay on the Same Line
When defending, both players should stay near the baseline.
When moving forward, both players should work their way to the Kitchen Line together.
Avoid having one player at the Kitchen and the other at the baseline—it creates an easy target between you.
Remember:
Move Together → Defend Together → Attack Together
2️⃣ Shift with the Ball
As the ball moves to the right, both players shift right.
As the ball moves to the left, both players shift left.
The player closest to the ball covers the line, while the partner slides toward the middle to protect the gap.
👉 Don't stay fixed to "your half" of the court. Move with the ball.
3️⃣ Protect the Middle
Most doubles mistakes happen on balls hit between partners.
Before every match, agree on:
Who takes middle balls?
Whose forehand is stronger?
How will you communicate?
Simple calls make a huge difference:
"Mine!"
"Yours!"
"Leave!"
Early communication prevents hesitation and collisions.
4️⃣ Forehand Doesn't Always Take the Middle
Many players believe the forehand should always take the middle ball.
Not necessarily.
The better choice is the player who:
Has better court position
Is balanced
Can reach the ball comfortably
Won't leave a large opening behind
👉 Position is more important than forehand or backhand.
5️⃣ Close the Gaps
Don't stand too far apart.
At the Kitchen Line, maintain enough spacing to:
✅ Protect the middle
✅ Avoid paddle collisions
✅ Support your partner on fast exchanges
✅ Move together as one unit
If one player is pulled wide, the partner should immediately slide toward the middle.
Common Mistakes
❌ One player moves up while the other stays back.
❌ Both players chase the same ball.
❌ No communication.
❌ Standing too far apart.
❌ Not moving with the ball.
❌ Competing with your partner instead of working together.
🏓 5-Minute Drill
Shadow Movement Drill
Stand side by side at the Kitchen Line.
Without a ball, shuffle left and right together for one minute.
Add a ball and rally with another pair.
Continue moving as a team with every shot.
Practice calling "Mine!" or "Yours!" on every middle ball.
Repeat for 10 rallies, then switch roles.
🎯 Practice Goals
✅ Stay on the same line.
✅ Move together with every shot.
✅ Communicate early.
✅ Protect the middle.
✅ Recover to balanced court positioning after each rally.
💡 Coach's Tip
Great doubles teams don't cover two separate halves of the court.
They protect the space between them.
👉 Remember:
Stay Connected → Move with the Ball → Protect the Middle → Communicate Early
Master these habits, and you'll win more points—even without hitting harder.
💬 What is your biggest doubles challenge: communication, court positioning, or covering the middle? Leave a comment below—we'd love to help!
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