The Five Volleys Every Doubles Player Needs

Better movement and clearer decisions can make you a more effective partner at the net. A doubles point can change before the net player touches the ball. A well-timed step forward narrows the opponent’s options. A move across the middle puts a return under pressure. Recognizing an attacking ball early gives you a chance to defend.

That is why good volleying begins with reading the situation. Each ball asks something different of you: hold your position, intercept, protect yourself, cover your partner, or move into the net. These five volleys give club players a practical framework for responding with purpose. We spoke to Carlos Gonzalez, Director of Racquets and the Grove Isle Racquet & Yacht Club, who gave us 5 volleys every doubles player needs.

1. The Stay Volley

When you decide to stay on your side, you still need to move. As the opponent prepares to hit, advance toward the net, then use a balanced split step to prepare for the incoming shot. Keep your weight centered so you can respond to either side.

The common mistake is drifting toward the doubles alley or leaning toward the volley you expect. Both can leave the middle exposed. Start from a position that lets you influence the center while remaining able to cover the line.

Keep the swing compact and choose a clear target. When the ball is high enough and you are close to the net, an angled volley may finish the point. A volley through the middle offers another useful option. Let your contact position and the opponents’ positions guide the choice.

2. The Poaching Volley

A successful poach begins with the same forward movement as a stay. This makes your intention harder to read. As the opponent commits to the shot, push diagonally forward across the middle to intercept the crosscourt ball.

Moving sideways too early reveals the opening down the line. Waiting until the ball has already passed your reach makes the interception difficult. Practice the timing so your first movement looks familiar, then commit to the crossing step.

Once you reach the ball, resist the oversized swing. A short volley directed down toward the opposing net player’s feet can be enough to create a difficult reply. Discuss the poach with your partner so the two of you know who will cover the space you leave.

3. The Defensive Volley

Your partner’s short ball or weak second serve may give an opponent time to step in and attack. Recognize that change immediately. Create some distance from the net and shade toward the alley to reduce your exposure, then settle before contact.

The mistake is continuing to retreat while trying to volley. Move into your defensive position first, establish your balance, and keep the racket ready in front. A compact backhand block can help you handle a ball driven at your body.

Here, success is keeping the rally alive. Give yourself a chance to absorb the pace and make the opponent play another shot.

4. The Swinging Volley

When a lob goes over your partner, your early reaction can preserve the team’s attacking position. From deeper in the court, read the flight and move diagonally to cover it. If you can reach the ball comfortably before it bounces, take a controlled swinging volley through the middle.

Think of the stroke as a groundstroke played out of the air. Create enough space between your body and the ball, and use a smooth swing. Taking time away from your opponents already puts them under pressure; maximum power is unnecessary.

Avoid assuming every ball will be a lob. Stay ready for the groundstroke, then react when the trajectory becomes clear. If the ball is beyond your comfortable reach, let it bounce. Moving early gives you options.

5. The First Volley

After a serve or an approach shot, the first volley helps you establish your position at the net. The challenge is arriving with control.

Accelerate forward after your shot, slow into a balanced split step as the opponent strikes, then move toward the volley. This change of pace lets you make progress without running through contact.

A common error is treating the approach as one uninterrupted sprint. Another is stopping so completely that you lose the chance to close in. Aim for a controlled first volley with margin, especially when contact is low, and continue forward when the reply allows.

Start your next practice with the stay volley and the poach, using the same initial movement for both. Then ask your practice partner to mix in attacking balls and lobs so you must read the situation before responding.

The common thread connecting all five volleys is balance. Arrive ready to move, choose a target that fits the ball, and keep the stroke under control. That gives your team a stronger position for the next shot.