I-formation and Australian doubles

Setup

1. Doubles court; A1 serves, A2 is at the net, B1 returns and B2 is at the net.
2. Agree the hand signals behind the back: a closed fist means stay, an open hand means cross. A finger pointing wide, body or T calls the serve.

How it runs

1. I-formation: A2 crouches on the centre service line, low enough for the serve to clear. A1 serves from beside the centre mark.
2. A2 signals, A1 nods, and after the serve they split: A2 moves to the signalled side and A1 covers the other.
3. Australian formation: A2 stands at the net on the same side as A1. A1 serves, then moves across to cover the other half.
4. Play the point out after each serve. B1 and B2 serve and receive in the normal doubles order.
5. A1 and A2 serve a game in each formation, then switch to the receiving team.

Coaching points

• A2 moves on the server's contact, not before, so the returner can't read it early.
• Serve to the T in I-formation; it keeps the return central where A2 can intercept.
• Australian blocks the crosscourt return, so the returner must change to down the line.
• The server must know where to go; a missed signal leaves a hole in the court.
• Use the formations to break a returner's rhythm, not on every point.

Common mistakes

• A2 standing up in I-formation and being hit by the serve.
• Server and net player both covering the same side.
• A2 moving too early and giving the move away.