Constant net pressure. Aggressive positioning. Australian formation all summer. This is how great doubles teams are made.
Doubles is NOT level-based like singles. In doubles, the strategic imperative is constant net pressure — move forward, seize the net, and finish points decisively. Our 2026 curriculum is designed to force that mindset into every player's game.
The most transformative change in doubles positioning
In Australian (I-) formation, the net player positions on the same side as the server rather than the traditional cross-court position. This forces both players to develop comfort and competence on both sides of the court, eliminates predictable cross-court returns, and creates genuine tactical confusion for opponents.
Every serve is followed to the net — no exceptions, all season
This is a non-negotiable rule for all players, all summer. After every serve, the server moves immediately to the net. This commitment — uncomfortable at first — builds an aggressive forward momentum game that transforms how players think about doubles. By the end of 11 weeks, approaching the net feels natural, not scary.
The net player is a weapon, not a spectator
The net player's job is to dominate. Through systematic poaching pattern training, players learn to read the rally, anticipate weak balls, move decisively to intercept, and finish points at the net. We also train the fake poach — a movement deception that opens angles and disrupts the returner's rhythm.
Each day of the week targets a specific doubles skill set. Over 11 weeks, the curriculum spirals in complexity.
Australian formation serve mechanics, T/wide/body placement, approach path, and first volley targeting. Conditioning: lateral split-step agility work.
Return positioning against Australian formation, chip-and-charge patterns, lob over net player, passing shot angles. Conditioning: explosive first step, chase-and-recover.
Poach trigger drills, signal poach sequences, fake poach patterns, finish shot selection. Overhead and swinging volley technique. Conditioning: reaction and plyometrics.
Full doubles match play with real scoring. Weekly tournament format with prizes and recognition. Coach review, video analysis, and mental performance debrief.
Tennis-specific fitness integrated into every session. Agility ladders, med ball throws, plyometrics, footwork patterns, loaded swings, endurance work, and injury prevention. Led by specialist conditioning staff.
Each week builds on the previous. Players don't just repeat — they integrate new concepts onto a growing tactical foundation.
Australian formation intro, serve mechanics, court positioning
Mandatory serve-and-volley, split-step mechanics, first volley
Return patterns vs. Australian, chip/charge, lob response
Signal poach, instinct poach, cross-court intercept finishing
Hand signals, verbal cues, fake poach introduction
Split-step timing, closing footwork, low volley, lateral movement
Overhead smash, swinging volley, finish shot selection
Court-side specialization, role-specific serve patterns
Break/hold tactics, mental performance, tiebreak strategy
All formations combined, match simulation, team review
End-of-summer tournament, awards, celebration
Join the 2026 ETA summer program and master the most aggressive doubles game in the Treasure Valley.