Should You Stand Back When Your Partner Is Returning in Doubles?

Over the past week, we have been watching a lot of AO doubles. One thing that really caught our attention was the return position on first serves. Some players, like Nick Kyrgios and Leylah Fernandez, stand well behind the baseline when their partner is returning. Others stay closer in, holding the more traditional position near the service line.

That led us to a question: When your partner is returning, should you adjust your net position—and specifically, is there ever a good reason to stand back on or near the baseline?

In doubles, your positioning while your partner returns is critical. It sets the tone for the point and helps shape the roles each player takes in the first few shots. Some players instinctively drop back behind the service line to “stay safe” or get a better view of the return—but is that actually a sound tactic?

The Net Player’s Role on Return

When your partner is returning, your job is to stay alert, cover your half of the court, and be in position to move if the return is effective. Ideally, you want to stay around the service line or just inside it—not too far back, and definitely not passive.

Backing up unnecessarily can:

Give away net position
Make poaching more difficult
Leave the middle of the court open

If you’re too far back, you’re not applying any pressure to the opponents—and you reduce your own ability to intercept the next ball.

When Standing Back Makes Sense

There are a few situations where standing slightly deeper is reasonable:

Your partner is struggling to get the return past the opposing net player
The server is hitting hard and wide, pulling your partner off the court and leaving gaps
The returner consistently floats returns that give the other team time to attack

In these cases, adjusting your position slightly back or more toward the baseline can help you recover defensively or avoid getting caught off guard.

A Balanced Approach

Instead of backing up by default, it’s better to adjust with intent. Here’s what that looks like:

Stay near the service line unless there’s a clear reason to move
Be ready to shift or retreat only after the return is hit
Focus your attention on the opposing net player while your partner hits.

This keeps you active in the point, allows you to respond quickly, and maintains team shape.

Wrap

Stepping back when your partner is returning should be a deliberate choice—not a habit. Unless you’re dealing with specific tactical challenges, it’s better to hold your ground and stay engaged near the net. Doubles rewards good positioning and awareness, not just safety.

Good doubles is about smart positioning, not just safe positioning.

Should You Stand Back When Your Partner Is Returning in Doubles?