i formation doubles - Steve Landon

I formation

The “I” formation is designed to put pressure on the returner and to get the servers partner in the centre of the court to pick off the return.

Normal i formation needs the server to be able to hit a serve down the T (to the centre of the Court). Now the returner is forced to hit to the doubles alleys in order to avoid the volleyer.

The servers partner couches below net level for the serve or waits slightly to the left of the service line until the serve is hit.

Below: Blue pair has served in “Deuce side i formation” set up

Movement and communication

You can’t play i formation without good communication and decisive movement patterns. The server must know if the Volleyer is going to move 1. “Go” or 2. “Stay” after the return is hit. The server will then move to cover the other side of the court.

This tactic is often used with the server coming in to hit a volley straight away (1) . This cuts down the angle of the return and takes time away from the returning pair after the return. It is possible for the server to stay back (2) and switch to cover from the baseline.

Below : If the volleyer chooses option 1 the server can cover the open court with a volley (1) or a ground stroke (2).

if the volleyer chooses to stay (2) the server will simply remain in their own side.

Why Deuce side?

Ive shown this from the deuce side because the serve down the T will go to the (normally) weaker backhand side of the returner. The volleyer with also be moving across to cover the open court with a forehand volley.

You can try this tactic on the advantage side of the court too.

Should you serve “wide”?

If you are able to stretch the returner with a strong angle and/or pace then yes. The rule is (as with most tennis strategy) however, “ don’t open angles unless you are controlling the point” . Anything but a strong serve out wide with just open up a down the line return that the volleyer can’t cover.

If the wide serve is strong make sure the volleyer is very close to the net to cover the sharp angled return cross court.

Below : wide serve give the returner shot A (down the line return) or B (sharp angle cross court)

i formation requires both players to be very aggressive and look to finish the point quickly. It also needs practice so I recommend a bit of work first and maybe even a lesson with a good volley coach like Fionn to become comfortable with it.

Enjoy playing about with this set up and have fun.