5 Serve Formations
1 – THE “NEUTRAL” SERVE FORMATION
Puts pressure on the returner to keep the ball away from the person at the net
2 – THE “DEFENSIVE” SERVE FORMATION
The server’s partner may be under pressure at the net and prefers to start the point at the baseline
3 – THE “I” SERVE FORMATION
Surprise the returner so they don’t know which way the server’s partner will move after the serve
4 – THE “AUSTRALIAN” SERVE FORMATION
The server’s partner stands on the same side of the court. Prevent the return going crosscourt as the server’s partner is covering the crosscourt return
5 – THE “SWITCH” SERVE FORMATION
Surprise the returner by moving across, and also cover the crosscourt return
3 Return Formations
1 – THE “NEUTRAL” RETURN FORMATION
Allows the returner’s partner to move forward if it’s a good return or move back if not. This could be when the server is hitting a first serve as it can be more difficult to return.
2 – THE “DEFENSIVE” RETURN FORMATION
Gives the returner’s partner more of a chance to get into the point if their partner finds it difficult to hit a good return
3 – THE “ATTACKING” RETURN FORMATION
The returner’s partner can move further up the court if the returner is confident of hitting the return away from the player at the net e.g. when returning a 2nd serve which may be slower