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When to Play 2-Back in Doubles (& How)

Will Boucek ยท July 10, 2023

In doubles, getting to the net is a winning strategy. But sometimes it pays to play two-back in doubles.

  • Why would we want to play two-back?
  • What are the scenarios where it makes sense to play two-back?
  • What is the best strategy when my partner and I are both at the baseline?
Coco Gauff & Caty McNally play 2-back in doubles
Coco Gauff (returning) & Caty McNally using a 2-back return formation in the US Open.

In this episode, I analyze all those questions and more.

Learn the best times to play two-back on the return, including an alternative strategy. I also share a story of when I successfully played two-back on my own serve which I almost never recommend. At the end, I discuss different scenarios of playing two-back vs two-up or one-up and one-back.

This episode definitely requires you to visualize the court a bit, but the two back strategy doesn’t get talked about enough so I hope this helps your game.


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Show Notes from this Podcast

  • Gigi Fernandez interview
  • Craig O’Shannessy interview

About Will Boucek

Will Boucek is the Founder & CEO of Tennis Tribe. With over two decades of experience playing & coaching tennis, Will now works as a doubles strategy analyst for ATP & WTA tour players and coaches. Will helps tennis players at every level play better doubles through smarter strategy. He also has expertise in tennis racquets & gear, testing the latest products from Wilson, Babolat, Head, Prince, and other tennis brands.

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About Will Boucek

Will is an ATP & WTA doubles strategy analyst. He helps doubles players at every level of tennis improve their game using smarter strategy & tactics. He has worked with players at the USTA 3.0 level, all the way up to Wimbledon and the US Open.

"I think most club-level players focus too much on technique and not enough on strategy. You probably don't have 10 hours per week to improve your serve... but you can improve your court position, movement, and shot selection immediately!"
- Will Boucek, Tennis Tribe Founder

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