Strategy

Switch

Doubles partners trading sides during a rally — usually called when one partner has been pulled wide or out of position.

Last revised 3w ago

Switches happen mid-rally when partners trade court halves to recover from a pulled-wide ball. Communication is key — the partner staying home calls 'switch' or 'mine' so both players don't end up on the same side.

Stacked formations rely on switching as a routine pattern; non-stacked teams switch only when forced. Either way, a missed switch is one of the most common doubles errors in rec play.

Related terms

Stack
A formation where both partners line up on the same side before the serve, then switch positions mid-rally to keep the dominant player on a chosen half of the court.
Poach
A doubles player crossing into their partner's half of the court to intercept a ball — usually a volley at the kitchen line.

Switch

Stack

Poach