Doubles is a different game to singles. Raw shot power matters less than positioning, rotation and communication. Get those right and you'll beat pairs who hit harder than you. Here are the badminton doubles tactics every club player should know.
Quick answer: Winning doubles comes down to two formations — attack from a front-and-back position, defend from a side-by-side position, and rotate smoothly between them. Keep the shuttle going downward to stay on attack, and communicate constantly with your partner.
The two core formations
Everything in doubles revolves around switching between two shapes.
Front-and-back (attacking)
When your pair is hitting downward — smashes, drops, net kills — you attack in a front-and-back formation. One player covers the net, the other covers the rear court. This keeps pressure on and forces weak, upward replies.
Side-by-side (defending)
When your opponents are attacking and you're forced to lift the shuttle upward, switch to side-by-side. Each player covers one half of the court, ready to defend smashes down either flank.
The single most important skill in doubles is recognising which formation you should be in, moment to moment.
Rotation: the key to good doubles
Pairs must rotate fluidly as the point develops.
- Attack to defence: the instant you're forced to lift, both players slide into side-by-side.
- Defence to attack: when you win a rally with a good block or drive that forces a weak reply, rotate into front-and-back to press home the advantage.
Rotation should be automatic and unspoken once a partnership gels. Practise it until it's instinctive.
Serving and receiving
The serve sets up the entire rally in doubles.
- Serve low and tight to the front service line to deny an attack.
- Vary it with the occasional flick serve to the back to keep receivers honest.
- Receive aggressively — get to the shuttle early and take it high to keep the point on your terms.
A predictable serve or a lazy return hands the initiative straight to your opponents.
Attacking tactics that win points
- Smash to the middle — it creates confusion over who takes it and narrows the return angle.
- Target the weaker player — relentlessly, until they crack.
- Use the drop-then-net — bring them forward, then push it back over.
- Keep it flat and fast — flat drives deny opponents the time to attack.
Defensive tactics that frustrate
- Block to the net rather than lifting again to turn defence into attack.
- Drive back down the line when you get a smash you can handle.
- Lift to the corners, never the middle, to make attackers move.
- Stay patient — a good defensive pair forces errors from over-aggressive attackers.
Communication essentials
Talk constantly. Call "mine" and "yours", "out", "leave" and "switch". Agree who takes the middle before the match starts (usually the player with the forehand in the centre). A quiet pair loses points to hesitation that a talking pair never would.
Five habits of strong club pairs
- Never both go for the same shuttle.
- Keep the shuttle going downward whenever possible.
- Recover to formation after every shot.
- Cover your partner when they're pulled out of position.
- Stay positive — encouragement beats blame every time.
FAQs
Who should cover the middle in doubles?
Usually the player whose forehand is in the centre, but agree it in advance. Middle shuttles cause the most confusion, so clarity here wins points.
How do you attack in badminton doubles?
Get into a front-and-back formation with one player at the net and one at the back, then keep the shuttle travelling downward with smashes, drops and net kills.
When should you lift the shuttle in doubles?
As little as possible, because lifting hands your opponents the attack. Only lift when you can't play a controlled flat or downward shot, and aim for the corners.
What's the best serve in doubles?
A low, tight serve to the front service line is the standard, mixed with occasional flick serves to prevent the receiver from rushing in.
Sharpen your game with the right kit from our badminton collection. For fast-hand doubles play, a head-light frame helps — see our best rackets under £100 guide for control-focused options. Central Sports is Birmingham's badminton specialist and the official retailer of the Yonex All England Championships.