Australian Formation Meaning in Tennis

The Australian formation is a doubles strategy where both players start on the same side. The server stands near the center mark while their partner guards the net directly in front. This leaves one entire half of the court empty at the start. It is used to stop an opponent from hitting their favorite crosscourt return.

By standing in the way, you force them to hit a difficult down-the-line shot. This often leads to errors because the returner feels rushed and crowded. For example, two players stand on the right side of the court to protect against a strong forehand. The server then slides to the left after hitting the ball to cover the gap. This formation requires excellent communication and quick footwork from the serving team. It is a great way to change the look of the game during important points. You can use it to hide a partner’s weaker volley by positioning them better. It makes the doubles court feel much smaller for the person returning.