Receiving a short serve in doubles: which foot steps forward?
The two ways to step to a short serve in doubles, what each gives you, and who may need the other one.
Why the first step matters
In doubles the serve and its return decide much of the match (see doubles: serving short, flicking and returning the serve). To return a short serve early, your first step matters. The BWF Level 2 manual notes that singles and doubles movement differ more in how the steps are done than in which steps exist: singles movement is more balletic with a wide range of steps, doubles movement is more staccato and punchy.
The starting position
In both singles and doubles you wait with the non-racket leg forward. For a right-hander, that is the left leg.
Two ways to step to a short serve
1. Step through on the racket leg. This is the singles way: step through onto the racket leg to meet the serve.
2. Step forward on the non-racket leg. This is a second option in doubles. The manual lists two advantages:
- It is quicker, so you can take the shuttle earlier.
- The front foot is already active, which helps if you then have to push off backwards to receive a flick serve.
Who may need the racket-leg step
Younger juniors, some female players and lower-level players generally receive from a deeper position in the service box. For them, stepping forward on the racket leg is necessary to cover the distance to the shuttle.
Try it
- Without a shuttle, stand in your receiving position and rehearse each step, slowly, ten times at a comfortable pace, with a split-step before each. Notice which is more comfortable for the distance you have to cover.
- With a partner who serves short and flicks at random, receive using the non-racket-leg step. Ask your partner what they see.
- If you are standing back in the box and always feel late, try the racket-leg step, or move your starting position a little forward. Both are described by the manual.
Limits
The manual describes the choice and the reasons, not a rule: players of different heights and levels choose differently. Do not start your step before the serve is struck, as the rules require (see the serve: what makes it legal). Stop if a lunge hurts your knee, hip or groin and ask a qualified coach.
General practice advice: play within your limits and stop if something hurts.