What might you learn by playing six points using The Australian Formation in your next match? Maybe that your opponent’s blistering cross court backhand is tame by comparison when you force her to go down the side.
Perhaps that your partner’s less formidable backhand volley is put in the back pocket as she plays more forehands.
Remember, the net player needn’t crouch in this formation, just stand enough away from the center for safety and to give the server access to all serving targets. The serve to the body is money. The server’s partner is on the same side of the court and not too close to the net to discourage the lob return.
Most teams that have two right handlers will play this in the add court so they have a forehand volley or forehand ground stroke if the server elects to stay back. The partner at net should signal their intention to fake or poach to make things happen at net.
Pros often play two back when receiving serve. Why not try it and lob the return six times in a match like Wimbledon champion Jamie Murray? You might discover that your good lob results in a winning overhead by your partner.
Twelve creative points per match is certainly doable and could spice up your play next week.
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