Australian formation: when to use it

What this lesson covers

Australian formation helps when a team has a left-handed player or a specific strength disparity. With a lefty, the formation keeps both forehands in the middle of the court to cover lobs and central play. When both players are right-handed, the formation remains useful only if the player on the left possesses a significantly stronger smash than the one on the right.

Running to the net takes longer in this formation, so speed is a requirement. Serving to the glass creates a larger gap, making it easy for opponents to hit a passing shot. Serving to the middle limits the opponent's angles and allows the net player to intercept the ball and direct it into the corners. This formation suits teams that can manage the extra distance to the net and maintain consistent serves to the center.