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The server's partner is standing very deep. Does your return change?
Server's partner standing deep: lob the server instead, or hit low to the partner's feet. Do not lob a player who has already retreated.
You are about to return. The server's partner has set up unusually deep at the net, almost on the service line. What does that do to your return choice?
Server's partner standing deep: lob the server instead, or hit low to the partner's feet. Do not lob a player who has already retreated.
Why
The server's partner's depth is information. A partner set up deep, near the service line, is expecting the lob and will bandeja it comfortably, but they have also given up the volley: a low, soft return to their feet arrives at a player in no man's land with no way to hit down, and the returning pair can advance behind it. Alternatively, the lob goes over the server, who is still running in and cannot yet retreat. Reading the net partner's position before the serve is bounced is the difference between a return that neutralises and one that gives the point away.
What this means at your level
Beginner
Before each return, glance at where the net player is standing. If they are far from the net, do not lob them.
Intermediate
A partner who stands deep leaves the drop-shot return open too: a soft, short ball over the net in front of them is a long way to run.
Advanced
Some pairs shift the partner deep on second serves only, to protect against the attacking return. Notice the pattern and answer it with the low return on second serves.
Common questions
You are about to return. The server's partner has set up unusually deep at the net, almost on the service line. What does that do to your return choice?
Go low to their feet, or lob the server. Server's partner standing deep: lob the server instead, or hit low to the partner's feet. Do not lob a player who has already retreated. The server's partner's depth is information. A partner set up deep, near the service line, is expecting the lob and will bandeja it comfortably, but they have also given up the volley: a low, soft return to their feet arrives at a player in no man's land with no way to hit down, and the returning pair can advance behind it. Alternatively, the lob goes over the server, who is still running in and cannot yet retreat. Reading the net partner's position before the serve is bounced is the difference between a return that neutralises and one that gives the point away.
Why not nothing: lob as usual, deep over them?
A lob at a player who is already deep is a comfortable bandeja. Read the position and change the shot.
What should a beginner do here?
Before each return, glance at where the net player is standing. If they are far from the net, do not lob them.
How does this change for an advanced player?
Some pairs shift the partner deep on second serves only, to protect against the attacking return. Notice the pattern and answer it with the low return on second serves.
Puzzles like this one
Both of them are at the net. What is the highest-percentage ball?
Only the lob moves a net pair backwards. Everything else invites them forward.
intermediateWhat do you do with the return of serve?
The return lob is how the receiving pair steals the net. Aim over the player who is still moving.
intermediateCross or down the line: which way should the lob go?
Lob cross-court by default. It is the longest line on court and it makes the far player run.