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They are in the Australian formation. Where does your return lob go?
Australian formation: return lob into the empty half, down the line. Make the crossing server cover it from the back.
The serving pair uses the Australian formation: the partner is on the server's side. Where should your return lob go now?
Australian formation: return lob into the empty half, down the line. Make the crossing server cover it from the back.
Why
The Australian formation moves the server's partner onto the server's half before the serve, leaving the other half open until the server crosses to it. The return lob that punishes it goes into that empty half, down the line from the returner, because the server has to run across and then back to reach it, and will play it from deep. The usual cross-court lob lands exactly where the two of them are standing, which is what the formation was designed to invite. Recognising the formation before the serve and adjusting the lob's direction takes the tactic away from them in one point.
What this means at your level
Beginner
If both of the serving pair are standing on the same side, lob to the other side. It is empty for a reason.
Intermediate
The down-the-line lob is shorter than cross-court, so it needs a touch more height to land deep. Adjust the arc, not just the direction.
Advanced
They will answer by having the server cross faster, which shortens their serve options. Keep lobbing the empty side until they abandon the formation, then go back to your normal returns.
Common questions
The serving pair uses the Australian formation: the partner is on the server's side. Where should your return lob go now?
Down the line, into the empty half. Australian formation: return lob into the empty half, down the line. Make the crossing server cover it from the back. The Australian formation moves the server's partner onto the server's half before the serve, leaving the other half open until the server crosses to it. The return lob that punishes it goes into that empty half, down the line from the returner, because the server has to run across and then back to reach it, and will play it from deep. The usual cross-court lob lands exactly where the two of them are standing, which is what the formation was designed to invite. Recognising the formation before the serve and adjusting the lob's direction takes the tactic away from them in one point.
Why not cross-court as usual, over the server?
Cross-court lands in the half where both of them are standing. That is the formation's whole purpose.
What should a beginner do here?
If both of the serving pair are standing on the same side, lob to the other side. It is empty for a reason.
How does this change for an advanced player?
They will answer by having the server cross faster, which shortens their serve options. Keep lobbing the empty side until they abandon the formation, then go back to your normal returns.
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.
advancedThey are camped at the net and you cannot lob. What now?
If you cannot lift it over them, make them lift it for you. The chiquita is a slow ball at their feet.