In doubles, you are either coming in toward the net or you are already at the net.
What do you Want?
- An unforced error from your opponents, that is the number one reason why you want to be at the net. This pressures your opponent into hitting shots that they are not used to hitting.
- A soft high floating volley
- A shallow, easy, overhead
In scenarios 2 and 3 you want to hit this shot to win the point. Do not just put it back in play. You might not get many of these "easy shots." Take advantage of it and be offensive.
What do you Not Want?
- A soft low volley
- A fast low volley
- A lob that is very deep and high, difficult to get to.
So, in general, do something with the ball when you get what you want. Try to stop (win) the point. If you get what you do not want, try to play back a safe shot, not with the intention of winning the point, but restarting the point. You have to know what you want and what you do not want.
Good luck on the courts!