Common Sense Doubles

Doubles is a game of percentages and placement. Each player should be responsible for 65% of the court. With that in mind then the game of doubles is not hard to figure out. You just have to make your shots.

KEEP IT SIMPLE

The tactics in doubles should have a solid foundation with emphasis on execution.

MAXIMIZE STRENGTHS / MINIMIZE WEAKNESSES:

Emphasize your strengths and hide your weaknesses. Work on patterns of play to help incorporate this.

CHOOSING SIDES:

Let’s keep it simple. Pick the side that gives you the chance to hit more of your favorite shots.

SERVING:

Getting a high % of 1st serves in puts your opponents on the defense, and gives your team a chance to control the beginning of the point. The net player is a factor on the 1st serve, a non factor on the 2nd serve. Mix up your 1st serves with slice, topspin and an occasional 2nd serve to keep the returner off balance.

RETURNING SERVE:

Angle your stance. Picking up the ball at the top of the bounce gives you the opportunity to hold the net player in check so you can decide on a low deep crosscourt, chip shot or the elusive lob. Adding variety will make it harder for your opponent to read.

1st VOLLEY:

Simply decide where you want to hit it and commit. A deep 1st volley helps establish team position right off the bat.

THINK OFFENSIVE:

Doubles is usually an offensive game. Try to create offensive situations either through positioning or the quality of your shots. And remember, controlled aggression rules in doubles.

BOTH PLAYERS BACK:

If your team is having trouble returning, play back. Its a great defensive tactic. It gives you more margin for error on the returns and neutralizes the net player. This tactic can change the whole complexion and dynamics of the match by forcing your opponents to adjust tactically. It also keeps your partner out of harms way.

POWER IS NOT EVERYTHING:

Don’t get into a “me” slugfest. Its a TEAM game. Having faith in your partner is essential. A medium paced shot low at their feet is very effective. It forces them to hit up. Employ soft touches, angles and finesse through placement. Use your variety and the whole court.

LOB AS A WEAPON:

It’s a means to neutralize the net person from poaching and getting in too tight. It will expose a weakness in coverage, blind your opponent, expose a weak overhead, so you can take over. It’s a weapon.

CHALLENGE THE NET PLAYER:

Right off the bat –  lob them, go down the line, or right at them. It’ll keep them honest.

CREATE 2 SHOT WINNERS:

Try to set up your partner by hitting a good low return, a well placed shot, or a deep volley. Hopefully (since it is a team game) your partner will return the favor.

THE COURT HOG:

Don’t be a court HOG. It throws your partner off and opens up the court, not to mention how it demoralizes your partner.

BE DECISIVE:

Being tentative is the “kiss of death”.  Attack with confidence and remember “he who hesitates is lost”.

THE CENTER COURT THEORY:

As a general rule in doubles, when in doubt play the ball towards the lowest part of the net. It cuts down on angles and keeps you in the point. The court is longer diagonally giving you a greater margin for error for deeper ground strokes. You will also confuse your opponents if they both come to the net.

CREATE ANGLES:

Ideally you want to hit shots that give you the easy angle or an easy put away. Conversely don’t give them angles unless you have put them in a defensive position. Don’t open up the court until you’re ready to finish it off.