Thoughts on Doubles

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Doubles is a game of percentages and placement. Each player should be responsible for 65% of the court. With that in mind, 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.

On 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 an advantage.

MENTAL TOUGHNESS:

Simply put, mental toughness is the ability to control your thoughts. By controlling your thoughts, you will focus, play with more confidence, play well under pressure, recover from mistakes, and generally play better as a team. The task then becomes, what should you think? I am glad you asked. Here is what you should be thinking.

  • A QUIET MIND offers your best performance opportunity.The quieter the mind, the better you play. Just focus on the ball and hit to your targets.
  • Your CONFIDENCE is your greatest weapon as a team. Say something positive to inspire and refocus your partner Let your partner off the hook by showing continued support, encouragement and confidence.
  • Doubles is meant to be played in ATTACK MODE! Your mind set should be to attack your opponents at every opportunity. Isolate the weaker player and attack him/her individually. Strive to control the net. Make your opponents hit up by hitting down into their court making the service line on their side of the court your target.
  • Look to POACH often. Make the other team think about altering their shots to defend against your poach. Taking them out of their game is a huge advantage. It is no big deal if you get passed a couple times. It is to be expected. Continue to poach to keep the pressure on. Just do it.
  • COMMUNICATE after every point. High five, touch racquets, come together and talk about what just happened (five seconds) and what you are going to do next (20 seconds). Do this after EVERY POINT!!!! This builds camaraderie, confidence, and keeps you focused on your game plan.
  • TEAM means you should decide who the attacker is and who the steady player is. You need both. Find commonality in all you say and do as a doubles team and embrace that. Joke about your differences but hold onto those things you have in common. They are the foundation of your team and will get you through the rough times. Doubles takes work on your common playing values serves as a great foundation and will sustain you in the heat of battle.
  • STRIVE TO PLAY WELL and let winning take care of itself. Thinking about the outcome and end result only puts unnecessary pressure on you as a team causing you to play worse. Just focus on your game plan, execute it with confidence and tenacity. Learn to love the tight matches.
  • NO FEAR of any team. Make your opponent see how good you are as a team. Attack them and go after your points. Do not let any team intimidate you, no matter how big, fast, or good they look. Make them deal with your team’s weapons and toughness. See it, feel it, do it.
  • HAVE FUN. Doubles is a fun game. While playing and winning are serious, have fun while doing it. This will cause you to relax and play better. Joke around occasionally to ease the tension of a close match. You will be surprised how much better you will play when a teammate cracks a joke.