CLICK only near the letter (a, b, c...) to open the video:
a) This video shows the net player poaching as he volleys the ball.
Notice the position of the baseline player in doubles and how he returns to his starting position. But if I play at the net, my plan is to poach about half the points during the first game or two. This sends a message to the returner that I intend to put pressure on his return of serve. Even if I can't get to the ball, my movement is a distraction which may cause the returner to hit the ball wide or into the net.
b) This video shows how the constant movement of the net player can distract the returner and cause him to make errors.
If you signal to your partner that you will be poaching then commit to it. Your partner should be running to cover your side of the court. If you don't commit to the poach, both you and your partner may end up on the same side of the court. NOT GOOD!
Wait until the returner starts swinging his racket toward the ball before poaching. If you poach too early he may see you and beat you by hitting the ball down the line.
When you do poach make sure your racket is up and ready to hit the ball. If you cross the center line to go for the volley, either you or your partner yells SWITCH. Your partner should be switching positions with you so that the whole court is covered.
A basic rule in doubles is that when you see your partner move to your side of the court, don't wait ---just switch quickly!
2) The top 10 Doubles Strategies. Excellent video....a little long...but it is important to get through the first 8 tips.
1) Learn to Poach: Poaching is when a net player moves toward
the net to hit the ball while it is in the air. This is called volleying.
the net to hit the ball while it is in the air. This is called volleying.
Watch the following video and read the discussion by Chad Walner.
Notice the position of the baseline player in doubles and how he returns to his starting position. But if I play at the net, my plan is to poach about half the points during the first game or two. This sends a message to the returner that I intend to put pressure on his return of serve. Even if I can't get to the ball, my movement is a distraction which may cause the returner to hit the ball wide or into the net.
b) This video shows how the constant movement of the net player can distract the returner and cause him to make errors.
If you signal to your partner that you will be poaching then commit to it. Your partner should be running to cover your side of the court. If you don't commit to the poach, both you and your partner may end up on the same side of the court. NOT GOOD!
Wait until the returner starts swinging his racket toward the ball before poaching. If you poach too early he may see you and beat you by hitting the ball down the line.
When you do poach make sure your racket is up and ready to hit the ball. If you cross the center line to go for the volley, either you or your partner yells SWITCH. Your partner should be switching positions with you so that the whole court is covered.
A basic rule in doubles is that when you see your partner move to your side of the court, don't wait ---just switch quickly!
2) The top 10 Doubles Strategies. Excellent video....a little long...but it is important to get through the first 8 tips.
3) FAKE to distract and confuse your opponent.
When playing the net, you should be up on your toes with knees bent and racket in the ready position. You should fake like you are going to poach. Fake by taking a jab step toward the net or quickly turning yours shoulders. Making a good fake can result in the returner making errors trying to hit too good of a shot. Mixing in a random poach will leave your opponent guessing what you will do next.
a) Play the net as if every ball is yours! In this video she fakes poaching until she sees a ball that she can easily volley.
b) This video shows how the net player changes position on the court: covering the ally and moving back to the service line, poaching or even moving all the way back to the baseline.
c) In the video watch the movement of the net player as she moves from side to side and up and back..always moving! At the 3:34 min mark see how each player comes the net and puts the pressure on when both their opponents are back deep near the baseline.
d) Video: Don't make these common mistakes in doubles.
4) Doubles is a game of Constant Movement by All the Players.
a) Video: Suppose your opponent is serving. As the net player, you should check to see if the serve is good and then look across the net at the opponent's net player. Then follow the ball after it crosses the net and recover back toward the service line. Keep Moving!
When playing the net, you should be up on your toes with knees bent and racket in the ready position. You should fake like you are going to poach. Fake by taking a jab step toward the net or quickly turning yours shoulders. Making a good fake can result in the returner making errors trying to hit too good of a shot. Mixing in a random poach will leave your opponent guessing what you will do next.
a) Play the net as if every ball is yours! In this video she fakes poaching until she sees a ball that she can easily volley.
b) This video shows how the net player changes position on the court: covering the ally and moving back to the service line, poaching or even moving all the way back to the baseline.
c) In the video watch the movement of the net player as she moves from side to side and up and back..always moving! At the 3:34 min mark see how each player comes the net and puts the pressure on when both their opponents are back deep near the baseline.
d) Video: Don't make these common mistakes in doubles.
4) Doubles is a game of Constant Movement by All the Players.
a) Video: Suppose your opponent is serving. As the net player, you should check to see if the serve is good and then look across the net at the opponent's net player. Then follow the ball after it crosses the net and recover back toward the service line. Keep Moving!
b) This video shows how both teams move as they "shade" to the
side where the ball has been hit. Everybody Moves!
c) "Double Back" is when both players start back at the baseline. If your partner at the net is totally ineffective even when he plays back at the service line then try "double back". This defensive position may only be temporary as we eventually want one or both players to come closer to the net. So if you are getting beat 0-4 or 0-5 and your partner is not effective at the net, try Plan B: "double back".
5) Know When to Switch and Cover
In doubles tennis one player covers the deuce side and the other
player covers the ad side. However there are times when the players need to switch sides to cover for the other player.
So when should you switch? A basic rule for doubles is when one of the players crosses the center line (meaning they fully commit to the other side of the court) their partner must switch to cover the open court.
a) This video shows three different situations when you should switch.
You should switch when your partner can not get to the ball but you are quick enough to do so. You should switch when the net player has poached or when the net player has been lobbed. Good communication is important when you switch. If you intend to cross the centerline during a point, yell "switch" so that your partner knows where to go. As a net player, don't hang out near the center line...commit to one side or the other so that your partner on the baseline knows which side he should cover. If the net player is constantly switching during a point then his partner ends up playing one against two. The net player eventually needs to get to the baseline. So after the third switch, the net player yells "stay" to his partner and then recovers quickly back to the baseline.
6) Where Should I Hit the Ball?
If both your opponents are at the net, this is great time to lob the ball over their heads. Force your opponent to make an overhead shot. Many players don't practice overheads and so a lob may be a great strategy. However lobbing is not a good option if you never practice this shot. Winning doubles players always practice the lob and the overhead shot.
A second option is to hit the ball hard up the middle. Often times your opponents may not get a racket on the ball or get confused as to who should take the ball.
A third option is to hit the ball hard at the weaker player. As the match progresses, pay attention as to which of your opponents makes the most errors. If there is a big difference in their abilities, why not always attack the weaker player? If you are good at directing the ball down the line, test the ability of your opponent at the net...especially on their backhand side. If both opponents are at the baseline, hit the ball up the middle or attack the weaker player.
7) Serve and Volley? It may be your only choice.
There are times when your opponent will return your serve so that it barely clears the net. You then run hard to the net but are not able to get to the ball in time. If this happens again and again then your only option may be to "serve and volley". "Serve and volley" means you serve and then immediately run to the service line and make a volley. Even if you only take a few steps into the court after you serve, it will allow you a better chance to get to a ball that is hit out wide or barely over the net. Serve and volley in doubles is easier than in singles because the server only has half the court to cover. Your partner is responsible for the other half of the court.
a) In this video a right handed player Serves and Volleys starting from the deuce side of the court. When he gets to the net he will be in position for a forehand volley rather than have to make a difficult backhand volley. The end of the video shows how both players in doubles can play back at the baseline. This strategy works if your opponents hit the ball so hard that the net player can not react quick enough to make a good volley. Some opponents may always hit the ball hard at the weak net player so it may be a better strategy for the net player to move back and play from the baseline.
3. Vary Your Serve Placement
I am a proponent of varying your serve placement on first and second serves.
You never want to become too predictable in tennis.
When I play doubles, most of my serves are directed into the body or to the backhand. I’ve heard it said that serving up the middle is best on both the deuce and ad side. Yes, I agree that’s a good strategy. But I’d rather go to my opponent’s weakness, even if it is out wide.
The main thing I think about when serving is setting up my partner for a weak return. That should really be your
side where the ball has been hit. Everybody Moves!
c) "Double Back" is when both players start back at the baseline. If your partner at the net is totally ineffective even when he plays back at the service line then try "double back". This defensive position may only be temporary as we eventually want one or both players to come closer to the net. So if you are getting beat 0-4 or 0-5 and your partner is not effective at the net, try Plan B: "double back".
5) Know When to Switch and Cover
In doubles tennis one player covers the deuce side and the other
player covers the ad side. However there are times when the players need to switch sides to cover for the other player.
So when should you switch? A basic rule for doubles is when one of the players crosses the center line (meaning they fully commit to the other side of the court) their partner must switch to cover the open court.
a) This video shows three different situations when you should switch.
You should switch when your partner can not get to the ball but you are quick enough to do so. You should switch when the net player has poached or when the net player has been lobbed. Good communication is important when you switch. If you intend to cross the centerline during a point, yell "switch" so that your partner knows where to go. As a net player, don't hang out near the center line...commit to one side or the other so that your partner on the baseline knows which side he should cover. If the net player is constantly switching during a point then his partner ends up playing one against two. The net player eventually needs to get to the baseline. So after the third switch, the net player yells "stay" to his partner and then recovers quickly back to the baseline.
6) Where Should I Hit the Ball?
If both your opponents are at the net, this is great time to lob the ball over their heads. Force your opponent to make an overhead shot. Many players don't practice overheads and so a lob may be a great strategy. However lobbing is not a good option if you never practice this shot. Winning doubles players always practice the lob and the overhead shot.
A second option is to hit the ball hard up the middle. Often times your opponents may not get a racket on the ball or get confused as to who should take the ball.
A third option is to hit the ball hard at the weaker player. As the match progresses, pay attention as to which of your opponents makes the most errors. If there is a big difference in their abilities, why not always attack the weaker player? If you are good at directing the ball down the line, test the ability of your opponent at the net...especially on their backhand side. If both opponents are at the baseline, hit the ball up the middle or attack the weaker player.
7) Serve and Volley? It may be your only choice.
There are times when your opponent will return your serve so that it barely clears the net. You then run hard to the net but are not able to get to the ball in time. If this happens again and again then your only option may be to "serve and volley". "Serve and volley" means you serve and then immediately run to the service line and make a volley. Even if you only take a few steps into the court after you serve, it will allow you a better chance to get to a ball that is hit out wide or barely over the net. Serve and volley in doubles is easier than in singles because the server only has half the court to cover. Your partner is responsible for the other half of the court.
a) In this video a right handed player Serves and Volleys starting from the deuce side of the court. When he gets to the net he will be in position for a forehand volley rather than have to make a difficult backhand volley. The end of the video shows how both players in doubles can play back at the baseline. This strategy works if your opponents hit the ball so hard that the net player can not react quick enough to make a good volley. Some opponents may always hit the ball hard at the weak net player so it may be a better strategy for the net player to move back and play from the baseline.
3. Vary Your Serve Placement
I am a proponent of varying your serve placement on first and second serves.
You never want to become too predictable in tennis.
When I play doubles, most of my serves are directed into the body or to the backhand. I’ve heard it said that serving up the middle is best on both the deuce and ad side. Yes, I agree that’s a good strategy. But I’d rather go to my opponent’s weakness, even if it is out wide.
The main thing I think about when serving is setting up my partner for a weak return. That should really be your
primary goal when serving, not going for an ace, which is rare at the club level.
I should also mention that a serve placed deep in the box – near the service line – is generally more effective than a shorter serve. So serve deep and direct mostly to the body and backhand.
4. Serve And Volley
If your serve and volley skills are not up to par, you should still come to net once a game just to give a different look. If you’re playing doubles, you should have some type of rudimentary volley. Use the serve and volley to put a little pressure on your opponent. In this way, you’ll cause some uncertainty in the returner, knowing you might come in from time-to-time.
5. Divide The Court Into 3 Zones
I should also mention that a serve placed deep in the box – near the service line – is generally more effective than a shorter serve. So serve deep and direct mostly to the body and backhand.
4. Serve And Volley
If your serve and volley skills are not up to par, you should still come to net once a game just to give a different look. If you’re playing doubles, you should have some type of rudimentary volley. Use the serve and volley to put a little pressure on your opponent. In this way, you’ll cause some uncertainty in the returner, knowing you might come in from time-to-time.
5. Divide The Court Into 3 Zones
I learned this from a great doubles player named Charlie. He told me to think of the court divided into three zones or sections – but not laterally. He meant depth-wise.The depth (net to baseline) of one side of a tennis court is 39 feet. The first zone he talked about is the net to 13 feet back. The second zone is the next 13 feet of space, which would be around the middle of the court. The third zone is the final 13 feet, which is the last 13 feet of real estate until the baseline.
Instead of randomly hitting the ball with no thought in mind to depth, think of which zone you want your opponent to be hitting the return. If in the first zone (near the net) you would hit a soft shot, like a dropper. If in zone two (the middle of the court) you would hit a groundstroke but take some pace off it. This zone can often catch your opponent off-guard. Hitting in this zone means he or she will typically need to move in from the baseline. At that point, he or she will need to retreat to the baseline or come to net. If the opponent decides not to move forward or backward and remain in the second zone (or “no man’s land” as it’s appropriately called) it can be very dangerous for them.
I have an entire section solely devoted to staying out of no man’s land. That’s how important it is to stay away from being there.
If you see your opponent playing slightly inside the baseline, going deep to the third zone is a great play. Often the opponent will be forced to hit a return close to the ground, which is tough to do. A lot of club players camp inside the baseline. You can really get them with a deep shot to zone three. The next time you play, give thought to hitting depth besides the usual side-to-side placement everyone is aware of. I guarantee you varying your depth in this way will improve your doubles game.
I have an entire section solely devoted to staying out of no man’s land. That’s how important it is to stay away from being there.
If you see your opponent playing slightly inside the baseline, going deep to the third zone is a great play. Often the opponent will be forced to hit a return close to the ground, which is tough to do. A lot of club players camp inside the baseline. You can really get them with a deep shot to zone three. The next time you play, give thought to hitting depth besides the usual side-to-side placement everyone is aware of. I guarantee you varying your depth in this way will improve your doubles game.
8. Get The First Serve In When playing doubles:
It’s very important to make your first serves if you want to win. I understand it’s not possible to do 100% of the time. However, the first serve percentage in doubles should be way higher than singles. I believe it should be at least 70-75%, while in singles you can get away with 50%. For most club players, the second serve is their
weakest shot. This is bad news for your partner,
who now becomes a sitting duck. Being in the line of fire, he must brace for a powerful return, which is often struck inside the baseline. Either the ball will be hit directly at him or he’ll have no opportunity to poach. Furthermore, serve and volley is probably out the window for the server as an option. This really lowers your chances of winning the point.
To up your first serve percentage, take some pace off the ball and apply more spin. Placement is your best friend in doubles, so hit a well-placed serve with less power and more spin. This will increase the likelihood of making the first serve, which affords you options. You can serve and volley, poach, or attack off a weak return. However, if you miss the first serve, those options disappear. Do you see
It’s very important to make your first serves if you want to win. I understand it’s not possible to do 100% of the time. However, the first serve percentage in doubles should be way higher than singles. I believe it should be at least 70-75%, while in singles you can get away with 50%. For most club players, the second serve is their
weakest shot. This is bad news for your partner,
who now becomes a sitting duck. Being in the line of fire, he must brace for a powerful return, which is often struck inside the baseline. Either the ball will be hit directly at him or he’ll have no opportunity to poach. Furthermore, serve and volley is probably out the window for the server as an option. This really lowers your chances of winning the point.
To up your first serve percentage, take some pace off the ball and apply more spin. Placement is your best friend in doubles, so hit a well-placed serve with less power and more spin. This will increase the likelihood of making the first serve, which affords you options. You can serve and volley, poach, or attack off a weak return. However, if you miss the first serve, those options disappear. Do you see
the huge contrast in opportunities here? Resist the temptation to go for the big ace up the middle. Instead kick it out wide with less pace and you’ll end up better for it in the long run. Got it?
9. Go Australian to Protect a Weak Backhand
The term “Australian” in doubles means both players line up on the same side of the court when serving. For example, if a righty is serving and has a bad backhand, it can be protected on the vulnerable ad side. Let’s suppose my partner is a righty and serving from the ad side. Instead of me traditionally standing on the deuce side at net, I’ll position myself on the ad side. This means my partner will be serving from almost directly in back of me. After my partner serves, he’ll need to scoot over to his right to cover the deuce side. However, almost all the shots he receives on the deuce side will be done with his forehand and not his weak backhand. Lefties can protect weak backhands too. If a lefty is serving on the deuce
9. Go Australian to Protect a Weak Backhand
The term “Australian” in doubles means both players line up on the same side of the court when serving. For example, if a righty is serving and has a bad backhand, it can be protected on the vulnerable ad side. Let’s suppose my partner is a righty and serving from the ad side. Instead of me traditionally standing on the deuce side at net, I’ll position myself on the ad side. This means my partner will be serving from almost directly in back of me. After my partner serves, he’ll need to scoot over to his right to cover the deuce side. However, almost all the shots he receives on the deuce side will be done with his forehand and not his weak backhand. Lefties can protect weak backhands too. If a lefty is serving on the deuce
side, his partner will position on the deuce side to protect the backhand.
Even if the backhand is not an issue, I like the Australian format because it changes things up. Here’s another good time to use it: Suppose you’re in a tight game with several deuces gone by. The next chance you have, go Australian to give a different look on that point. It may win it for you. The Australian format basically takes away the cross-court return and forces the returner to go down the line.
Here’s the downside of Australian for me: If the net man on the serving team is not very active, I think it gives a nice clear path up the returner’s side of the court. In general, I feel it’s easier to return against the Australian format because there’s not as much pressure at the net as a traditional net setup. But it’s a great tactic to protect weak backhands.
Even if the backhand is not an issue, I like the Australian format because it changes things up. Here’s another good time to use it: Suppose you’re in a tight game with several deuces gone by. The next chance you have, go Australian to give a different look on that point. It may win it for you. The Australian format basically takes away the cross-court return and forces the returner to go down the line.
Here’s the downside of Australian for me: If the net man on the serving team is not very active, I think it gives a nice clear path up the returner’s side of the court. In general, I feel it’s easier to return against the Australian format because there’s not as much pressure at the net as a traditional net setup. But it’s a great tactic to protect weak backhands.
11. Don’t Linger In No Man’s Land
If you’ve been playing tennis for a while, you’ve probably heard the phrase “no man’s land”. In doubles, I define it as the space 4 feet from the baseline until about 10 feet from the net. If are caught in no man’s land, hustle to safety either back at the baseline or up to net. No man’s land is dangerous because you’ll often be forced to field hard shots right off the ground or hit long volleys. Additionally, you give your opponent a lot more angles to hit with less pressure on him or her.
In contrast, if you’re at the net, you shrink the court and apply instant pressure to the returner. And if you’re playing back at the baseline, you have time to react to almost any deep shot on your side of the court. I see a lot of players stuck in no man’s land when watching doubles at the club level. Sometimes it’s laziness, other times it’s not being aware of court position and occasionally, the player is afraid of coming to net and stays too far back. If you’re going to be successful at doubles, you must come to net. The next time you play doubles, look at the no man’s land
area before playing and decide not to linger in it during the match. It’s one thing to get caught there for one shot, like when you serve and volley, but you need to move right on out of it once the shot is complete.
12. Cover The Lines On Wide Shots
When you’re playing the net in tennis and the player in front of you is hitting a groundstroke, you need to at least be in distance to cover the down-to-line shot. This is especially true when the returning player is hitting a ball from out wide, usually off the court. Sometimes the line is his only out. If you simply move over to cover the line, you’re taking away his last option, forcing him to hit his best shot to win the point.
For a long time, I did a poor job of covering the lines because I often heard it’s best to cover the middle in doubles. I also didn’t trust my doubles partner and wanted to pick off the volley. However, after many times being burnt down the line, I learned to make it a priority to cover it. This doesn’t mean camping next to the doubles line. It means having at least one foot in the doubles alley so you can reach a down-the-line shot in one step. The more your opponent is out wide, the more you must position out wide to shut down the angle. So trust your doubles partner, cover the line, and be prepared for a shot directed right at you. Don’t think just because you’re covering the line the opposing player won’t go right at you. You need to be prepared for a shot directed at you at all times in doubles.
13. Use The Block Volley
12. Cover The Lines On Wide Shots
When you’re playing the net in tennis and the player in front of you is hitting a groundstroke, you need to at least be in distance to cover the down-to-line shot. This is especially true when the returning player is hitting a ball from out wide, usually off the court. Sometimes the line is his only out. If you simply move over to cover the line, you’re taking away his last option, forcing him to hit his best shot to win the point.
For a long time, I did a poor job of covering the lines because I often heard it’s best to cover the middle in doubles. I also didn’t trust my doubles partner and wanted to pick off the volley. However, after many times being burnt down the line, I learned to make it a priority to cover it. This doesn’t mean camping next to the doubles line. It means having at least one foot in the doubles alley so you can reach a down-the-line shot in one step. The more your opponent is out wide, the more you must position out wide to shut down the angle. So trust your doubles partner, cover the line, and be prepared for a shot directed right at you. Don’t think just because you’re covering the line the opposing player won’t go right at you. You need to be prepared for a shot directed at you at all times in doubles.
13. Use The Block Volley
In an article I wrote on this blog, I talked about theseven volley types. In that article, I discussed the block volley, which is the easiest stroke in tennis to hit. It’s basically holding your racket in volley position and not moving it. You’re letting the ball come to you. The key on the block volley is to hold the racket with a looser-than-normal grip and allow some give. If you don’t, the ball is likely to fly out.Use the Block Volley on fast-paced shots. To define fast- paced shots, I’d say speeds greater than 65-70 mph for most club players. When the ball is coming more than 70 mph, your best bet is the block volley. Any take backs or swinging of the racket at those speeds will produce errors. I’ve even seen experienced doubles players try to use punch volleys and drive volleys on fast hit shots. There is no need to wind up or apply additional power to a fast- paced ball. All that’s needed is to redirect it.
Practice the block volley with your partner or on a ball machine. Then when at the net in doubles, think block volley on every fast-paced shot. I guarantee you’ll hit back way more of those big shots directed your way. This one tip alone has been a huge boost for my doubles game, allowing me to get back more shots on the court, including winners.
14. Communication Is Key In Doubles
If you’re an experienced doubles player, you’ve probably played with quite a few partners. You may have noticed some partners like to communicate a lot and others are as silent as a church mouse. Personally, I prefer my partner
Practice the block volley with your partner or on a ball machine. Then when at the net in doubles, think block volley on every fast-paced shot. I guarantee you’ll hit back way more of those big shots directed your way. This one tip alone has been a huge boost for my doubles game, allowing me to get back more shots on the court, including winners.
14. Communication Is Key In Doubles
If you’re an experienced doubles player, you’ve probably played with quite a few partners. You may have noticed some partners like to communicate a lot and others are as silent as a church mouse. Personally, I prefer my partner
to do a lot of talking. If you’re not communicating as a team in doubles, you’re probably not winning when playing against equal competition. Here are the ways I communicate with my partner. I’ll list them out so it’s easier to read.
- When my partner and I are serving, we often use hand signs to signal plays. The net man will signal “I’m staying” with a closed fist and “I’m poaching” with an open hand.
- When we need to switch sides, I’ll yell out “switch”. This lets my partner know I’m definitely switching sides so there’s no doubt in his mind.
- If a ball is struck in the middle of us, I’ll call out “mine” or “yours” to let him know who should take the ball. This mostly happens at the baseline but can also be called out at the net on occasion.
- Additionally, if I’m at net and lobbed, I will yell “yours, switch” to my opponent to let him know he needs to cover the lob on my side and that we are going to switch sides.
- Before the match, we may talk strategy. I believe this is always a good idea, especially when you know the team you are playing against.
- During the match, it’s good to occasionally talk about making adjustments. If our pre-match strategy isn’t working, I discuss what needs to be changed with my partner.
- All during the match, I will encourage my partner, telling him “great shot” or “excellent get”. I want to
build up confidence in my partner and let him know I appreciate his effort. At the same time, if he is not playing well, I try to pick him up with words of encouragement such as, “it’s alright, next point” or “no problem, let’s do it here!”
The most important caveat I can offer you about communication is to never berate or discourage your partner. I know there might be times you want to blame him or say something negative. However, you stand the highest chance of winning by keeping things positive all through the match. If you’re more of a logical person, keep reminding yourself of that logic before you open your mouth. Instead of berating my partner when he continues to make bad shots, I’ll talk to him in a calm tone and tell him what I think he’s doing wrong and what he could do better. For example, if he’s missing a lot of big forehands, I’ll say, “I think you’re going for too many big shots. Take some pace off and get them in for now. We need to be consistent to beat these guys. When you can set up for the big shot, then take it.” Always have a positive tone in your voice when giving constructive criticism, otherwise, it will seem you’re being negative. Trust me, egos are fragile out there. Be positive, communicate all the time and be willing to trust your partner.
15. Move In After VolleysThis is another tip that I struggled with in the beginning of my doubles play. Basically, after you hit a volley, you need to keep moving forward. The
The most important caveat I can offer you about communication is to never berate or discourage your partner. I know there might be times you want to blame him or say something negative. However, you stand the highest chance of winning by keeping things positive all through the match. If you’re more of a logical person, keep reminding yourself of that logic before you open your mouth. Instead of berating my partner when he continues to make bad shots, I’ll talk to him in a calm tone and tell him what I think he’s doing wrong and what he could do better. For example, if he’s missing a lot of big forehands, I’ll say, “I think you’re going for too many big shots. Take some pace off and get them in for now. We need to be consistent to beat these guys. When you can set up for the big shot, then take it.” Always have a positive tone in your voice when giving constructive criticism, otherwise, it will seem you’re being negative. Trust me, egos are fragile out there. Be positive, communicate all the time and be willing to trust your partner.
15. Move In After VolleysThis is another tip that I struggled with in the beginning of my doubles play. Basically, after you hit a volley, you need to keep moving forward. The
only time you wouldn’t move forward is if you’re already a couple of feet from the net. I see so many players at the club level hit a volley and then stand exactly in the same place for the next shot. This really lowers your percentage of winning the point.
It’s necessary to keep moving in to apply pressure to the returner. I have a personal theory why they don’t. One is bad footwork or just being lazy. The other is that they’re watching their shot instead of moving forward. The third reason is that they’re afraid of getting to close to the net in fear of not making the volley or getting hit. If you play doubles, you cannot be afraid to volley or get hit. It’s par for the course.
So how exactly do you move forward off the volley? Let’s suppose you’re serving and you decide to come in – you know, serve and volley. You hit your first volley two feet behind the service line. Instead of remaining there, you begin to move in again, only stopping when your opponent begins to hit the ball again. You split step as your opponent begins their forward hitting motion. Suppose the shot is directed at you again. This time you would catch the volley five feet in front of the service line. You then move in again so that the next time you split step, you’re only four feet from the net. Now you are controlling the net, taking away angles and placing a tremendous amount of pressure on your opponent. The next shot should either be an easy put-away or an error. That’s how you move forward. The next time you play doubles, or even singles,
It’s necessary to keep moving in to apply pressure to the returner. I have a personal theory why they don’t. One is bad footwork or just being lazy. The other is that they’re watching their shot instead of moving forward. The third reason is that they’re afraid of getting to close to the net in fear of not making the volley or getting hit. If you play doubles, you cannot be afraid to volley or get hit. It’s par for the course.
So how exactly do you move forward off the volley? Let’s suppose you’re serving and you decide to come in – you know, serve and volley. You hit your first volley two feet behind the service line. Instead of remaining there, you begin to move in again, only stopping when your opponent begins to hit the ball again. You split step as your opponent begins their forward hitting motion. Suppose the shot is directed at you again. This time you would catch the volley five feet in front of the service line. You then move in again so that the next time you split step, you’re only four feet from the net. Now you are controlling the net, taking away angles and placing a tremendous amount of pressure on your opponent. The next shot should either be an easy put-away or an error. That’s how you move forward. The next time you play doubles, or even singles,
keep this tip in mind and watch the difference it makes in your play.
Signals
Some teams like to use hand signals when serving and others don’t. Before the serve, the net man will put a hand signal behind his back that the other team can’t see. He’s letting the server know if he’s going to poach or not. For advanced players, he’ll also motion where to serve the ball. I’ve had success in doubles using signals and not using them as well. Overall, I prefer to use signals and recommend you use them as well. If my partner is going to poach, I think it’s a lot more helpful if I know or not.
Signals
Some teams like to use hand signals when serving and others don’t. Before the serve, the net man will put a hand signal behind his back that the other team can’t see. He’s letting the server know if he’s going to poach or not. For advanced players, he’ll also motion where to serve the ball. I’ve had success in doubles using signals and not using them as well. Overall, I prefer to use signals and recommend you use them as well. If my partner is going to poach, I think it’s a lot more helpful if I know or not.
Drop Volleys
I talked a lot about drop volleys in my article The Seven Volley Types. The drop volley is a touch volley that drops right in front of the net, where your opponent cannot reach it. I find that many club players vastly underutilize the drop volley in their matches. It’s one of the most effective tactics you can use to end the point quickly and decisively. This is especially true when both opponents are by the baseline. I guess many club players don’t use it because it does take a lot of finesse and volley touch. Hit the ball too lightly and it won’t go over the net. Hit it too hard and it can be a sitting duck that your opponent can approach and put away. Still, it’s worth learning. I use the drop volley as often as it presents itself. Read my article about the drop volley and practice it. It’s a great weapon to have in your doubles arsenal.
I talked a lot about drop volleys in my article The Seven Volley Types. The drop volley is a touch volley that drops right in front of the net, where your opponent cannot reach it. I find that many club players vastly underutilize the drop volley in their matches. It’s one of the most effective tactics you can use to end the point quickly and decisively. This is especially true when both opponents are by the baseline. I guess many club players don’t use it because it does take a lot of finesse and volley touch. Hit the ball too lightly and it won’t go over the net. Hit it too hard and it can be a sitting duck that your opponent can approach and put away. Still, it’s worth learning. I use the drop volley as often as it presents itself. Read my article about the drop volley and practice it. It’s a great weapon to have in your doubles arsenal.
Serve and volley in doubles tennis
5) Winning volleys in Doubles
6) Where to position yourself in DOUBLES tennis.
10) The net player attacking the DOUBLES ALLY.
11) a) Use the correct footwork when volleying at the net.
b) Approach shots for attacking the net and volleying.
c) Serve and volley in doubles
12) The net man protecting against the LOB.
13) Positioning in DOUBLES tennis to defend the LOB.
a) More about positioning for the lob
b) Ready Read and React: Paula's tips
14) Doubles tennis responsibilities for server and the net player.
15) Doubles tennis responsibility for the serve returner.
16) Doubles tennis responsibility for the returners partner.
17) Doubles tennis strategy for advanced players.
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