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Doubles - Know Your Stuff
There are many good reasons to play and indeed enjoy doubles. Firstly, it is a game of control and tactics not just strength and power . So if you consider yourself a singles player, the fact remains that most players get a benefit in their singles as a result of the improved control they get from playing with a partner. Second, to be effective you must involve yourself in net play, so for many it will open up a whole new world. Like it or not, you should learn to serve and volley or at least volley. Whilst this may not be your preferred playing style, it certainly is a great option when playing singles if only to make yourself less predictable. Finally, you will introduce yourself to teamwork and camaraderie - a great feeling!!
But why is it that "less able" players who can play together as a good pair can always beat "better" players who effectively are playing as two individuals. Well, as mentioned above, this form of the game is more about controlling the ball and your court positioning, so the team that can perform best at these factors will come out on top! But what are these factors? Follow the links below for more info and drills on the stuff that will make you more a more effective player - go onto the practise court and work on them and watch your whole tennis game improve!
The Lucky For You Factors Behind Great Doubles 1. Get to the net as often as possible. 2. Be aggressive. 3. Move with your partner in a parallel motion on the court, to avoid crossing over each other. 4. Stay within one zone of your partner. The tennis court has the following areas: the A zone (the net), B zone (midcourt) and C zone (baseline). 5. Occupy the A zone as often as possible. 6. Cover your own lob, to avoid crossing your partner. 7. Take the lob in the air. 8. Be at the center of the service box on your partner's serve. 9. Be on the service line, slightly closer to the center of the court, when your partner is returning serve. 10. Try not to hit to your opponent's net person. 11. Hit down the center as much as possible - it's your safest shot. 12. Improve your first serve percentage. To do this, hit your second serve style (e.g slice, topspin or kick) as your first serve, if necessary. 13. Work on your crosscourt shots.
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