Who covers the middle? From which position is the serve really effective? Do I have to go online immediately after serving simply because I’m playing doubles? In this third part of the double series, we go into the basement and design a tactics model that is based on the right positioning and healthy communication.
If you want to deal with the tactics of doubles, answer three central questions together with your partner. These questions often only become clear in the course of a match. Since you have read the second part of this series of articles carefully, you know that healthy communication also contains uncomfortable truths.
We will now deal with the three central questions and a smart tactic.
As a basis, the player always takes the ball in the middle, playing the forehand. Now, of course, there is an exception. It’s possible you’re left-handed or your partner. Depending on how you have positioned yourself, you both have the possibility to play the balls played in the middle with your own forehand.
In this special case you can react intuitively, for example by a short call. The other option is to talk to each other before the match about who will take the ball in these situations. Tip: The player with the stronger forehand in his driving repertoire is a good choice.
Since tennis unfortunately has a lot to do with the form of the day and the well-being on the court, good communication is important. You feel uncomfortable with your forehand after the first five service games? Tell this to your partner, speak up again and find a solution for every little problem. As written in the second part of this series of articles, your communication runs like a red thread through all areas of your double.
One player prefers to stand very far out on serve, the other, on the other hand, prefers to serve from the middle position. If you’re famous and feared for your serve with slice on the outside, you’ll have a much better angle from farther out. Even if your opponents have seen through this game quickly, you always have the possibility to vary your serve and to serve through the middle.
And there might be a crack in your service game. Since you are not used to serving from the outside, your serve variations may suffer from this position. This position is an advantage for serving with slice to the outside. For another variation, however, it can be a disadvantage for you or your partner.
A luck you are not a tree and always have the possibility to move your serve position. Serve from a central position with slice outwards (watch your partner’s head on the net), mix your pace on the first serve. Be flexible in your choice of serve. Your opponents will have a hard time adjusting to this kind of service game.
“In doubles, you have to go to the net right after the serve!”. Sure, you tighten the angle for the opponent and put pressure immediately. Your opponents are almost forced to a terrific return. If you are able to get to the net quickly and play a good first volley, moving up to the net directly is a great option.
But also here, as with the serve, a clever mix of different tactical finesses can prove itself. As in singles, you should pay attention to your self-confidence in doubles. It’s easier to serve and volley if you’re calm and confident. If a shaky arm is already throwing the ball into the air for your serve, it would be wiser to wait for the second or third ball in the running rally to look for the way to the net.
Nowadays, fewer and fewer players feel comfortable on the net. So you can assume that the opponents from the baseline will be able to play good quality passing balls. Even a soft ball in front of your feet can be very uncomfortable for you and your partner. Now let’s look at the bottom line, how a tactic for your doubles can look like.
We know that communication is your most important tool. Decide exactly who should take the balls through the middle. Do you decide to solve these situations spontaneously? Then use a short keyword. This must be able to clarify the game situation immediately. Continue with your service games.
If your partner likes to serve hard through the middle, he should choose a central position on serve. The net player can move a little further outwards. If you serve very well yourself with slice on the outside, your opponent can cover the return corridor on the net. The angle for the return player becomes more complicated this way.
The return brings us immediately to the last point of the tactic. Serve and Volley is the right choice if you or your partner feels very comfortable on the net. You should be able to play a good half volley and get to the net quickly. If this direct path is not anchored in your genes, it is advisable to build up the net attack with two precise ground strokes.